As a part of the 9th annual Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television on November 16; some of the biggest names in film and television will be honoured in the gala event hosted by Roy Wood Jr.
Debbie Allen has spent nearly 50 years as an actress, producer, director, and choreographer; and she is being presented with the Icon Award.
Multiple Emmy Award winning creator, executive producer, and actress Quinta Brunson is receiving the Groundbreaker Award for her work on “Abbott Elementary”.
Actor and Director Chris Rock is being presented the Director Award for the work on his fourth film “Misty Green”.
Chiwetel Ejiofor will receive the Vanguard Award for her work on the psychological horror film “Backrooms”.
For his portrayal of Robbie Robertson in “Spider-Noir”, Lamorne Morris is being presented the Comedy Award.
Katori Hall is being presented the Showrunner Award for her work in creating “P-Valley”.
Jaafar Jackson made his acting debut in the film “Michael”. For his efforts, Jackson will receive the Film Actor Award.
Anthony Mackie will receive the Television Series Actor Award for his performance and direction in the upcoming “12 12 12” (due out November 13).
Stephen James will be presented the Film Supporting Actor Award for his portrayal of Car Weathers in “I Play Rocky”.
Sophie Okonedo will receive the Film Supporting Actress Award for her role in “Mouse”.
Ato Essandoh will receive the Television Series Supporting Actor Award for his portrayal of Stuart Hayford in “The Diplomat”.
Quincy Tyler Bernstine is being presented the Television Series Supporting Actress Award for her portrayal of Nora Washington in “Furious”. She is also being designated the #TakeTheLead “as part of its commitment to amplifying narratives centering on underrepresented audiences”.
Brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri are being awarded the Breakthrough Director Award for their work on “Clarissa” – a reimagining of the Virginia Woolf work “Mrs. Dalloway”.
For his portrayal of Cassius Clay in “The Greatest” (premiering November 4), Jaalen Best is being presented the Rising Star Award.
Executive producer and writer Shawn Edwards issues a statement on the event saying, “we are proud to announce that the celebration continues. At a time when there has been a direct assault on Black culture and Black history, the Critics Choice Association stands firmly committed to recognizing the best in Black cinema and television.”