The Critics Choice Association is set to honor a distinguished lineup of stars and filmmakers at the seventh annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, scheduled for December 9 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. This event will spotlight 2024’s leading talents across film and television, celebrating the profound impact of Black storytelling on the entertainment industry.
Shawn Edwards, CCA board member and executive producer of the event, highlighted the importance of this celebration: “2024 was an exceptional year… This event is a celebration of the power of those stories which have shaped and moved the entertainment industry.” Comedian and actor Jay Pharoah will host the evening, and Starz will serve as the official media partner, streaming the event in January. The awards show will later air on KTLA-Los Angeles and select Nexstar stations in February for Black History Month.
The full list of honorees is below:
Tyler Perry will be awarded the Icon Award for his remarkable contributions to film and television, with a portfolio that includes 24 feature films, 20 stage plays, and 17 TV shows, along with the founding of Tyler Perry Studios. His latest project, The Six Triple Eight, further exemplifies his commitment to telling Black stories.
Regina King is set to receive the Trailblazer Award for her pioneering career, including her recent role in Netflix’s Shirley, where she portrays Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman. Malcolm D. Lee will be celebrated with the Career Achievement Award for his legacy in directing films like Girls Trip and The Best Man, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor will be honored with the Social Impact Award for her work as both a filmmaker and activist. Her advocacy off-screen, including her work with Miss Myrtis Films and Take it Down America, and her on-screen roles in Nickel Boys, When They See Us, and King Richard, highlight her commitment to social justice.
Steve McQueen will receive the Director Award for his impactful work on Blitz, a film that opened the BFI London Film Festival and reflects his storytelling prowess. Natasha Rothwell will be recognized with the Producer Award for her work on Hulu’s How to Die Alone. Rothwell, an Emmy-nominated actress and producer, also receives a special Starz #TakeTheLead designation for amplifying underrepresented voices.
In acting categories, Cynthia Erivo will be celebrated with the Actress Award – Film for her role in Wicked, bringing her celebrated stage presence to the screen. John David Washington will receive the Actor Award – Film for his performance in The Piano Lesson, following his role on Broadway. Wendell Pierce will be honored with the Actor Award – Series for CBS’s Elsbeth.
Jharrel Jerome will receive the Breakthrough Actor Award for his work in Unstoppable, while Ryan Destiny will be celebrated with the Rising Star Award – Film for her lead role in The Fire Inside. Michael Rainey Jr. will be honored with the Rising Star Award – Series for his portrayal of Tariq St. Patrick in Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost.
The Documentary Award will go to directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae for Netflix’s Daughters, which won top honors at Sundance. Lastly, Kris Bowers will be recognized with the Composer Award for his work on DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, marking his first venture into animation.