Los Angeles is preparing to host the Critics Choice Association’s ninth annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television next month, with a lineup of honorees that includes industry stalwarts and rising stars. Organizers announced Tuesday that Debbie Allen, Quinta Brunson, and Chris Rock will be recognized for their contributions across film and television.
The ceremony is scheduled for November 16 in Los Angeles. Actor and comedian Roy Wood Jr., known for his work on “The Daily Show,” is set to host the event. The celebration aims to acknowledge achievements by Black performers, filmmakers, and television creators. For those unable to attend, organizers have stated the ceremony will premiere on the Critics Choice Association’s YouTube channel in December.
Debbie Allen, a six-time Emmy Award winner, will be presented with the Icon Award. This recognition highlights her nearly five-decade career spanning acting, directing, and producing. Her work on the seminal television series “A Different World” will be noted, as will her ongoing role as an executive producer and director for its upcoming 2026 Netflix sequel.
Quinta Brunson is slated to receive the Groundbreaker Award. Brunson is celebrated for creating, executive producing, and starring in ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” a series that recently began its sixth season on October 7. Her work on the show has earned her two Emmy Awards, including one for comedy writing in 2022 and another for lead actress in a comedy series in 2024.
Filmmaker Chris Rock will be honored with the Director Award for his film “Misty Green.” Rock took on multiple roles in the project, writing, directing, producing, and appearing in the film alongside Rosalind Eleazar, Daniel Kaluuya, Adam Driver, and Anna Kendrick. “Misty Green” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and began its theatrical release on October 9.
Several other figures will also be celebrated for their recent projects. Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to receive the Vanguard Award for his work in the horror film “Backrooms.” Lamorne Morris will be recognized with the Comedy Award for his role in Prime Video’s “Spider-Noir.”
On the television side, Katori Hall will be presented with the Showrunner Award for the STARZ drama “P-Valley,” which is scheduled to return for its third and final season on December 4. Anthony Mackie is slated to receive the Actor Award — Series for his performance in the Apple TV drama “12 12 12,” scheduled to premiere on November 13.
In film, Jaafar Jackson will receive the Actor Award — Film for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in the biographical film “Michael,” marking his acting debut. Stephan James will earn the Supporting Actor Award — Film for depicting Carl Weathers in “I Play Rocky,” while Sophie Okonedo will receive the Supporting Actress Award — Film for her work in “Mouse.”
Television supporting roles will also be honored: Ato Essandoh for his performance in Netflix’s “The Diplomat” will receive the Supporting Actor Award — Series, and Quincy Tyler Bernstine will be given the Supporting Actress Award — Series for her role in Hulu’s “Furious.”
Filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri are to be recognized with the Breakthrough Director Award for “Clarissa,” described as a contemporary Nigerian adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.” Jaalen Best will receive the Rising Star Award for his portrayal of Cassius Clay in Prime Video’s Muhammad Ali biographical series “The Greatest.”
Shawn Edwards, the event’s executive producer and writer, affirmed the Critics Choice Association's commitment to recognizing Black cinema and television, particularly at a time he described as having “a direct assault on Black culture and Black history.”
The Critics Choice Association, which organizes the event, represents over 500 media critics and entertainment journalists and is also responsible for presenting the annual Critics Choice Awards.
