From the founder of Motown Records to the young actor portraying Lakers legend Magic Johnson, it seemed like just about everyone who is anyone in Black Hollywood was in attendance for the Fifth Annual Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema and Television.
The gala event was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on December 5 and ably hosted by Bill Bellamy. The comedian wore a shimmering gold colored suit which evoked the star power of the evening’s honorees, all of whom were accorded abundant applause during a 2 ½ hour ceremony in the hotel’s ballroom.
The organization recognized standout achievements in 15 categories, with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy receiving the Icon Award.
The legendary producer launched iconic hits like the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and the Temptations’ “(You’re My) Dream Come True.” Billy Dee Williams, the actor who played Lando Calrissian in the original Star Wars trilogy, surprised Gordy onstage to present him with the honor.
The career achievement award, presented at the end of the evening, went to Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett, whose latest credit is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
“My representation of you on screen put me on a path as a little Black girl — a high school student that lived in the Jordan Park housing project in St. Petersburg, Fla. — that I only dreamed of because of you,” Bassett said in her acceptance speech. “My dreams were not only fulfilled, but your stories have been immortalized — some of them for future generations to discover and enjoy.”
Here is a list of the other honorees, in alphabetical order:
Actor Nicco Annan–Actor Award for Television for his role as Uncle Clifford on the STARZ hit series, P-Valley.
Writer and director Elegance Bratton–Social Justice Award for his inspiring work on the A24 film, The Inspection.
Emmy award-winning writer, producer, and actress, Quinta Brunson–Actress Award for Television for her role as Janine Teagues on ABC’s hit series, Abbott Elementary, which she created and also executive produces.
Actress Danielle Deadwyler—Actress Award for Film for her role as Mamie Till-Mobley in the Orion Pictures and United Artists Releasing film, Till.
Actress and comedian Ayo Edebiri–Rising Star Award presented by IMDbPro for her role as Sydney Adamu on the FX series, The Bear.
Actor Brian Tyree Henry–Supporting Actor Award for his performance as James Aucoin in Apple Original Films and A24’s, Causeway.
Actor Quincy Isaiah–Rising Star Award presented by IMDbPro for his role as Magic Johnson on the HBO Original series, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, available to stream on HBO Max.
Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award nominated Jonathan Majors–Actor Award for Film for his role as Jesse Brown in Columbia Pictures and Black Label Media aerial war epic, Devotion.
director Gina Prince-Bythewood–Director Award for Film for her work on TriStar Pictures and Entertainment One’s critically-acclaimed The Woman King.
Writer/Director Nikyatu Jusu–Breakthrough Film Award for the Amazon Studios and Blumhouse film, Nanny.
The Ensemble Award–presented to the cast of ABC’s sitcom, The Wonder Years, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Julian Lerner, Amari O’Neil, and Milan Ray.
“It has truly been a year to celebrate,” said CCA board member Shawn Edwards, executive producer of the event. “The unprecedented amount of content about the Black experience on film and television made it very difficult to choose our honorees for this milestone year. And our special Icon Award honoree, Berry Gordy, pushed open a heavy door during the 70s and 80s through his Motown Productions with a string of movies and TV series that helped pave the way for future Black storytellers.”
The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television will be televised on KTLA in January and shown nationwide on Nexstar stations throughout the month of February in honor of Black History Month.
The show was produced by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante of Madelyn Hammond & Associates.
