The 8th annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television will take place in Los Angeles on December 9, 2025, recognizing prominent figures like Ryan Coogler, Spike Lee, and Tessa Thompson. This event, which will be hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah, highlights achievements in Black artistry and will be broadcast on Starz in early 2026.
The Critics Choice Association unveiled the full list of honorees on Tuesday, underscoring a focus on Ryan Coogler Black Cinema among other notable contributions to film and television.
Spike Lee to Receive Career Achievement Award
Spike Lee will be honored with the Critics Choice Career Achievement Award in recognition of his significant influence and extensive career in filmmaking. Since his debut with She’s Gotta Have It nearly four decades ago, Lee has created iconic works including Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, 4 Little Girls, Da 5 Bloods, and the recent Highest 2 Lowest. His accolades include an Honorary Academy Award in 2015 and a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 2018 for BlacKkKlansman.
Ryan Coogler and Tessa Thompson Also Among Top Honorees
Ryan Coogler, acclaimed for directing films like Creed and Black Panther, will receive the Directors Award this year for his film Sinners. Actress Tessa Thompson is set to receive the Actress Award — Film for her lead role in Nia DaCosta’s adaptation of Ibsen’s Hedda.
Shawn Edwards, executive producer of the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, remarked on the importance of the event:
“It’s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television,”
highlighting the ongoing recognition of achievements within the industry.
Recognizing a Year of Significant Contributions
Edwards noted the remarkable accomplishments seen throughout the year, stating,
“This has been a banner year where Spike Lee — the godfather of contemporary cinema — continued to inspire with his groundbreaking vision; Ryan Coogler represented the next generation of visionary filmmakers reshaping the culture with ‘Sinners,’ and a record number of Black women created unprecedented impact with a wide range of diverse and high-profile roles.”
The ceremony production is handled by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante of Madelyn Hammond & Associates, with Starz serving as the official media partner.
Full List of 2025 Celebration Honorees
Alongside Lee, Coogler, and Thompson, the Critics Choice Association will honor the following individuals and ensembles:
- Career Achievement Award: Spike Lee
- Vanguard Award: David Alan Grier (In Living Color, A Soldier’s Play, St. Denis Medical)
- Director Award: Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
- Documentary Award: Producer Reginald Hudlin and director Shola Lynch (
“Number One on The Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood”
)
- Comedy Award: Janelle James (Abbott Elementary)
- Actress Award — Film: Tessa Thompson (Hedda)
- Actor Award — Series: Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
- Actress Award — Series: Jurnee Smollett (Smoke)
- Ensemble Award: Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)
- Supporting Actor Award — Film: Damson Idris (F1)
- Supporting Actress Award — Series: Skye P. Marshall (Matlock)
- Breakthrough Performance Award: Tenika Davis (Spartacus: House of Ashur)
- Rising Star Award: Naya Desir-Johnson (Sarah’s Oil)
Looking Ahead to the Event’s Impact
The upcoming ceremony will spotlight the ongoing evolution and influence of Black filmmakers, actors, and content creators in the entertainment industry. By honoring both veteran figures like Spike Lee and emerging talents such as Ryan Coogler and Tessa Thompson, the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television continues to emphasize progress and the power of diverse storytelling.
