Spike Lee, David Alan Grier, Ryan Coogler, and Janelle James will be honored at the 8th Annual Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.
The group announced its list of 2025 honorees this week, saying Spike Lee will receive the Career Achievement Award for his body of work over the last four decades, including most recently helming Highest 2 Lowest.
Ryan Coogler will receive the Director Award for his work on Sinners, which is returning to theaters for a special one-week only Halloween engagement.
David Alan Grier will receive the Vanguard Award for his work across stage, screen, and television; and most recently his role on NBC’s St. Denis Medical.
The Comedy Award will go to Janelle James for her work on Quinta Brunson’s ABC series Abbott Elementary.
Related: Spike Lee Explains Why Colin Kaepernick Docuseries ‘Fell Apart’
Among this year’s other honorees, Reginald Hudlin (Sidney and The Black Godfather) will be honored with the Documentary Award for his work on Apple TV’s Number One on the Call Sheet.
Tessa Thompson will accept the Actress Award – film for her performance in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, a modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “Hedda Gabler.”
Sterling K. Brown will be honored with the Actor Award – television series for his work on Hulu’s Paradise.
Jurnee Smollett will receive the Actress Award – television series for her work in the Apple TV mystery Smoke.
Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti will receive the Ensemble Award for their roles in the film One Battle After Another, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro.
Damson Idris will receive the Supporting Actor Award – film for his performance in F1: The Movie alongside Brad Pitt.
Skye P. Marshall will be given the Supporting Actress Award – television for her work on CBS’ Matlock.
Tenika Davis will pick up the Breakthrough Performance Award for her role in Starz’s Spartacus: House of Ashur.
Naya Desir-Johnson will receive the Rising Star Award for her performance in the film Sarah’s Oil.
Singer-songwriter Aiyana-Lee will perform the song she belted out in the closing moments of Highest 2 Lowest, where she portrays an aspiring musician auditioning for a record deal.
“It’s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television,” Shawn Edwards, executive producer of the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, said in a statement.
“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,” Edwards added.
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics group in the U.S. and Canada, representing more than 500 critics and entertainment journalists.
The 8th Annual Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television is produced by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante of Hammond Infante Productions.
Starz returns as the official media partner of the event and will air the ceremony in January.
The awards take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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