The Critics Choice Association honored Tyler Perry this week at its 7th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.
The filmmaker was presented with the Icon Award by actress and singer Kelly Rowland, who starred in Perry’s movie Mea Culpa.
An emotional Perry opened his speech by addressing the losses he has recently experienced, including the death of Steve Mensch, president of Tyler Perry Studios, who was killed in a plane crash on Friday night.
Adding to Perry’s grief, it was the anniversary of his mother’s death.
“My mother died 15 years ago yesterday, but this year was different,” Perry told the audience. “This year… [I’ve had] a tremendous amount of loss all around me, just two days ago, the president of my studio died in a plane crash.”
“I’ve been trying to push and I know the show must go on, and I try to show up,” added the media mogul.
Related: Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin’s Faith-Based Film ‘R&B’ Finds Cast
Later in his speech, Perry shared his advice on persevering even when there are barriers in front of you.
“Fight like hell for every door that is closed. When a door is closed, don’t look at it as a door, but think of yourself in a maze, you hit a wall, you’ve got to go back the other way,” he said.
The event, which was hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah, took place on Monday, Dec. 9, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. It was attended by a few hundred Hollywood insiders and critics.
Below is the full list of honorees and a photo gallery from the event:
Angela Patton & Natalie Rae — Documentary Award for Netflix’s Daughters
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Social Impact Award
Cynthia Erivo- — Actress Award (Film) for Wicked
Jharrel Jerome — Breakthrough Actor Award for Unstoppable
John David Washington — Actor Award (Film) for The Piano Lesson
Kris Bowers – Composer Award for The Wild Robot
Malcolm D. Lee – Career Achievement Award
Michael Rainey Jr. – Rising Star Award (Series) for Power Book II: Ghost
Natasha Rothwell – Producer Award for How to Die Alone
Regina King – Trailblazer Award
Ryan Destiny – Rising Star Award (Film) for The Fire Inside
Steve McQueen – Director Award for Blitz
Wendell Pierce – Actor Award (Series) for Elsbeth
