As Black Hollywood’s finest gathered at the Fairmount Century Plaza in Los Angeles for the Critics Choice Association’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema and TV, one thing rang clear: the 2026 upcoming award season is about to be a master class in the power of elevated Black storytelling.
Two-time host Jay Pharoah set the mood for the night, which would serve up thirteen awards, four standing ovations and a two-course Italian meal for the best and brightest in Hollywood.
Kicking off the night strong was none other than David Alan Grier, who received the Vanguard Award for his performance in NBC’s punchy mockumentary St. Denis Medical. The comedic genius choked up after acknowledging his “46 years as an actor” in his acceptance speech, which was followed by thundering applause.
“I’m not done yet,” he declared in his closing sentences. “I have more stories left for me to tell and interpret. I’m so grateful and so thankful to be here. Every day is a new day.”
Grier wasn’t the only legend to receive his flowers. Aiyana-Lee, the soulful singer who wooed music mogul David King and moviegoers alike in his Apple TV+ crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest, delivered an impressive title track performance, leading to director Spike Lee being honored with the Career Achievement Award.
When a Black man has excelled for over 40 years in Hollywood, he deserves to take his time in his acceptance speech. For the next 11 minutes, Lee reflected upon his origins as a filmmaker, detailing how his family’s HBCU lineage and grandmother’s seed money for his feature-length debut, She’s Gotta Have It, helped him build such an illustrious career. He also lauded Ryan Coogler, who presented him with the award, stating, “What you’ve done is amazing, so keep doing it.”
Ryan Coogler then praised Lee in his acceptance speech for the Director Award, thanking him “for changing my life before he knew me,” and for “having the bravery to fight these fights for us so I could come behind him and stand on his shoulders.”
Coogler also praised his wife and producing partner, Zinzi Coogler. “Our friendship [and] our relationship is foundational for me,” Coogler told EBONY exclusively. “She knows me. She’s the first person to read anything I write. First person to see anything I make. So, I think she’s a big part of why [Sinners] worked.”
Coogler echoed a similar sentiment in his acceptance speech, presented by Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo and Miles Caton. In a tearful closing, Coogler thanked his wife as attendees hung onto every heartfelt word.
“She changed my life,” he said firmly. “She was there on every set, always in the background, never getting credit. On this movie, she was my boss, and it was eff-ing awesome. Zinzi, thank you – I love you.”
Michael B. Jordan played double duty by presenting Creed co-star Tessa Thompson with the Actress Award for her performance in the provocative period drama Hedda. Asked about what the success of Sinners means for the future of Black filmmaking, Jordan hoped the next generation won’t be afraid to “play it safe in telling our stories.”
“I think we’re inspiring new generations of talent that want to take big, creative swings,” he told EBONY. “No matter how specific our stories may be, they are universal. Original IP works, and people want to show up and watch them in movie theaters. I think that’s super important.”
The night’s honorees reflected a season rich with range and possibility. Across ensemble work, comedy, drama, and documentary, breakthrough performances were recognized, with artists like Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall (Ensemble Award); Damson Idris (Supporting Actor Award – Film); Janelle James (Comedy Award) and Jurnee Smollett (Actress Award – Series), Skye P. Marshall (Supporting Actress Award – Series) and Sterling K. Brown (Actor Award – Series) receiving their recognition.
Just as meaningful was the space made for rising talents Naya Desir-Johnson (Rising Star Award) and Tenika Davis (Breakthrough Performance Award), alongside architects of Black storytelling such as Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch (Documentary Award).
If the Critics Choice Celebration serves as a preview of the 2026 award season, its honorees made it clear that Black cinema and television are not to be ignored. Our takeaway? Black storytelling won’t just be validated this awards season — it will soar.