The Critics Choice Association hosted its 7th Celebration of Black Cinema & Television awards on Monday at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
The annual event highlights standout performances and works from the Black entertainment community, and this year’s affair was truly amazing.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah, who brought levity to the room as the night’s honorees spoke about the impact of their awards and the work.
This year the star power was strong as 14 awards were presented to actors, producers, directors, and composers who have contributed their quota to the entertainment industry.
Among these 14 Hollywood stars were Regina King, John David Washington, Tyler Perry, Cynthia Erivo, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
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During his acceptance speech for the Icon Award, which was presented to him by Kelly Rowland.
Tyler began his acceptance speech harkening back to a quote from author Jesmyn Ward, which fellow honoree Ellis-Taylor shared in her remarks: “The first weapon I ever held was my mother’s hand.”
In the actress’s speech, she spoke about what it meant to receive the Social Impact Award presented to her by her Nickel Boys co-stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, and director Ramell Ross.
She stated: “I do this work because Black liberation in this country is a fragile, constant, never-ending pursuit.They can have their freedom with this lack of concern for the pain of others. I want liberation.”
Ellis-Taylor went on to express her intention to continue her legacy of telling stories of overlooked Black heroines; she stated, “My fight will be to tell the truth of these women.
Our creators, Black women, Fannie Lou Hammer, Ella Baker. If I have to sell fish plates on the side of the road until my last breath, I’m going to do that. It will be my fight, my next fight. But I don’t want to do it alone. So don’t let me.”
However, Tyler’s speech also addressed the death of Steve Mensch, the president of Tyler Perry Studios, who died in a plane crash last Friday night, while acknowledging the 15th anniversary of the death of his mother.
He said: “This life is but a moment; it’s so precious, and we need to lean into spreading love one to another. I’m 55 years old; I’m tired of bullshit.”
“I’m in a place in my life where I just want to make some people laugh and inspire and do good things and encourage people. And that’s what I try to do all of my life. But there’s an urgency in it now as I think about where we are in the world.”
“When I thought about an Icon Award, I go ‘OK, great, an icon is something,’ but you gotta be careful when people start calling you an icon because the hunters only shoot at the deer that they can see.”
“If you’re an icon, you’re a target. People are watching; they’re gonna tear you down. There’s always somebody at the bottom trying to tear you down, and everybody else at the top is applauding.
So it is my hope that as people say I’m an icon, they remember me more as an inspiration.”
Alongside Tyler Perry were the other honorees, including Regina King, who received the Trailblazer Award for her role in Shirley; John David Washington, who received the actor award (film) for his role in The Piano Lesson; and Wendell Pierce, who also received the actor award (series) for his work on Elsbeth.
Natasha Rothwell was given the Producer Award for his work on How To Die Alone. Steve McQueen received the director award for Blitz, and Jharrel Jerome got the breakthrough award for Unstoppable.
Kris Bowers received the Composer award for his work on The Wild Robot, while Ryan Destiny of The Fire Inside and Michael Rainey Jr. of Power were given the Rising Star Award for film and series, respectively.
Natalie Rae and Angela Batton received the documentary award for their project. Daughters and filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee was presented with the Career Achievement Award by members of the cast of The Best Man.
Cynthia Erivo received the actress award from the Critics Choice Association, which was presented to her by Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Other presenters of the night were Ava DuVernay, Aldis Hodge, Mara Brock Akil, and Jeffrey Wright.
