The Critics Choice Association Celebrated This Year’s Standout Black Storytellers
Awards season is coming in hot—and on Tuesday evening in Los Angeles, the Critics Choice Association’s eight annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television certainly set the tone. Hosted at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the ceremony once again asserted itself as an industry highlight, giving attendees the chance to reunite before the holidays while recognizing the impact of storytelling.
Comedian and actor Jay Pharoah was back as master of ceremonies for the second year in a row. This time around, the event honored a powerhouse lineup of legends and rising voices alike. Think: Spike Lee, David Alan Grier, Sterling K. Brown, Tessa Thompson, Jurnee Smollett, Janelle James, Skye P. Marshall, and Damson Idris, who collectively filled out a slate that underscored how much impact Black artists have had across film and television this year.
One of the first major honors of the evening was the Ensemble Award, presented to the cast of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Chase Infiniti, the movie’s breakout star who is one-to-watch in the red carpet best dressed stakes, reflected on lessons learned from the women she worked with during the project. “I feel so blessed, they really taught me to stand in my own and not let any moment pass me by,” she said of co-stars Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall. The film also broadened her sense of where she can go next. “If anything, it’s given me the incredible opportunity to have another door opened. I’m looking forward to reading new work that inspires me and excites me,” she told Vogue.
As for Taylor, the multi-hyphenate said the sky is the limit for her next role. “It would be really nice to be a superhero. I think I’m ready to fly… I’m trying to put on a cape,” she laughed. Summarizing her experience behind the scenes of the critically-acclaimed film, she added: “Honestly, everything stayed with me. I was a sponge, just soaking up all the knowledge. I like to take in everything and watch everything. I don’t take any moment for granted.”
Later in the ceremony, Skye P. Marshall delivered one of the night’s most emotive speeches when she accepted the accolade for Supporting Actress in a Series for Matlock. On the carpet, she expanded on what the moment meant to her. “This is such an extraordinary moment. I’ve always wanted a seat at the table,” she told Vogue. “I’ve been very intentional in the roles I choose because I want them to lead the culture forward. I’m on a high. This is my Cinderella moment, and this heel is not coming off.”
As the night progressed, the focus shifted to directing. Ryan Coogler, who claimed the Director Award for Sinners, spoke to the sense of creative momentum in the room. “I was so inspired by the work that everybody did this year. How brave it was, how unique, and how many different reflections of us as a people,” he told Vogue. “I’m honored to be here. I’m honored to be part of this community.”
One of the final awards of the evening, the Actress Award in Film, went to Tessa Thompson for her turn in Hedda. Visibly moved and overjoyed, she told Vogue: “It means an extraordinary amount to me. It feels incredibly surreal, like a dream I didn’t even know I was dreaming. Without the work of Black people, Black filmmakers, writers, and actors, I wouldn’t have a career. When I look at my trajectory, so much of it has to do with Black creatives.”
The ceremony closed on a high note with the Comedy Award, presented by Abbott Elementary’s Chris Perfetti to his co-star Janelle James. Before making her way up to the stage, James spoke to Vogue about when the impact of her work became clear. “Women, particularly young women, come up to me and they’re in tears,” she said. “They feel like they’re being represented, and they say, ‘You remind me of myself.’” As Perfetti handed over the final award, the room felt relaxed and in good spirits. Guests applauded and congratulated friends over laughter and hugs—showing up for one another until the very end.
The full ceremony will premiere exclusively on Starz in early 2026.
Michael Rowe/Getty Images1/25Teyana Taylor
Leon Bennett/Getty Images2/25Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson
