The fifth annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television, hosted by the Critics Choice Association on Monday, December 5, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, featured a star-studded lineup.
Grammy Award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Andra Day wowed spectators by walking the red carpet wearing a Lebanese label. The Oscar-nominated star's attire, a Zuhair Murad fall 2022 mix printed off-shoulder, billowed sleeve gown exuded a joyful spirit while yet being sophisticated and fashionable. The warm copper and rust tones in this outfit are what stand out as being most refreshing since they appear to be the ideal complement for her skin and the season's vibe.
The event finished with the most awaited accolade of the night being given to Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett: the Career Achievement Award. The actress is best known for her work in films like "Boyz n the Hood" and the Tina Turner drama "What's Love Got to Do with It," and most recently appeared in Ryan Coogler's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
According to a report in Variety, Bassett addressed the crowded room during her winning speech: “My representation of you on screen put me on a path as a little Black girl — a high school student that lived in the Jordan Park housing project in St. Petersburg, Fla. — that I only dreamed of because of you.”
“My dreams were not only fulfilled, but your stories have been immortalized — some of them for future generations to discover and enjoy.” Michael B. Jordan, another "Black Panther" actor, was also present. In recognition of his long career and imminent directorial debut with "Creed III," the actor was given the Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award. With a purple jacket layered over a black button-down shirt and black loafers, the 35-year-old looked sharp accompanied by his parents and sister.
Actress and comedian Ayo Edebiri received the Rising Star Award presented by IMDbPro for her role as Sydney Adamu on the FX series, The Bear. Other performers that were present included Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of "Abbott Elementary," Quincy Isaiah, who portrays Magic Johnson in HBO's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," Jonathan Majors, the lead in "Devotion" and Marvel actor, and the whole cast of ABC's revival of "The Wonder Years".
Bill Bellamy, an actor and comedian, presided over the event this year. The celebration honors Black artists and creators who have made outstanding achievements to the television and cinema industries.
