Critics Choice names Chris Rock, Quinta Brunson and Jaafar Jackson among 2026 honorees
The ninth Celebration of Black Cinema & Television is scheduled for November 16 in Los Angeles, with awards spanning film, television and work behind the camera.
The Critics Choice Association has named honorees for its ninth Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, scheduled for November 16, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Chris Rock, Quinta Brunson, Jaafar Jackson and Debbie Allen are among those set to be recognized, according to Deadline. The event will honor work in film and television, including performances and work behind the camera.
Chris Rock and Quinta Brunson among award recipients
Rock is set to receive the Director Award for Misty Green, a film he wrote, produced and co-stars in, Deadline reported. Rosalind Eleazar plays an actress trying to revive her career in the film. Brunson will receive the Groundbreaker Award for creating, executive producing and starring in ABC’s Abbott Elementary, whose sixth season premiered on October 7.
Debbie Allen will receive the Icon Award. Chiwetel Ejiofor is set for the Vanguard Award for his work in the film Backrooms, while Jackson will receive the Actor Award – Film for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in the biographical film Michael. Deadline also named Lamorne Morris for the Comedy Award for Spider-Noir and Katori Hall for the Showrunner Award for P-Valley.
Film and television honorees across the lineup
The acting awards also include Anthony Mackie, named for the Actor Award – Series for 12 12 12; Stephan James, for the Supporting Actor Award – Film for I Play Rocky; and Sophie Okonedo, for the Supporting Actress Award – Film for Mouse. Ato Essandoh will receive the Supporting Actor Award – Series for The Diplomat, and Quincy Tyler Bernstine the Supporting Actress Award – Series for Furious. Deadline reported that Starz will add a special #TakeTheLead designation to Bernstine’s award.
Filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri will receive the Breakthrough Director Award for Clarissa, a contemporary Lagos reimagining of Mrs. Dalloway. Jaalen Best will receive the Rising Star Award for playing Cassius Clay in The Greatest, according to Deadline. Roy Wood Jr. is set to host the November ceremony, which the association describes as a celebration of Black cinema and television.
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Sources and context
- 2026 Critics Choice Celebration of Black Cinema & Television HonoreesDeadline
- Black Cinema & Television – Critics ChoiceCritics Choice Association
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.