The Critics Choice Association Sets the Spotlight on Black Creatives with 2025 Honoree Reveal
The Critics Choice Association Announces Honorees for the 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has revealed the full slate of honorees for its 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, set for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. This year’s event once again underscores the breadth and strength of Black storytelling — on screen and behind the scenes — as the entertainment community celebrates excellence across film, television and streaming.
Leading the tribute is the incomparable Spike Lee, who will receive the Career Achievement Award in recognition of his four-decade body of work that has shaped modern cinema and shifted cultural conversation. From Do the Right Thing to Malcolm X to Da 5 Bloods, Lee’s resonance continues to reverberate. This acknowledgement arrives just as his inclusion in Xposure Magazine’s anniversary cover (as we previously featured) underscores his ongoing relevance and influence.
Adding to the momentum, the CCA will honor a roster of other visionaries and trailblazers. Among them: Ryan Coogler will receive the Director Award, celebrating his immersive filmmaking and cultural impact. And David Alan Grier is slated for the Vanguard Award, recognizing his versatile career across stage and screen. The honoree list also includes series actor-producer Sterling K. Brown — among many — highlighting the cross-platform resonance of Black talent.
This year’s event is hosted again by actor-comedian Jay Pharoah, who brings his dynamic energy to the microphone for a celebration that honors both legacy and emerging leadership. In partnership with STARZ, which will serve as official media partner, the event promises to reach a wide audience when the show airs and streams on the platform in early 2026.
The 8th annual edition also signals a year of expansion for Black creatives. The CCA cites that this has been a “banner year” for Black entertainment — from the next-gen filmmakers reshaping genre and form, to creators behind-the-camera who are redefining what representation looks like.
For Xposure Magazine, the announcement aligns perfectly with our mission to highlight Black excellence in film and television. With Spike Lee freshly featured on our 16th Anniversary issue’s cover, we celebrate the luminaries being honored and look forward to bringing our readers elevated coverage of the December event.
As the industry continues to evolve, the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television remains a meaningful moment — one that shines a spotlight on creators who are not only winning awards, but changing culture.
