Sterling K. Brown will receive the Actor Award - Series for his acclaimed performance in Hulu's "Paradise," which earned Emmy and Gotham TV Award nominations. Brown also serves as an executive producer on the series, returning for its second season in early 2026.
Janelle James, star of ABC's hit comedy "Abbott Elementary," will be honored with the Comedy Award. James has received multiple Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award for her standout role on the workplace comedy produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television.
Tessa Thompson will receive the Actress Award - Film for her performance in "Hedda," a modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's classic play from Amazon MGM Studios. The film premiered to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Teyana Taylor, who currently stars in Hulu's new legal drama "All's Fair," will be recognized with the Ensemble Award alongside Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti for their performances in the Warner Bros. Pictures action comedy "One Battle After Another."
Jurnee Smollett will be honored with the Actress Award - Series for her role in Apple TV's "Smoke." Smollett continues to build a career defined by fearless, genre-spanning performances in projects such as "Lovecraft Country" and "Birds of Prey."
Skye P. Marshall will receive the Supporting Actress Award - Series for her role in CBS's "Matlock." The recognition includes a STARZ #TakeTheLead designation, celebrating underrepresented voices in television.
Tenika Davis will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award for her role as Achillia in STARZ's "Spartacus: House of Ashur," premiering Dec. 5 on the platform.
Academy Award winner Spike Lee will receive the Career Achievement Award for his four-decade impact on film, including classics like "Do the Right Thing," "Malcolm X" and "Da 5 Bloods." Lee was most recently behind the A24 and Apple Original Films release "Highest 2 Lowest."
Ryan Coogler will be honored with the Director Award for "Sinners," his record-breaking Warner Bros. Pictures release filmed in both IMAX 70mm and Ultra Panavision 65.
David Alan Grier will receive the Vanguard Award for his career spanning stage, screen and television, including his Critics Choice-nominated role in NBC's "St. Denis Medical."
Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch will share the Documentary Award for Apple TV's "Number One on the Call Sheet," which spotlights Black achievement in Hollywood.
Damson Idris will receive the Supporting Actor Award - Film for his performance in Apple Original Films' "F1," the top-grossing film by Apple Studios to date.
Additional honorees include Naya Desir-Johnson, Rising Star Award for "Sarah's Oil" (Amazon MGM Studios) and Aiyana-Lee, musical performance from "Highest 2 Lowest."
"It's truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television," said Shawn Edwards, executive producer of the Celebration. "This year recognizes both legends like Spike Lee and the new generation of storytellers shaping the culture."
The event will be produced by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante of Hammond Infante Productions. Sponsors include STARZ #TakeTheLead, Milagro Tequila, Fairmont Century Plaza, IMDbPro and Conduiit, with partners NEP Sweetwater and FIJI Water.
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