Thirty-five years ago, I began accompanying my late husband Roger to film awards ceremonies. In the early years, it was disheartening to notice that Black entertainers were rarely recognized as award winners or even attendees. However, over time, a significant movement emerged to address this issue.

Highlighting the Progress

Since the inception of the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the "Oscars-so-White" movement, the "Black Oscars," the Independent Spirit Awards, and now the Critics Choice Association's (CCA) Celebration of Black Cinema and TV, remarkable progress has been made in acknowledging the outstanding work of African-American actors, directors, producers, composers, and entertainers.

Monday Night's Celebration

On December 9th, in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Hotel, the entire ballroom was filled with a glamorous crowd. Entertainers, directors, showrunners, executives, actors, their families, and agents gathered to celebrate Black cinema and television. Jay Pharoah served as the master of ceremonies, bringing laughter and energy to the event.

He started on a respectful note, paying tribute to Melvin van Peebles as the original trailblazer. In the audience, Mario Van Peebles and his sons were present, honoring their father. This majority-Black event was the brainchild of Shawn Edwards, a co-founder of AAFCA. The idea for the event came to him on the 100th anniversary of Oscar Micheaux's founding of the first Black film studio. This year marked the seventh edition of this celebration, co-hosted by CCA CEO Joey Berlin and Shawn Edwards, with Shawn as the executive producer. The event was produced by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante.

I have attended several of these events, but this year's speeches were particularly heartfelt and meaningful. The audience was moved to tears and wild applause. There was a sense that the event was more than just entertainment; it emphasized the importance of representation. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who received the Social Impact Award from RaMell Ross ("Nickel Boys"), spoke passionately about helping people in need. Tyler Perry, when receiving the Icon Award from Kelly Rowland (Destiny's Child), shared his journey from poverty to owning a movie studio that was once a Confederate army base. He has helped countless African-Americans in the industry, both in front of and behind the cameras.

Awards and Achievements

Malcolm D. Lee received the Career Achievement Award from Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, and Monica Calhoun for his 25 years in the business ("The Best Man;" "Undercover Brother;" "Girls Trip"). He gave credit to all the Black Women who supported him along the way. Ava DuVernay presented the CCA's first-ever Composer Award to Kris Bowers, calling him a "Genius." Sheryl Lee Ralph presented Cynthia Erivo with the Actress Award for "Wicked."

Ryan Destiny was dressed like a princess as she received the Rising Star Award for "The Fire Inside" from Brian Tyree Henry. Jharrel Jerome won the Breakthrough Actor Award for "Unstoppable" presented by Anthony Robles and his mother Judy Robles. His performance was truly remarkable. Steve McQueen was rewarded as the Director of "Blitz," but due to an emergency, I was asked to present his award on his behalf.

John David Washington received the Actor Award for "The Piano Lesson" from Jeffrey Wright, who praised his ability. Regina King was presented the Trailblazer Award by Aldis Hodge, and Jay Pharaoh shared his admiration for her from the "Room 227" days. Wendell Pierce was presented the Actor Award for the "Elsbeth" series by Courtney B. Vance. Natasha Rothwell was praised as the ultimate innovator when she received the Producer Award for "How To Die Alone" from Jay Ellis. Mara Brock Akil presented Natalie Rae and Angela Patton with the Documentary Award for "Daughters," which was close to her heart.

List of Outstanding Movies

Here is a list of movies by or about African-Americans that you don't want to miss:"Bird" (dir. Andrea Arnold)"Blitz" (dir. Steve McQueen)"Color Book" (dir. David Fortune)"Daughters" (dirs. Angela Patton, Chad Morris)"Hard Truths" (dir. Mike Leigh)"I Saw The TV Glow" (dir. Jane Schoenbrun)"Nickel Boys" (dir. RaMell Ross)"Origin" (dir. Ava DuVernay)"Shirley" (dir. John Ridley)"The Fire Inside" (dir. Rachel Morrison)"The Piano Lesson" (dir. Malcolm Washington)"The Six Triple Eight" (dir. Tyler Perry)"The Wild Robot" (dir. Chris Sanders)"We Grown Now" (dir. Minhal Baig)"Wicked" (dir. Jon M. Chu)"Unstoppable" (dir. William Goldenberg)