Some of the biggest stars in Black Hollywood will be honored for their contributions and achievements in 2019 at the Celebration of Black Cinema presented by the Critics Choice Association.
The association, formerly known as the Broadcast Film Critics Association, will recognize Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Harriet director Kasi Lemmons at a ceremony on December 2 at the new Landmark Annex in Los Angeles.
Murphy will be presented with the Career Achievement Award.
“The Critics Choice Association is thrilled to help celebrate a century of Black cinema,” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “It is a privilege to honor Eddie Murphy, Kasi Lemmons, Nia Long and Chiwetel Ejiofor for their remarkable work this year and throughout their careers. Each in their own way – through comedy and drama, in front of and behind the camera – exemplify the range and power of African American themed movies and their importance in popular culture.”
The Celebration of Black Cinema, hosted by former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, will also toast more than 100 years of Black cinema, including the 100-year anniversary of The Homesteader from director Oscar Micheaux, credited by many as the first African American to make a feature-length film. According to Deadline, Micheaux would go on to produce and/or direct another 44 films between 1919-1948.