Fabulous Looks From The Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema & Television

The fashion was fly at the Critics Choice Association’s annual celebration of the best in Black cinema and television.

The hottest Black celebrities came out as the Critics Choice Association held their 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television on Dec. 9. Comedian, actor and SNL alum Jay Pharoah hosted the event held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles which honors outstanding work both on and offscreen.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Angela Bassett Reveals the Mission: Impossible Birthday Surprise That Got Tom Cruise Dancing

Spike Lee, Jurnee Smollett and Sterling K. Brown were among the stylish stars who showed up to recognize their industry peers. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite looks of the night.

Spike Lee

Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

Filmmaker Spike Lee received a Career Achievement Award for nearly 40 years of groundbreaking screen gems.

Jurnee Smollett

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

Actress Jurnee Smollett gives old Hollywood glam in a gorgeous strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline.

Jay Pharoah

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

Comedian Jay Pharoah kept the audience entertained as host of the star-studded event.

Sinqua Walls

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

“White Men Can’t Jump” and “The Blackening” star Sinqua Walls layers a bright leather jacket over an all-black ensemble.

Sterling K. Brown

Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Actor Sterling K. Brown walked away with the Actor Award – Series for his role on the hit political thriller “Paradise.”

Naya Desir-Johnson

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

“A Thousand and One” actress Naya Desir-Johnson poses with her Rising Star award.

Chase Infiniti

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

“One Battle After Another” breakout star Chase Infiniti wears a beautiful satin look with a plunging neckline.

Spike Lee and David Alan Grier

Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Spike Lee and “In Living Color” alum David Alan Grier share a moment on the red carpet.

Teyana Taylor

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

Actress Teyana Taylor keeps her red hot red carpet streak going with a beautiful asymmetrical dress with fringed detail.

Janelle James

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

“Abbott Elementary” star Janelle James strikes a pose.

Wunmi Mosaku

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

“Sinners” star Wunmi Mosaku looks regal in purple.

Godfrey

Photo by Michael Rowe/Getty Images for IMDb

Comedian Godfrey is all smiles.

Michaal B. Jordan & Tessa Thompson

Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

“Creed” stars Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson catch up on the red carpet.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

2026 BHM: Could One of These 13 Leaders be the Next MLK?

2026 BHM: Could One of These 13 Leaders be the Next MLK?

As we celebrate Black History Month, check out these Black leaders like Rev. William Barber II and Mari Copeny, who are carrying on Dr. King’s legacy …
Demond Wilson and Other Black Stars We Lost in 2026

Demond Wilson and Other Black Stars We Lost in 2026

We are honoring all of the Black stars who left us in 2026 …
How a Snow-Packed 'Stolen' Parking Spot in Pittsburgh Turned Into a Viral, and Hilarious, TikTok Series

How a Snow-Packed ‘Stolen’ Parking Spot in Pittsburgh Turned Into a Viral, and Hilarious, TikTok Series

It’s an unwritten rule in some cities: don’t park in spaces you didn’t shovel. But one Pittsburgh driver found out the hard way in TikToks that’s going viral! …
Everyone's Saying the Same Thing About Pharrell Williams' Grammys Speech -- and It's Not Cute

Everyone’s Saying the Same Thing About Pharrell Williams’ Grammys Speech — and It’s Not Cute

Pharrell Williams accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact Awards at the 2026 Grammys on Sunday, but his speech has got the internet annoyed and offput. Let’s get into why! …
Michael Jackson's Newly Released Recordings About Children Might Creep You Out

Michael Jackson’s Newly Released Recordings About Children Might Creep You Out

A new four-part docuseries about the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson includes disturbing new audio recordings of the singer talking about his relationship with children …
The Humiliating Reason a Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted From Rival Morehouse Game

The Humiliating Reason a Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted From Rival Morehouse Game

Tuskegee University is speaking out after its coach was handcuffed and escorted away after a rival basketball game against Morehouse …
All the Grammys 2026 Stars Who Called out ICE and Trump On Air

All the Grammys 2026 Stars Who Called out ICE and Trump On Air

Kehlani, Bad Bunny, Shaboozey and more stars who spoke out against ICE and President Trump at the 68th Grammy Awards …
Why The Internet Is Going <i>Crazy</i> Over Colman Domingo in the Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic

Why The Internet Is Going Crazy Over Colman Domingo in the Upcoming Michael Jackson Biopic

The trailer for the new Michael Jackson biopic has officially dropped and Colman Domingo’s portrayal as Joe Jackson has rightfully got the internet hype! …
Rapper Who Allegedly Live Streamed Herself Abusing Her Dog Has a Bad Weekend

Rapper Who Allegedly Live Streamed Herself Abusing Her Dog Has a Bad Weekend

Folks are dragging rapper Aspen Kartier after she allegedly abused her pet during a Twitch livestream …
Civil Rights Leader William Barber Sounds the Alarm After Feds Arrest Don Lemon

Civil Rights Leader William Barber Sounds the Alarm After Feds Arrest Don Lemon

Don Lemon’s arrest is an example of the DOJ silencing Black voices during anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis …
Kanye West's Latest Performance With Daughter North West Has Folks Online Shedding A Tear

Kanye West’s Latest Performance With Daughter North West Has Folks Online Shedding A Tear

While performing in Mexico, Ye, fka Kanye West, shared the stage with his daughter North West, and folks online are shedding a tear …
Kendrick Lamar's 27-Grammy Massacre: How The Rap Assassin Killed the Pop Star

Kendrick Lamar’s 27-Grammy Massacre: How The Rap Assassin Killed the Pop Star

Last night Kendrick Lamar didn’t just win; he executed a hostile takeover of the Recording Academy and officially ushered in a new era of hip-hop …
Major Moments and Snubs at 2026 Grammys, Including Bad Bunny Going Off on ICE

Major Moments and Snubs at 2026 Grammys, Including Bad Bunny Going Off on ICE

The 2026 Grammys went off without a hitch but there were some big moments, surprised and snubs that took place. Let’s get into it all! …
Don Lemon Makes Red Carpet Appearance at 2026 Grammys Days After Shocking Arrest

Don Lemon Makes Red Carpet Appearance at 2026 Grammys Days After Shocking Arrest

Don Lemon made his red carpet appearance alongside his husband Tim at the 2026 Grammys following his controversial arrest earlier in the weekend …
Snoop Dogg's Family Suffers Heartbreaking News

Snoop Dogg’s Family Suffers Heartbreaking News

Cori Broadus and fiancé Wayne Deuce mourn the loss of their daughter, Codi, who died just 20 days after coming home following a long NICU stay …
How to Watch the 2026 Grammys and Which Black Stars to Root For

How to Watch the 2026 Grammys and Which Black Stars to Root For

The 2026 Grammys go down on Feb. 1. But before it happens, let’s take a look at what you need to know, how to stream it and who’s in the running! …
Black Internet Responds to Boxer Getting His Toupee <i>Literally</i> Knocked Off During Match

Black Internet Responds to Boxer Getting His Toupee Literally Knocked Off During Match

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller’s toupee had an, uhh…unexpected slip during his latest boxing match …
The Sad Reason Teddy Riley Will Never Reunite With Guy Bandmates

The Sad Reason Teddy Riley Will Never Reunite With Guy Bandmates

Famed producer Teddy Riley was candid on Sway in the Morning about his fractured relationship with group members from Guy and the truth behind “Guy 2.0.” …
6 Things For Black Folks to Look Forward to at the 2026 Grammys

6 Things For Black Folks to Look Forward to at the 2026 Grammys

The 2026 Grammys are gearing up to be one of the most memorable yet. Let’s take a look at what you can expect to go down! …
Exclusive: NABJ President on Why Democracy Is At Risk Over Don Lemon, Georgia Fort Arrests

Exclusive: NABJ President on Why Democracy Is At Risk Over Don Lemon, Georgia Fort Arrests

The president of NABJ, Errin Haines, spoke to The Root following the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort …