The 28th annual Critics Choice Awards, presented Sunday at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, were dominated by black women. The majority of the Black winners at the event were women, and the majority of them spoke in their acceptance addresses about the strength and fortitude of being Black women in an industry that frequently undervalues and discriminates against Black women.
By Carla Hay, NABJ Black News & Views
The CW broadcast the show in the United States.
Angela Bassett and Ruth E. Carter of Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” won; showrunner Quinta Brunson and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph of the ABC comedy series “Abbott Elementary” won; actress Niecy Nash-Betts of the Netflix limited drama series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” won; actress Janelle Monáe of the Netflix movie “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” won
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a superhero film centred on Black female warriors, won two awards: Bassett was named Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (for her role as Queen Ramonda), and Carter was named Best Costume Design, a prize whose winner was announced prior to the show’s televised portion. Carter made history by becoming the first Black individual to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for 2018’s “Black Panther,” and she’s on pace to receive another nomination and likely win in the same category for 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
In her acceptance speech, Angela Bassett thanked the usual suspects, including her family, coworkers (including the late “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman), and fans, but she also took the time to recognize the Black people who encouraged her to pursue acting: “As a girl who fell in love with acting on a school trip to Washington, D.C., watching James Earl Jones in a production of ‘Of Mice and Men’ at the Kennedy Center, I knew in
“I didn’t know what the path would look like after I got to Yale Drama School,” Bassett added. What might be realistically feasible was unclear to me. But yes, praise God for the giants: extraordinary Black women with ability like Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson, Rosalind Cash, and Diahann Carroll. Particularly at a time when Black women weren’t frequently shown in a major manner and weren’t really visible on television or the big screen, it was their exceptional work that convinced me there was a place for me in this industry of show business.
Bassett also remarked on the “Black Panther” films’ box office success, saying, “We proved we could create and lead a billion-dollar box-office success.” And my hope is that the entrance will stay open and that the ceiling will be the limit for other Black creators and storytellers from around the globe to join us.”
An underfunded public elementary school in Philadelphia is the subject of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning television series “Abbott Elementary,” which this year won two Critics Choice Awards for Best Comedy Series and Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series, with Ralph taking home the latter honor. Showrunner/star of “Abbott Elementary” Brunson expressed gratitude to her cast, crew, and other coworkers during her acceptance speech. “I love that we get to have a really good time while also bringing light to the teachers,” she continued. DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that generates money for classroom initiatives in public schools, received a special shout-out from Brunson, who urged people to make a donation.
Ralph, who portrays teacher Barbara Howard on “Abbott Elementary,” delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable remarks. She expressed gratitude to loved ones, coworkers, and those who voted for her. She also stated, “When I was 19 years old, every mistake, every bad break, every no, every rejection in an industry was quick to tell me there was no place for me.” But when Sidney Poitier saw me, he said, ‘You’re a darn excellent actress.'”
“And to all of you watching here, come close to the screen and listen: People don’t have to like you,” Ralph said boldly, pointing at the camera. People are not required to adore you. They are not even required to honor you. But you best like what you see when you gaze in the mirror.”
For her performance as real-life witness Glenda Cleveland in “Dahmer,” Nash-Betts received the prize for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television. Cleveland, who died in 2011, lived next door to serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer and called authorities about Dahmer’s strange behavior in his apartment.
“I want to thank the Most High for this divine moment,” Nash-Betts began her statement. She also praised her loved ones, coworkers, and those who voted for her. Nash-Betts, who rose to fame as a comedian, claims she initially wanted to be a drama actor. “The industry was gracious, but advised me to stay in my comedy lane.” People sometimes want to leave you right where they met you.”
Nash-Betts says she received the training and assurance she needed to pursue dramatic parts thanks to her mother’s support and offer to pay for dramatic acting lessons. “I share this award with Glenda Cleveland,” Nash-Betts continued. We are both fully visible on this night. “And finally, to everyone who doubted this Black woman and told me what I couldn’t do,” she said, pointing to herself, “I want to lovingly and humbly say, ‘In your face!”
Monáe took home two awards at the event. She was honored with the SeeHer Award, a noncompetitive award presented each year to an entertainer who serves as a role model for female equality. The SeeHer Award winner is revealed several weeks before the event. Monáe and several of her “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” co-stars also won for Best Acting Ensemble, a film award presented before the broadcast portion of the program.
My pronouns are she, her, they, and them, Monáe said as she introduced herself in the opening of her SeeHer Award victory address. She also mentioned her film roles as underappreciated people in their respective worlds, such as Teresa, an ally of the LGBTQ community, in “Moonlight,” Mary Jackson, a scientist, in “Hidden Figures,” and her dual roles as Helen, a schoolteacher, and Andi, a con artist, in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” from 2022. I see you, Monáe said of these female figures who are frequently overshadowed by males.
“These are just a few of the characters I’ve had the pleasure of portraying,” Monáe continued. “And in my work, I try to highlight those who have been pushed to the margins of society, who have been outcast or relegated to ‘the other.'” She went on to add that “this issue is personal to me,” as she comes from a working-class family, and that “I am nonbinary, queer, and my identity influences my decisions and my work.”
“I keep a glimmer of hope in my heart that when someone meets a character like the ones I’ve had the opportunity to play, you’d be more empathetic to their experience… less judgmental, and more eager to advocate for them,” Monáe said. “If you know my story, I wasn’t supposed to make it out of Kansas City, Kansas, and be here tonight,” she added. At the moment, I couldn’t see what my purpose was meant to be. Thank you, God, that so many others did. They didn’t abandon me… So, whoever is observing me right now, I just want you to know that I see you, but I dare you to see you as well.”
Zendaya, who did not attend the event, was named Best Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of complex adolescent Rue Bennett in HBO’s “Euphoria.” Zendaya has also received two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for her performance in this part.
Esposito, who is biracial and African American, won the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal as restaurateur/narcotics dealer Gus Fring on AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” which concluded in 2022. In his acceptance speech, Esposito said, “If we can all raise the energy, and keep it raised, we can share the best part of ourselves truly, always, and eternally.”
The Critics Choice Association, a collection of roughly 600 film/TV writers from around the globe, votes for and presents the Critics Choice Awards. The 2023 event was presented by Chelsea Handler. Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment executive produced the show.
Brunson, Bassett, Ayo Edebiri, Courtney B. Vance, Cedric the Entertainer, and Kerry Washington were among the show’s black hosts. The official Critics Choice Association website has a full rundown of the ceremony’s prize recipients.