He played the lead character in the psychological horror film “Backrooms,” a film which became a box-office success earning more than $400 million worldwide. For his role as Clark, a failed aspiring architect, Oscar nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is receiving an accolade.
Also being honored are Nigerian filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri whose latest drama “Clarissa” became the second Nigerian feature selected in the history of the Cannes Film Festival.
“Clarissa” which stars David Oyelowo, Sophie Okonedo, Ayo Edebiri and Toheeb Jimoh is a Nigerian adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs Dalloway” which was published in 1925. Shot in Nigeria, it is the second feature for the duo whose previous film “Eyimofe” (This Is My Desire) received several African Movie Academy Awards.
Chiwetel Ejiofor will be honored with the Vanguard Award while brothers Arie and Chuko will receive the Breakthrough Director Award from the Critics Choice Association (CCA), one of the largest critics organizations in the world that produces a series of events to recognize underrepresented communities.
Also slated to receive an honor is Sophie Okonedo, who will receive the Supporting Actress Award for her performance in the coming-of-age drama “Mouse.” Ghanaian actor Ato Essandoh will receive an acting accolade for his work as Stuart Hayford in Netflix’s drama series “The Diplomat.”
Chris Rock is tapped to receive the Director Award for his latest movie “Misty Green” which stars Rosalind Eleazar and Daniel Kaluuya. Debbie Allen will receive an Icon Award, and Jaafar Jackson from the “Michael” biopic will receive the Actor Award.
“We are proud to announce that the celebration continues,” said Shawn Edwards, executive producer and writer of the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. “At a time when there has been a direct assault on Black culture and Black history, the Critics Choice Association stands firmly committed to recognizing the best in Black cinema and television.
This isn’t something that we have to do, it’s something that we want to do. Creating a space where these bold and visionary storytellers can come together for an evening and be honored is our privilege and something that we are firmly committed to doing each year.”
The Critics Choice Association’s 9th Celebration of Black Cinema & Television will be produced by Madelyn Hammond, Javier Infante, and Ella Carlson of Hammond Infante Productions and will take place on Monday, November 16 in Los Angeles.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a U.S. based journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television, film and music.