The 8th annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza on December 9, 2025, won a Gold Telly Award in the DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category. Congratulations to EP Shawn Edwards and producers Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante for this honor!
The 47th annual Telly Awards were determined by the Telly Awards Judging Council, which features more than 250 experts from across the world of video. On the Telly website, David Cid, Head of Experiential Marketing at My Code and member of the judging council, said, “The Telly Awards is a comprehensive showcase of creative and effective storytelling across many different platforms. It is an amazing opportunity to champion work that is not just technically brilliant, but culturally authentic, nuanced, and resonant.”
Shawn Edwards, a longtime CCA member, board member, and Executive Producer of the Celebration, said, “It’s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television. 2025 was a banner year where Spike Lee – the godfather of contemporary cinema – continued to inspire with his groundbreaking vision, Ryan Coogler represented the next generation of visionary filmmakers reshaping the culture with Sinners, and a record number of Black women created unprecedented impact with a wide range of diverse and high-profile roles.”
Anyone fortunate enough to attend the Celebrations knows that the atmosphere is always electric, with honorees bringing enthusiasm, reverence, and vulnerability to the stage. You can see clips on the Critics Choice YouTube channel HERE.