Hollywood’s Weekend of Celebration: From Michael B. Jordan’s Honor to Shaboozey’s CMA Debut
This past weekend was a vibrant showcase of Black excellence across the entertainment industry, with landmark achievements in film, music, and television celebrated from Los Angeles to New York.
Michael B. Jordan Receives Prestigious Cinematic Honor
In a significant career milestone, actor and producer Michael B. Jordan was honored with the American Cinematheque Award at the 39th Annual American Cinematheque Awards fundraising gala. The event, held at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, saw the Sinners star accept the accolade, which is presented annually to an extraordinary artist in the entertainment industry who is fully engaged in their work and is committed to making a significant contribution to the art of motion pictures.
The non-profit American Cinematheque, dedicated to building an engaged film community, hosted an evening that underscored Jordan’s impact on contemporary cinema. The celebration featured a special musical performance of “I Lied to You” by his Sinners co-star Miles Caton, an EBONY Power 100 honoree, alongside acclaimed composers Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq.
Shaboozey Brings Cross-Genre Appeal to Country Music’s Biggest Stage
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Tennessee, the 59th Annual CMA Awards witnessed the continued genre-bending influence of Black artists in country music. Best New Artist nominee Shaboozey delivered a standout performance of “Took A Walk” alongside Stephen Wilson Jr. at the Bridgestone Arena.
The performance highlighted the song’s placement during the end credits of the dystopian film The Long Walk, demonstrating the increasing fluidity between musical genres and cinematic storytelling. Shaboozey’s presence at country music’s premier awards ceremony marks another step in the genre’s ongoing evolution and diversification.
Fashion and Narrative Converge at Prestige Television Events
In New York, the cultural conversation shifted to prestige television with Denée Benton stunning attendees at an FYC screening of the HBO Original series The Gilded Age. The event at L’Alliance New York was followed by a panel discussion delving into the high-stakes narrative developments of the latest season, particularly the cliffhanger surrounding her character Peggy’s pivotal decision.
The evening culminated in a floral-themed after-party at The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, blending historical drama with contemporary celebration.
Costume Design Excellence Takes Center Stage
Another New York event put the art of costume design in the spotlight, with Universal Pictures and The Cut hosting an exclusive screening of Wicked: For Good at The Roxy. The evening honored Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, celebrating his visionary talent and cultural impact.
The fashionable gathering, which included EBONY’s social creator Shariah Walters, represented more than just a screening—it served as a moment of creative recognition that highlighted the essential role costume design plays in cinematic storytelling and cultural resonance.
This report is based on original coverage from Ebony.