Shonda Rhimes and Colman Domingo to Accept Chadwick Boseman Vanguard Award at 24th Annual Black Reel Awards

Shonda Rhimes - CINDY ORD

The 24th annual Black Reel Awards, which salute the excellence of African Americans and the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, have named Colman Domingo and Shonda Rhimes among others to accept prizes named for the late Chadwick Boseman and Diahann Caroll. Other honorees include Ruth E. Carter, Sheryll Lee Ralph, and Samuel L. Jackson.

The awards show will broadcast on January 16, 2024.

Domingo will accept the inaugural Chadwick Boseman Vanguard award for his work on Rustin and The Color Purple. First awarded in 2004, the Vanguard award has been renamed to honor the late Boseman.

This year, TV and film honors are being celebrated in the same ceremony, therefore the awards committee created a prize to recognize outstanding work in television: the Diahann Carrol award. Named after the first African American to star in a primetime network television drama, the new prize goes to Shonda Rhimes who made history with her run of ABS dramas including Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. Additionally, Rhimes’ production company Shondaland currently produces Bridgerton on Netflix.

Jackson has been awarded with the Sidney Poitier Trailblazer award, which recognizes the work of an outstanding actor. The two-time Black Reel award-winner is saluted for his outstanding career which most recently includes his Tony-nominated performance in The Piano Lesson.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, star of Abbot Elementary, takes home the Ruby Dee Humanitarian award. Her career offscreen and offstage has continuously advocated for equality and diversity. Ralph founded the DIVA Foundation and has been honored with the Creative Coalition’sTV Humanitarian Award along with the  Project Angel Food legacy award for her activism in the HIV/AIDS community.

Categories for films have yet to be announced.