LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Actor Will Smith and writer/producer/director Ava DuVernay were among the honorees announced Wednesday for the Critics Choice Association's fourth annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.

DuVernay will receive the inaugural Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award, named after the late filmmaker.

"We are truly honored to name our prestigious Trailblazer Award after Melvin Van Peebles, Shawn Edwards, CCA board member and executive producer of the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, said in a statement. "Van Peebles inspired a generation of filmmakers. He was a true maverick and a visionary cinematic genius. We're thrilled that Melvin's son, Mario, will be presenting the award to Ava DuVernay, as the first recipient of the Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award."

Smith will receive the Actor Award for Film for his work in "King Richard," the upcoming film about the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.

Also set to be honored at the Dec. 6 event at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel are:

  • Antoine Fuqua with the Director Award for Film
  • The cast of "The Harder They Fall," including Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, Deon Cole, R.J. Cyler, Edi Gathegi and Danielle Deadwyler, with the Ensemble Award
  • Actress Ruth Negga with a Special Honoree Award for her work in the film "Passing"
  • Actress Danielle Brooks with the Actress Award for Television for her work in the Lifetime movie "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia"
  • French actor Omar Sy with the Actor Award for Television for his work in "Lupin"
  • Robin Thede with the Showrunner Award for HBO's "A Black Lady Sketch Show"
  • Toheeb Jimoh with the Breakthrough Award for "Ted Lasso"
  • Kenan Thompson with a Special Honoree Award for "Saturday Night Live" and "Kenan"
  • Patina Miller with a Special Honoree Award for the Starz series "Power Book III: Raising Kanan"
  • Natasha Rothwell with a Special Honoree Award for HBO's "The White Lotus."

The Critics Choice Association previously announced that Halle Berry will receive the Career Achievement Award, Anthony Anderson will receive the Producer Award for Television, Jennifer Hudson will receive the Actress Award for Film, and Barry Jenkins will receive the Director Award for Television.

The ceremony will be hosted by Niecy Nash.