Kenneth Branagh and Aunjanue Ellis to Receive New HCA Honorary Awards
The Hollywood Critics Association announced that Kenneth Branagh and Aunjanue Ellis would be receiving honorary awards at the 5th Annual HCA Film Awards. The ceremony will be held at the Avalon Hollywood and hosted by Tony Award winner, Annaleigh Ashford.
On February 22, The Hollywood Critics Association revealed that Kenneth Branagh would be honored with the Excellence in Artistry Award. Branagh, the mastermind behind Belfast, will be celebrated for his iconic work as an actor and filmmaker. HCA founder Scott Menzel tells of Branagh’s career, “Kenneth’s career has included a little bit of everything from radio to television to stage to film. His love and passion are undeniable, and with Belfast being hailed by many as his finest work to date, we couldn’t be happier to be honoring his extraordinary artistry within the entertainment industry.”
Branagh recently made Oscar history for receiving seven nominations across seven different categories throughout his career. In addition to this historical news, Belfast has received more audience awards than any other film this year, including the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Kenneth Branagh on his #Oscar nominations for #Belfast 👏 pic.twitter.com/k5ueSQwYtK
— Focus Features (@FocusFeatures) February 8, 2022
The Hollywood Critics Association is also presenting King Richard actress Aunjanue Ellis with the Inspire Award, whose previous recipients include Deon Taylor and Lin-Manuel Miranda. HCA President Nestor Bentancor reveals of the actress, “Aunjanue is a remarkable artist who came from humble beginnings and has never forgotten her roots. Aunjanue has been an advocate for truth and justice while always using her voice to stand up for what she believes in. For these reasons and many more, Aunjanue Ellis is the perfect recipient of the HCA Inspire Award.”
We are beyond thrilled to announce that King Richard’s Aunjanue Ellis will be receiving the Inspire Award at the #HCAFilmAwards on February 28, 2022. pic.twitter.com/3BHooiiERW
— Hollywood Critics Association (@HCAcritics) February 22, 2022
Ellis is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Oscars for her portrayal of Oracene Price, mother of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
Presenters at the 5th Annual HCA Film Awards will include Robin de Jesús, Colman Domingo, Sophia Ali, Cooper Raiff, Rob Morgan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Brian d’Arcy James, Ron Perlman, Tia Carrere, Sandra Mae Frank, Alexandra Shipp, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marlee Matlin, Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Doug Jones, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Kaitlyn Dever, and Ciarán Hinds.
The ceremony will also be live-streamed on the official HCA YouTube Channel beginning at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. The organization will also stream a red-carpet pre-show hosted by HCA members Kiyra Lynn and Rick Hong at 5:15 p.m. PT/8:15 p.m. ET.
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