Nigerian twin filmmakers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri will receive the Critics Choice Association’s Breakthrough Director Award for Clarissa at its ninth annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television.
The association announced the honourees on October 20, 2026. The ceremony will take place on November 16 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. Actor and comedian Roy Wood Jr. will host the event.
Clarissa reimagines Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel, Mrs Dalloway, in contemporary Lagos. Its cast includes Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelewo, Ayo Edebiri, India Amarteifio and Toheen Jimoh.
The annual celebration recognises achievements by Black filmmakers, performers, and other industry professionals. Its organiser, the Critics Choice Association, represents more than 500 media critics and entertainment journalists.
The 2026 ceremony will be hosted by actor and comedian Roy Wood Jr.
The Esiri twins’ upcoming recognition is another testament to the fact that Nigerian stories and filmmakers can take up space on the international stage.
