Rishi VakilOn February 26, 2025, the Sunset Room in Hollywood hosted the prestigious Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood event, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Black men in film and television. This exclusive, star-studded gala, held during Oscars week, recognized four distinguished honorees: Blair Underwood, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Omar J. Dorsey, and J. Alphonse Nicholson.
Honorees and Their Achievements
- Blair Underwood: Awarded the Legacy Achievement Award, Underwood’s illustrious career spans over four decades, with notable roles in productions such as L.A. Law, Quantico, and Broadway’s A Soldier’s Play. His dedication to portraying complex Black characters has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
- Cliff “Method Man” Smith: Receiving the Vanguard Award, Smith has seamlessly transitioned from a legendary hip-hop artist to a critically acclaimed actor. His performances in Power Book II: Ghost, The Wire, and How High have expanded the scope of Black representation in Hollywood.
- Omar J. Dorsey: Honored with the Empowerment in Entertainment Award, Dorsey is celebrated for his impactful roles in When They See Us and Queen Sugar. Beyond the screen, he advocates for underrepresented narratives, fostering inclusivity in the industry.
- J. Alphonse Nicholson: Awarded the Rising Icon Award, Nicholson has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Lil Murda in P-Valley. His compelling performances signal a transformative future in entertainment.
Event Highlights
The evening commenced with a glamorous red-carpet reception, followed by the awards presentation and an exclusive after-party. The event, a collaboration between Lexus and UPTOWN Magazine, has been a cornerstone during Oscars week for over a decade, dedicated to honoring Black creatives whose contributions might otherwise go unrecognized.
Len Burnett, co-founder of UPTOWN Magazine, emphasized the event’s significance: “For over 15 years, UPTOWN has proudly celebrated Black excellence in Hollywood, shining a spotlight on the trailblazing creatives and executives—both in front of and behind the camera—whose contributions to film and television may not always receive the recognition they deserve.”
Lisa McQueen, senior manager at Lexus Advertising and Media, added: “This year’s Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood is not just an awards ceremony; it’s an opportunity to uplift, recognize, and celebrate Black men in Hollywood who have challenged boundaries and inspired generations.”
The 2025 Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood event not only celebrated the achievements of its honorees but also underscored the ongoing commitment to recognizing and uplifting Black talent in the entertainment industry. The event was also graced by Mario Van Peebles, Mandela Van Peebles, Jordan Howlett, Novi Brown, Warren G, Jimmy Akingbola, Joel Stingold, Holly Robinson Peete, Bevy Smith, Nicole Friday, Jeff Friday, Joe Torry, Guy Torry, Rose, Tai Beauchamp, Rochelle Aytes, Chris Spencer, Josie Hart, Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Gralen Bryant Banks, Dondré Whitfield, Iesha Irene.
