NAYA DESIR-JOHNSON HONORED WITH RISING STAR AWARD AT CRITICS CHOICE CELEBRATION OF BLACK CINEMA & TELEVISION
Los Angeles, CA — Naya Desir-Johnson was honored with the Rising Star Award at the 8th Annual Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The prestigious event celebrates excellence, innovation, and impact in Black storytelling across film and television, bringing together some of the industry’s most influential voices.
The award was presented by actress Ryan Destiny, who recognized Naya’s breakout performance in Sarah’s Oil and welcomed her to the stage before an audience filled with artists, creatives, and industry leaders. Accepting the honor, Naya spoke with humility and heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on both the challenge and privilege of stepping into the spotlight at such a meaningful moment in her career.
“Stepping into the spotlight as an actress can be very challenging,” Naya shared. “But I’m thankful for the support you have given me in this performance. It means the world to me that you connected with our film, for it to single me out as a rising star in a place that includes so many heroes and legends.”
Naya received the Rising Star Award for her powerful portrayal of Sarah Rector in Sarah’s Oil, the true story of a young Black girl who became a millionaire in early-20th-century Oklahoma after oil was discovered on her land. In her remarks, Naya spoke about the responsibility and honor of bringing Sarah’s story to the screen, describing the role as a gift and an opportunity to introduce audiences to a historical figure whose courage and self-worth continue to resonate today.
“The role of Sarah Rector really was a gift in so many ways,” she said. “It was a chance to open the world up to this incredible, forthright individual — the kind of character we don’t often get to see on screen.” She emphasized the importance of stories like Sarah’s Oil, particularly for young audiences, noting how representation can instill pride and remind young Black girls of their worth.
Throughout her speech, Naya expressed deep appreciation for the many people who supported her journey, including her mother and family, the cast and creative team, the Rector family for entrusting her with Sarah’s legacy, and the producers and studios who helped bring the film to a global audience. “The whole film was a group effort servicing an incredible legacy,” she said. “I’m standing here as a representative of that group effort.”
She concluded by dedicating the award to the woman whose life inspired the film, stating that if the honor meant anything, it meant that Sarah’s story had touched audiences as deeply as it touched those who helped bring it to life.
Naya’s recognition was part of an evening that celebrated a wide range of excellence across Black cinema and television. Other honorees included David Alan Grier, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Tenika Davis, Skye P. Marshall, Ryan Coogler, Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, Aiyana-Lee, Spike Lee, Sterling K. Brown, Jurnee Smollett, Damson Idris, Tessa Thompson, and Janelle James, each recognized for their outstanding contributions to film, television, music, and storytelling.
The full celebration, including Naya’s Rising Star Award acceptance speech, will premiere on STARZ in January 2026, allowing audiences