Cynthia Erivo will be honoured with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards on Sunday 1 February.
The star of Wicked: For Good will become the third recipient of the annual award, named in memory of the legendary critic Derek Malcolm, who died at 91 in August 2023.
Trailblazing actor and filmmaker Colman Domingo was the inaugural recipient in 2024, while Avatar star Zoe Saldaña was honoured last year.
“I am so deeply honoured to accept the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation and to be recognised in this capacity by the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and one who has championed me throughout my career,” said Erivo.
“This has been an incredible year for film, and having the opportunity to bring Elphaba, the embodiment of a trailblazer, to the screen has been one of my greatest privileges.”
Announcing the news, LCCFA said: “The Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner and three-time Oscar-nominated star of Wicked and Wicked: For Good is an acclaimed actress, singer, author and producer. She has appeared both on the stage and screen, often embracing complex, challenging roles.
“From her Broadway debut in The Color Purple to her Oscar-nominated role as Harriet Tubman in Harriet to embodying Elphaba in two Wicked films, Erivo has repeatedly showcased an adept talent for combining poignant drama and emotionally-resonant musical performance.
“She has been nominated three times at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, for her performances in Harriet, Wicked, the neo-noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale and the indie character study Drift, a film she also executive produced under her Edith’s Daughter banner.”
Jane Crowther, chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle, added: “We’re so thrilled to give Cynthia his honour in recognition of her innovative work telling stories that illuminate, inspire and challenge audiences. She defies expectations across music, film and the stage.”
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another topped the nominations for the 46th annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, securing nine nods overall, closely followed by Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, with eight.
