The annual Grio Awards on February 25th, 2023, are the most significant night celebrating Black excellence across film, television, music, and culture. Often referred to as the “Black Oscars,” this star-studded event honors the year’s standout performances and projects showcasing African-American talent in front of and behind the cameras.
With comedian Niecy Nash hosting duties, the 2023 ceremony will go live on CBS and stream worldwide on Paramount+. Read on for details on start times, nominated categories to watch, performers gracing the stage, predictions on who’ll take home the night’s top prizes, and various streaming platforms giving audiences front-row access to all the iconic moments.
Where to Watch the 2023 Grio Awards
The 2023 Grio Awards broadcast goes live on Saturday, February 25th at 8 PM ET (5 PM PT). For East Coast viewers, expect a festive evening honoring Black Hollywood’s biggest stars. And West Coast fans can enjoy a celebratory late afternoon show.
CBS Television Network carries the live show locally, so viewers can check channel listings in their area to watch television’s most significant Black awards show unfold. Of course, those who’ve cut cords can stream the event live using a subscription streaming service. Paramount Plus provides the show in real-time for $4.99 monthly for a 7-day free trial.
DirectTV Stream, FuboTV, and YouTube TV also allow subscribers to view CBS live. So, Black entertainment fans unable to catch the channel over-air now have multiple streaming options, ensuring they don’t miss history being made.
Who Are This Year’s Grio Awards Nominees?
Given last year’s wealth of acclaimed film, television, music, and literary projects from Black artists, predicting 2023’s complete list of Grio Award honorees proves difficult. But viewers can surely count on projects like “Wakanda Forever,” “Abbot Elementary,” and Beyonce’s “Renaissance” scoring multiple nominations across the ceremony’s 80+ categories.
Films up for awards will span Best Picture contenders “Nope” and “Devotion” to documentaries like “Sidney” and “Louis Armstrong’s Black and Blues.” First-time big screen powerhouses Jonathan Majors and Danielle Deadwyler seem poised for acting honors. At the same time, production categories should laud the talents behind Wakanda’s back-to-back success.
The Television race expects the hit sitcom “Abbot Elementary” to dominate, with creator Quinta Brunson and performances from Tyler James Williams and Janelle James capturing wins. Strong showings also include Donald Glover’s subversive “Atlanta,” Prime Video breakout “Harlem,” and Starz drama “P-Valley’s” examinations of Black communities.
However, as cinema increasingly reflects America’s diversity behind and in front of cameras, predicting exact winners proves difficult. Viewers eagerly await nominations reveal.
Who’s Performing Live at This Grio Awards?
While the honorees make the evening, what truly sets the Grio Awards apart lies with usually rousing live performances. And the 2023 ceremony brings together music legends spanning classic R&B and contemporary hip-hop.
Smokey Robinson, now in his 60s, draws from six decades of Motown hits. The iconic Boyz II Men keeps romantic R&B alive, making ladies swoon. We have soul powerhouse Patti LaBelle breathing breathtaking vocals into fan favorites. Jennifer Hudson of “Dreamgirls” fame stuns with triumphant ballads. Relative newcomer Coco Jones brings youthful energy. And famous DJ Kiss keeps the party rocking between sets.
With such wide-ranging talent, musical homages seem inevitable. Imagine Smokey and Boyz paying tribute to Marvin Gaye while LaBelle and Hudson lift spirits with an Aretha medley. Whatever happens, music fans access Paramount Plus to witness pop culture history being made.
Who Will Win Big on Grio Awards Night?
Given Black stories resonated deeply this past year, guessing the exact Grio Award winners proves challenging with so many deserving projects in contention. However, a few names are likely winners, if not outright frontrunners.
Jennifer Hudson, hot off acclaim for her Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect,” seems poised to take the ceremony’s highest Entertainer of the Year honor. Meanwhile, Jonathan Majors’ star-making performance in the Navy flyboy drama “Devotion” makes him someone to watch for Outstanding Actor.
While films earn accolades, small-screen fare shouldn’t be counted out either. ABC’s “Abbot Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson’s writing and acting deserve praise beyond her 2022 Emmy victory. Donald Glover’s surreal FX comedy “Atlanta” finally airs its final episodes, leaving room to capture more directorial honors after past wins.
However, music categories see the night’s tightest races. Will it be Beyonce adding more Grammy-like wins following Renaissance’s triumphant return? Or could Drake’s pop dominance for “Honestly, Nevermind” let him overcome megastar competition? History indeed unfolds before the LIVE viewer’s eyes.
Why the Grio Awards Matter Now More Than Ever
Recent years’ racial reckonings that birthed movements like Black Lives Matter highlighted the importance of not just diversity in storytelling but awards recognizing said achievement. In this context, the Grio Awards’ celebration of Black talent behind and in front of cinematic projects only grows more culturally vital each year.
Unlike other ceremonies downplaying creator backgrounds or relying on non-diverse voting bodies, this show stays dedicated to uplifting African diasporic talent. Such an affirming space for Black artists and executives allows for more prosperous networking and deal-making. I am raising profiles for still overlooked legends.
And for audiences, these awards provide not just entertainment through musical acts but inspiration. Seeing figures like Quinta Brunson or Jonathan Majors honored for fearlessly progressing diverse narratives motivates future generations. Kids watching at home finally witness big screens and celebrity stages where their stories matter through affirmative representation.
What could be more culturally vital in an America still grappling with difference and Justin Bieber still appropriating Black sounds for profit? Tune into this Saturday’s Grio Awards only on CBS and Paramount+ to find out.
