This Year’s Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood Recognizes Outstanding Black Men in Hollywood for their Impact & Legacies

Luxury automotive brand Lexus, in partnership with UPTOWN Magazine, proudly announce Blair Underwood, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Omar J. Dorsey, and J. Alphonse Nicholson as the recipients of this year’s Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood.

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Cliff "Method Man" Smith (Photo Credit: Robin Harper)

Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood is the only awards program held during Oscars week that recognizes the contributions of Black creatives in the industry and has been doing so for more than a decade. This year's theme, "Honoring Black Men in Film and Television," focuses on the profound impact and legacy of male artists who have transformed storytelling and representation in entertainment. The exclusive, star-studded event will take place at the Sunset Room in Hollywood on Wed., Feb. 26, at 7:00 p.m.

“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,” said Len Burnett, co-founder of UPTOWN Magazine. “The original purpose of this Oscar Week event was to elevate and honor Black talent, ensuring their artistry, influence, and impact are acknowledged on a grand stage. This year, we continue that tradition by focusing on men whose work is deeply respected within our culture and beyond—visionaries who are not only shaping the industry today but also building lasting legacies for future generations.”

The honorees who exemplify excellence, innovation, and cultural influence are:

  • Blair Underwood – Legacy Achievement Award The Legacy Achievement Award recognizes an artist whose enduring career has shaped the entertainment industry and left a lasting impact on Black culture. With a career spanning more than four decades, Blair Underwood has brought depth and complexity to his roles, from his Emmy-nominated performance in L.A. Law to his commanding presence in Quantico, Blue Miracle, and Broadway’s A Soldier’s Play. His dedication to portraying multi-dimensional Black characters has paved the way for future generations, cementing his legacy as an influential storyteller and cultural icon.
  • Omar J. Dorsey – Empowerment in Entertainment Award The Empowerment in Entertainment Award celebrates individuals who uplift diverse voices and foster inclusivity in the industry through advocacy and storytelling. Omar J. Dorsey has continuously used his platform to highlight underrepresented narratives, delivering powerful performances in When They See Us and Queen Sugar, as Hollywood Desonier. As a passionate advocate for Black storytelling and community empowerment, Dorsey not only commands the screen but also inspires change behind the scenes, making him a true champion of representation in Hollywood.
  • J. Alphonse Nicholson – Rising Icon Award The UPTOWN Honors Rising Icon Award recognizes an emerging star whose extraordinary talent and growing body of work signal a transformative future in entertainment. J. Alphonse Nicholson captivated audiences with his fearless portrayal of Lil Murda in P-Valley, a performance that redefined storytelling around masculinity and identity. His standout roles in They Cloned Tyrone and Just Mercy further showcased his ability to bring depth and authenticity to complex characters, positioning him as a defining voice in the next generation of Black Hollywood.
  • Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Vanguard Award The UPTOWN Honors Vanguard Award is presented to a trailblazer who has redefined the entertainment industry through innovation, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to representation. Cliff “Method Man” Smith has seamlessly transitioned from legendary hip-hop artist to critically acclaimed actor, leaving his mark on projects like Power Book II: Ghost, On the Come Up, The Wire, and How High. His ability to craft dynamic, authentic portrayals of Black characters across genres has expanded the scope of representation in Hollywood, solidifying his status as a multi-faceted force in entertainment.

"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," said Lisa McQueen, senior manager, Lexus Advertising and Media. "Lexus is proud to have partnered with UPTOWN Magazine for more than ten years, highlighting the contributions of individuals whose work continues to bring positive change in the entertainment industry."

The invitation-only gala kicks off with a glamorous red-carpet reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by an inspiring awards presentation at 7:55 p.m. and an exclusive after-party from 10:00 - 11:00 p.m.

About Lexus

Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With nine models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Follow Lexus: Facebook: facebook.com/lexus Twitter: twitter.com/lexus YouTube: youtube.com/LexusVehicles Instagram: instagram.com/lexususa Pinterest: pinterest.com/lexususa

About UPTOWN Magazine

Founded in 2004, UPTOWN Magazine celebrates the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers across the country. With city-specific editions in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, D.C., and Charlotte, UPTOWN delivers authoritative coverage of real estate, automotive, fashion, beauty, travel, food, sports, and entertainment. UPTOWN is committed to spotlighting tastemakers who shape culture and define success.

Instagram: @uptownmagazine Twitter: @uptownmagazine

For more information about Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood, please contact: Media Contacts: Damali Hill – damali@precisecomm.net | 281-947-2447 Emmanuel Simpson – emmanuel@precisecomm.net | 919-624-1325