Honoring Black, Brown, and Indigenous luminaries in the field of art, film, and creative culture.
The Gala is BlackStar’s premiere fundraising event, supporting a suite of year-round cultural programming that provides Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists with the resources, support, and shine they need to thrive.
The Luminary Awards — previously handed out at the annual film festival — honor individuals and collectives for their contributions as artists and cultural workers. Past award recipients include: Mira Nair (2022), Menelik Shabazz (2021), Marcia Smith (2019), Ava DuVernay (2017), Julie Dash (2016), RZA (2014), and Howard University Film Program (2013).
The 2023 Luminary Awards were held on December 4 at the W Hotel in Philadelphia. Read more about the night here or scroll down.
Gala Host Committee
- Anjali Kumar, Founder, Slightly Reserved (Co-chair)
- Errin Haines, Founding Mother and Editor at Large for The 19th (Co-chair)
- Jason Ray, CEO, Zenith Wealth Partners (Co-chair)
- Anne Ishii, Executive Director, Asian Arts Initiative
- Brandon Pankey, CEO, Artist Presented Experiences (APEX)
- Deesha Philyaw, Author
- Isaac Ewell, Founder & Creative Director at Onehunted
- James Claiborne, SVP of Exhibitions and Programs, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
- Lauren Jane Holland, Agent, Creative Artists Agency
- Lindsey Scannapieco, Managing Partner, Scout
- Michelle Trotter
- Noura Erakat, American activist
- Tarana Burke, Founder, 'me too' International
CONSTELLATION
GLEAM
- Anne Ishii & Julia Y.C. Huang
GLOW
- Joe + Monroe
BLAZE
- Brandon Pankey
Deesha Philyaw
Errin Haines
Isaac Ewell
James Claiborne
Jason Ray - Kathleen Greene
Lauren Jane Holland
Lindsey Scannapieco
Michelle Trotter
Noura Erakat
Tarana Burke
SHINE
- Anjali Kumar
David B. Devan
Forman Arts Initiative
Impact Partners
Jamila Farwell
Kashif Incubator
Poh Si Teng