Plot Synopsis

BYRON ALLEN PRESENTS THEGRIO AWARDS celebrates excellence in film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, and education, and the cultural icons and innovators whose many contributions positively impact America. The special pays tribute to and amplifies the history makers, change agents and artists who define and influence our world.

Co-hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Taye Diggs, the inaugural BYRON ALLEN PRESENTS THEGRIO AWARDS debuted on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 8-10pm ET/PT on CBS. 2022 honorees include Dave Chappelle (Cultural Icon Award), Ben Crump (Justice Icon Award), Allyson Felix (Sports Icon Award), Jennifer Hudson (Trailblazer Icon Award), Patti LaBelle (Music Icon Award), Queen Latifah (Television Icon Award), Norman Lear (Champion Award), Alena Analeigh McQuarter (Young Icon Award), Don Peebles (Business Icon Award), Tyler Perry (ICON Award), Robert F. Smith (Philanthropy Award) and Kenan Thompson (Comedy Icon Award). Also, the special features musical performances by Yolanda Adams, Tyrese, Fantasia and Patti LaBelle. Greg Phillinganes serves as musical director, and DJ Kiss acts as both D.J. and announcer for the awards special, which was recorded at the Beverly Hilton one month earlier --- on Saturday, October 22.
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The 2nd annual BYRON ALLEN PRESENTS THEGRIO AWARDS premiered on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 8-10pm ET/PT on CBS, celebrating Black excellence across 14 categories, including film, music, comedy, sports and education; recognizing those who are making an impact and amplifying the culture in their work and everyday lives. Hosts Sheryl Underwood and Roy Wood Jr. lead the event, which was held at The Beverly Hilton on October 21, 2023. Honorees include Mariah Carey (The Music Icon Award), Don Cheadle (The Environmental Champion Icon Award), Misty Copeland (The Trailblazer Icon Award), Dr. Kizzmekia S Corbett-Helaire (The Science Icon Award), Tamron Hall (The Journalism Icon Award), Kevin Hart (The Comedy Icon Award), Steve Harvey (The Television Icon Award), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (The Inspirational Icon Award), Eddie Murphy (The Icon Award), The Reverend Al Sharpton (The Justice Icon Award) and Denzel Washington (The Film Icon Award). BYRON ALLEN PRESENTS THEGRIO AWARDS also features musical performances by Boyz II Men, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Patti LaBelle and Smokey Robinson. Greg Phillinganes serves as musical director, and DJ Kiss acts as the DJ for the awards special.