Janelle Monáe will receive the Vanguard Spotlight Award at the Costume Designers Guild Awards (CDGA). The ceremony will take place on Feb. 6 at The Ebell of Los Angeles.
The Grammy-nominated singer will be just the second recipient of the award. She follows Billie Eilish who won the inaugural award last year.
“Celebrating a trailblazer who ignites the imaginations of cognoscenti and audiences alike, the Costume Designers Guild Vanguard Spotlight Award is a tribute to a performing artist who sets new standards in their arena, not only for their outstanding achievements but also for their courage as a visionary that serves as an inspiration to us all,” the award’s description read.
In an official statement on Instagram, the CDGA lauded Monáe for being a cultural icon.
“Monáe has established themself as an icon in every medium they have entered throughout their career, making their mark on music, acting, and fashion,” the statement read. “Their bold, distinct style has made them a standout, whether on stage or on the red carpet.”
A groundbreaking singer/songwriter, Monáe is the recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Children’s and Family Emmy Award, and the ASCAP Vanguard Award. She also has won the Rising Star Award (2015) and the Trailblazer of the Year Award (2018) from Billboard Women in Music.
Monáe ‘s critically acclaimed albums include The ArchAndroid (2010), The Electric Lady (2013), and Dirty Computer (2018). The Age of Pleasure (2023) was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys.
As an actress, Monáe has appeared in Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and Harriet (2019).
Celebrating its 27th year, the CDGA will also recognize honorees such as Zoe Saldaña, Jenny Beavan, and Salvador Perez at the ceremony.