Debbie Allen and Martin Lawrence are just two of the stars to be honored at this year’s Eye on Black ceremony in Los Angeles. The annual event, which serves as the largest salute to Black directors and filmmakers, will take place during the 84th Annual Academy Awards weekend.

Lawrence, will be honored for his years of contributions in both film and television, including his popular 90s sitcom, Martin and his Big Momma’s House movie franchise.

While Allen, who has been a celebrated actor, producer, director and choreographer for nearly four decades will be honored with the Life Time Achievement Award.

The other honorees set to be honored are, acclaimed film and music video director Chris Robinson, and Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima. Past honorees have included directors Robert Townsend, Keenan Ivory Wayons and Melvin Van Peebles.

Established in 2010, Eye on Black highlights the artistic contributions of African American and Afro Hispanic directors that have shaped the black experience in film and television. E.O.B also serves as a non-profit foundation centered around funding community based projects for African American and Afro-Latinos in the areas of art, education, and small business empowerment.

Presented by Centric and hosted by actor Brandon T. Jackson, Eye on Black will be held February 24, 2012.

TAGS: Academy Awards, black cinema, black movies, Brandon T. Jackson, Centric, Debbie Allen, Eye On Black, Haile Gerima, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Martin Lawrence, Melvin Van Peebles, Robert Townsend