ABC to honor Chadwick Boseman with Black Panther presentation and news special

ABC will honor the late Chadwick Boseman this evening with a televised presentation of Marvel Studios' Black Panther, followed by a news special all about the celebrated actor. The film, which was nominated for Best Picture at the 91st Oscars, will begin airing at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Afterward, Chadwick Boseman – A Tribute for a King (10:20 - 11:00 p.m. EST) is set to explore "Boseman’s storied life, legacy and career, and the cultural imprint he made on- and off-screen," writes Deadline. "It will feature tributes that have poured in from celebrities, political figures and fans across the world, special words from those who starred alongside him and knew Boseman best, and shine a light on the medical condition he privately battled."

Steven Baker is executive-producing.

Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed), the movie was hailed as a watershed moment for racial representation in cinema and racked up more than $1 billion at the global box office. In addition, it made history at the 91st Oscars by taking home three Academy Awards, for Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter), Production Design (Hannah Beachler), and Original Score (Ludwig Göransson). It was originally up for seven awards. Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, John Kani, Martin Freeman, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, and Andy Serkis comprised the ensemble cast.

Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther finds Prince T'Challa (Boseman) taking over as king of Wakanda. His royal authority is immediately undermined by a mysterious enemy, Erik Killmonger (Jordan), who wants to use the country's futuristic technology to emancipate oppressed peoples around the globe. Joe Robert Cole penned the screenplay with Coogler.

TBS is also showing Black Panther in honor of Boseman's memory. You can catch the movie later this evening between 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. EST. Click here to read SYFY WIRE's tribute to the actor.