*The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) celebrated its 15th annual awards ceremony on February 21 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. This event not only honored the best in film but also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to black culture.
Comedian and Emmy-nominated documentary producer Roy Wood Jr. returned as the host for the ceremony, adding his hilarious touch to the event.
AAFCA President and co-founder Gil Robertson expressed deep admiration for the exceptional talent and dedication of Misty Copeland, George C. Wolfe, and Jeffrey Wright, stating that their contributions have profoundly impacted our culture and continue to inspire generations.
Misty Copeland, the first African American Female Principal ballet dancer, was honored with the Innovator Award presented by Nissan for her groundbreaking contributions to dance and her production company, Life In Motion Productions, which focuses on bringing representative stories of artists past, present, and future, and normalizing the art experience.
George C. Wolfe, director, writer, and producer received the Legacy Award in recognition of his inspiring work that has paved the way for future generations. Jeffrey Wright, actor, was presented with the Legend Award for his exemplary performances that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The AAFCA Awards, established in 2003, celebrates the achievements of African-descended talent in cinema and television, with a focus on stories that reflect the Black experience. AAFCA is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and appreciation for the contributions of Black storytellers to cinematic culture. The winners were announced during the ceremony, with trophies presented to the recipients by their colleagues.
AAFCA’s Top 10 Films list and the winners of the 15th Annual AAFCA Awards are:
AAFCA’S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR
1. American Fiction
2. Origin
3. The Color Purple
4. Oppenheimer
5. Past Lives
6. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
7. Poor Things
8. Anatomy of a Fall
9. Killers of the Flower Moon
10. Barbie
AAFCA WINNERS
Best Drama: Origin
Best Comedy: American Fiction
Best Musical: The Color Purple
Best Director: Ava DuVernay (Origin)
Best Screenplay: American Fiction
Best Actor: Colman Domingo (Rustin)
Best Actress: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Origin)
Best Supporting Actor: Sterling K. Brown (American Fiction)
Best Supporting Actress: *TIE* Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple)
Best Ensemble: The Color Purple
Breakout Performance: Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
Emerging Filmmaker: Cord Jefferson (American Fiction)
Best Independent Feature: A Thousand and One
Best Animated Feature: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Best Documentary: Stamped From The Beginning
Best Music: The Color Purple
Best International Film: Io Capitano
Best Short Film: The After
Winners were voted on by all of AAFCA’s 100+ members. Honorary awards recognizing exceptional achievements behind the camera and from the executive suites will be announced in February.
In addition to honoring outstanding films and performances, AAFCA is committed to educational and philanthropic efforts that support diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The AAFCA Awards showcased the talent and creativity of Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers, highlighting the importance of representation and diversity in the world of cinema.
The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including Nissan, Comcast, Morgan Stanley, Meta, and Diageo.
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