*The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced that Emmy and Tony Award-nominated writer, comedian, and best-selling author Amber Ruffin will host the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards on February 19, 2025.
The prestigious event will take place at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, and will honor outstanding achievements in film and television, with a special focus on artistic contributions from the African diaspora.
Ruffin, known for her sharp wit, comedic brilliance, and insightful social commentary, is a fitting choice to lead the ceremony. She currently serves as a writer and on-air personality for Late Night with Seth Meyers and will return for the second season of CNN’s Have I Got News For You, a comedy-news talk series she co-hosts with Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr., who hosted last year’s AAFCA Awards. Ruffin’s hosting duties will extend beyond the AAFCA stage, as she is also set to host the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on April 26, 2025.
With a career spanning television, theater, and literature, Ruffin has established herself as a versatile and influential voice in entertainment. Her television writing credits include HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, Comedy Central’s Detroiters, and major awards telecasts such as the Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes.
In theater, she co-wrote the book for the Broadway revival of The Wiz and earned a Tony Award nomination for her work on the musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot. Ruffin is currently developing an original musical comedy titled Bigfoot.
Scroll to continue reading
Ruffin’s previous hosting experience includes The Amber Ruffin Show, which aired on Peacock from 2020 to 2023 and received numerous accolades, including Emmy, Critics Choice, TCA, NAACP Image, and GLAAD Media Award nominations. Her ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary has made her a standout figure in the entertainment industry.
“This year’s AAFCA Awards are sure to be unforgettable with Amber Ruffin at the helm,” said AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. “We are looking forward to her trademark wit and brilliance gracing the AAFCA Awards stage.”
In addition to celebrating the best in film and television, the 2025 AAFCA Awards will honor first responders as special guests in recognition of their heroic efforts during the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
This gesture underscores AAFCA’s commitment to celebrating not only artistic excellence but also the contributions of those who serve their communities.
With Amber Ruffin as host, the event promises to be a night of laughter, inspiration, and celebration of African American excellence in entertainment.
As previously announced, AAFCA’s Top 10 Films list and the winners of the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards are:
AAFCA’S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR
1. Nickel Boys
2. Sing Sing
3. The Piano Lesson
4. Gladiator II
5. Wicked
6. Emilia Pérez
7. Albany Road
8. The Fire Inside
9. Exhibiting Forgiveness
10. Dahomey
WINNERS | 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS
Best Actor: Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
Best Actress: Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
Best Supporting Actor: Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing)
Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson)
Best Ensemble: The Piano Lesson
Best Original Score: The Wild Robot (Kris Bowers)
Best Original Song: Bricks, Exhibiting Forgiveness (Andra Day, Cassandra Batie & Jherek Bischoff)
Best Screenplay: Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar)
Best Director: RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys)
Best Documentary: *TIE* Daughters (Netflix), Dahomey (Mubi)
Best Animated Feature: The Wild Robot
Best International Film: Emilia Pérez
Best Independent Feature: She Taught Love
Best Picture: Nickel Boys
Winners were selected by AAFCA’s more than 100+ members and will be celebrated at this year’s ceremony, alongside the previously announced honorees, including:
● Nicole Avant, Beacon Award
● Malcolm Washington, Emerging Director Award
● Ray Fisher, Breakout Performance Award
● RaMell Ross, Spotlight Award
● Paul Tazewell, Innovator Award
For more information on the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards, visit aafca.com.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Keke Palmer and Usher Address Viral Las Vegas Outfit Incident | Watch
