*The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the winners of its eighth annual AAFCA TV Honors, recognizing standout performances, series and creative achievements across television and streaming.
Leading this year’s winners was Hulu’s “Paradise,” which earned Best Drama, while Sterling K. Brown took home Best Actor for his performance in the acclaimed series. Sterling K. Brown
Jurnee Smollett was named Best Actress for Apple TV’s “Smoke,” while FX/Hulu’s “Love Story” captured Best Limited Series and earned Crystle Roberson Dorsey the award for Best Directing (Drama).
Comedy honors went to Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” which won Best Comedy, while ABC favorite “Abbott Elementary” continued its award-winning run by taking home both Best Ensemble and Best Writing.
“This year’s winners represent the incredible depth and creative ambition driving our industry forward,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, who praised the artists for telling “bold, culturally rich stories” that continue to redefine television.
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The winners will be celebrated during the invitation-only 2026 AAFCA TV Honors on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the City Club Los Angeles.
New Categories Recognize Evolving Entertainment
Reflecting the continued growth of entertainment beyond traditional television, AAFCA introduced two new competitive categories this year.
OWN’s “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” earned the inaugural Best Reality Series honor, while the popular sports podcast “All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson” was recognized as Best Podcast, acknowledging the increasing influence of digital storytelling.
Major 2026 AAFCA TV Honors Winners
Among this year’s top winners were:
- Best Drama: Paradise (Hulu)
- Best Comedy: Shrinking (Apple TV)
- Best Limited Series: Love Story (FX/Hulu)
- Best Actor: Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
- Best Actress: Jurnee Smollett (Smoke)
- Best Supporting Actress: Erika Alexander (The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins)
- Best Supporting Actor: Lamorne Morris (Spider-Noir)
- Best Ensemble: Abbott Elementary
- Best Writing: Abbott Elementary
- Best Documentary: Sean Combs: The Reckoning
- Best Breakout Performance: Aaron Moten (Fallout)
- Best Music: Kris Bowers (Spider-Noir)
- Best Reality Series: Love & Marriage: Huntsville
- Best Podcast: All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson
AAFCA Names Top 10 Television Programs
In addition to announcing its winners, AAFCA released its annual Top 10 Television Programs, recognizing many of the year’s most acclaimed scripted series.
The list includes:
- Paradise
- The Pitt
- Shrinking
- The Madison
- Abbott Elementary
- The Chi
- Matlock
- The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
- Beef
- The ‘Burbs
Previously announced Special Achievement honorees include Tracy Morgan, Kathryn Busby, Celeste Hughey, Lamar Chase, and Felicia Pride, who will also be recognized during the Aug. 8 ceremony.
Founded in 2003, AAFCA is the world’s largest association of Black film critics and has become one of the entertainment industry’s leading organizations recognizing excellence in film and television while elevating Black voices in criticism and media.
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