Through the Lens: An Evening with Black Women Directors Presented by Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP/EMCC and the Alliance of Women Directors

Photo: Yevette Renee

 

A Black History Month event celebrating black women directors in Hollywood. The event took place at The Mark Theater, formerly WACO, in North Hollywood.

The discussion was opened by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Ron Hassan and was moderated by Tanika Ray, multi-talented entertainment reporter and actress, the guest panelist included: Christine Swanson, a writer and director of film and television; Emmy-nominated Marta Cunningham, a former ballet dancer, executive producer, writer and director;Nicki  Micheaux, actress, writer and director; and Princes Monique Filmz, writer and director.

‘Emilia Perez’

Poster

Release dates: Cannes May 18, 2024, France August 21, 2024
Director and Writer:  Jacques Audiard
Based on Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard and Écoute
by Boris Razon
Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, Édgar Ramírez
Genre: Musical, Crime
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Country: France
Languages:  Spanish and English

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez is the journey of a Mexican cartel leader Juan "Manitas" Del Monte/ Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) who enlists a lawyer Rita Mora Castro, (Zoe Saldaña) to help the cartel leader obtain surgery to become a woman. The story involves Jessi Del Monte, Manitas’ US-raised wife and mother of their children (Selena Gomez); Epifanía Flores (Adriana Paz), Emilia’s romantic partner; Gustavo Brun, Jessi’s romantic partner (Édgar Ramírez); Dr. Wasserman (Mark Ivanir) the doctor who performs gender reassignment surgery on Manitas.

Distributor: Pathé Distribution
Production companies: Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathé, France 2 Cinéma, Saint Laurent Productions
Producers: Jacques Audiard, Pascal Caucheteux, Valérie Schermann, Anthony Vaccarello
Cinematographer: Paul Guilhaume
Editor: Juliette Welfling
Music: Clément Ducol score and Camille songs

2025 NAACP Image Awards Winners!

56TH lOGO

The star-studded 56th annual ceremony hosted by actor-comedian Deon Cole aired live Saturday, February 22, on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.

Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award, Dave Chappelle earned the President’s Award, and the Wayans family were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

The winners are:

Entertainer of the Year
WINNER - Keke Palmer
Cynthia Erivo
Kendrick Lamar
Kevin Hart
Shannon Sharpe

Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year
WINNER - Shirley Raines
Kai Cenat
Keith Lee
RaeShanda Lias
Tony Baker

Outstanding Motion Picture
WINNER - The Six Triple Eight
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Bob Marley: One Love
The Piano Lesson
Wicked
The Piano Lesson. 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
WINNER - Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys: Ride or Die 
André Holland, Exhibiting Forgiveness
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
John David Washington, The Piano Lesson
Kingsley Ben-Adir, Bob Marley: One Love

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
WINNER - Kerry Washington, The Six Triple Eight 
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Lashana Lynch, Bob Marley: One Love

Lupita Nyong'o, A Quiet Place: Day One
Regina King, Shirley

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
WINNER - Denzel Washington, Gladiator II 
Brian Tyree Henry, The Fire Inside
Corey Hawkins, The Piano Lesson
David Alan Grier, The American Society of Magical Negroes
Samuel L. Jackson, The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
-WINNER - Ebony Obsidian, The Six Triple Eight 
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Exhibiting Forgiveness
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Nickel Boys
Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson
Lynn Whitfield, Albany Road

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
- WINNER - Sing Sing
Albany Road
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Rob Peace
We Grown Now

Outstanding International Motion Picture
 -WINNER - Emilia Pérez
El lugar de la otra
Memoir of a Snail
The Seed of the Sacred
The Wall Street Boy - Kipkemboi

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
-WINNER - Ebony Obsidian, The Six Triple Eight
Brandon Wilson, Nickel Boys

Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing
Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson
Ryan Destiny, The Fire Inside

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
- WINNER - The Six Triple Eight
 Bob Marley: One Love
The Book of Clarence

The Piano Lesson
Wicked

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture |
- WINNER - Inside Out 2
Kung Fu Panda 4

Moana 2
Piece by Piece
The Wild Robot

Outstanding Character Voice–Over Performance – Motion Picture
- WINNER - Blue Ivy Carter, Mufasa: The Lion King
Aaron Pierre, Mufasa: The Lion King

Anika Noni Rose, Mufasa: The Lion King
Ayo Edebiri, Inside Out 2
Lupita Nyong'o, The Wild Robot

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
-Winner - Superman Doesn't Steal 
Chocolate with Sprinkles
Definitely Not a Monster
If They Took Us Back
My Brother & Me

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
- WINNER - Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz "Jackie Robinson"
 if(fy)
Self
Walk in the Light
Nate & John

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
- WINNER - Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson 
David Fortune, Color Book
RaMell Ross, Nickel Boys

Titus Kaphar, Exhibiting Forgiveness
Zoë Kravitz, Blink Twice

Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture
- WINNER- Skylar Aleece Smith, The Piano Lesson 
Anthony B. Jenkins, The Deliverance

Blake Cameron James, We Grown Now
Jeremiah Daniels, Color Book
Percy Daggs IV, Never Let Go

Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
 - WINNER- Jomo Fray, Nickel Boys
Andrés Arochi, Longlegs

Justin Derry, She Taught Love
Lachlan Milne, Exhibiting Forgiveness
Rob Hardy, The Book of Clarence

Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary - WINNER
How to Die Alone

Poppa's House
The Neighborhood
The Upshaws

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Damon Wayans, Poppa’s House 
Cedric The Entertainer, The Neighborhood
David Alan Grier, St. Denis Medical

Delroy Lindo, UnPrisoned
Mike Epps, The Upshaws

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary 
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Kerry Washington, UnPrisoned
Natasha Rothwell, How to Die Alone
Tichina Arnold, The Neighborhood

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Damon Wayans Jr., Poppa’s House
Giancarlo Esposito, The Gentlemen

Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
William Stanford Davis, Abbott Elementary

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Danielle Pinnock, Ghosts
Ego Nwodim, Saturday Night Live

Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
Wanda Sykes, The Upshaws
Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams in Abbott Elementary. 

Outstanding Drama Series
- WINNER - Cross 
9-1-1
Bel Air
Found
Reasonable Doubt

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
- WINNER - Michael Rainey Jr., Power Book II: Ghost 
Aldis Hodge, Cross
Donald Glover, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Harold Perrineau, FROM
Jabari Banks, Bel-Air

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
- WINNER - Queen Latifah, The Equalizer 
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Emayatzy Corinealdi, Reasonable Doubt
Shanola Hampton, Found

Zoe Saldaña, Lioness

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- WINNER- Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Power Book II: Ghost
Adrian Holmes, Bel-Air

Isaiah Mustafa, Cross
Jacob Latimore, The Chi
Morris Chestnut, Reasonable Doubt

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- WINNER - Lynn Whitfield, The Chi 
Adjoa Andoh, Bridgerton
Coco Jones, Bel-Air
Golda Rosheuvel, Bridgerton
Lorraine Toussaint, The Equalizer

sion (Series, Special or Movie)
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist - WINNER
Genius: MLK/X
Griselda
Rebel Ridge
The Madness

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
- WINNER - Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge
Colman Domingo, The Madness

Kelvin Harrison Jr., Genius: MLK/X
Kevin Hart, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Laurence Fishburne, Clipped

Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie
- WINNER - Naturi Naughton, Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

Sanaa Lathan, The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat
Sofía Vergara, Griselda
Uzo Aduba, The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
- WINNER - Samuel L. Jackson, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Don Cheadle, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist

Luke James, Them: The Scare
Ron Cephas Jones, Genius: MLK/X
Terrence Howard, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
- WINNER - Taraji P. Henson, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist 
Brandy Norwood, Descendants: The Rise of Red
Jayme Lawson, Genius: MLK/X
Loretta Devine, Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love
Sanaa Lathan, Young. Wild. Free.

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
- WINNER - The ReidOut 
Black Men’s Summit
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Laura Coates Live
NewsNight with Abby Phillip

Outstanding Talk Series
- WINNER - The Jennifer Hudson Show 
Hart to Heart
Sherri
Tamron Hall Show
The Shop Season 7

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)
- WINNER - Celebrity Family Feud
Password

Rhythm + Flow
The Real Housewives of Potomac
Tia Mowry: My Next Act

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
- WINNER - Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was...
BET Awards 2024
Deon Cole: Ok, Mister

Katt Williams: Woke Foke
Saturday Night Liv

Outstanding Children’s Program
- WINNER - Gracie's Corner
Craig of the Creek
Descendants: The Rise of Red

Sesame Street
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)
- WINNER - Leah Sava’ Jeffries, Percy Jackson and the Olympians 
Caleb Elijah, Cross
Graceyn Hollingsworth, Gracie’s Corner
Melody Hurd, Cross
TJ Mixson, The Madness

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
- WINNER - Jennifer Hudson, The Jennifer Hudson Show 
Abby Phillip, NewsNight with Abby Phillip
Henry Louis Gates Jr., Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Joy Reid, The Reidout

Sherri Shepherd, Sherri

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
- WINNER - Keke Palmer, Password 
Alfonso Ribeiro, Dancing with the Stars
Nick Cannon, The Masked Singer

Steve Harvey, Celebrity Family Feud
Taraji P. Henson, BET Awards 2024

Outstanding Guest Performance
 - WINNER - Marlon Wayans, Bel-Air
Ayo Edebiri, Saturday Night Live

Cree Summer, Abbott Elementary
Keegan-Michael Key, Abbott Elementary
Maya Rudolph, Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Animated Series
- WINNER - Gracie's Corner
Disney Jr.'s Ariel
Everybody Still Hates Chris
Iwájú
Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
 - WINNER - Cree Summer, Rugrats
Angela Bassett, Orion and the Dark
Cree Summer, The Legend of Vox Machina

Dawnn Lewis, Star Trek: Lower Decks
Keke Palmer, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy

Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction /Documentary
 - WINNER - The Prince of Death Row Records
In the Margins
NCAA Basketball on CBS Sports
Roots of Resistance
SC Featured

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
 - WINNER - Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Diarra Kilpatrick, Diarra From Detroit

Maurice Williams, The Madness
Thembi L. Banks, Young. Wild. Free.
Vince Staples, The Vince Staples Show

Outstanding New Artist
- WINNER - Doechii
Myles Smith
Samoht
Shaboozey
Tyla

Outstanding Male Artist
- WINNER - Chris Brown
J. Cole

Kendrick Lamar
October London
Usher

Outstanding Female Artist
- WINNER - Beyoncé
Coco Jones
Doechii
GloRilla
H.E.R.

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
- WINNER - Live Breathe Fight, Tamela Mann
Heart of a Human, DOE
Still Karen, Karen Clark Sheard

Sunny Days, Yolanda Adams
The Maverick Way Reimagined, Maverick City Music

Outstanding International Song
- WINNER - “Hmmm," Chris Brown feat. Davido
“Close," Skip Marley
“Jump," Tyla

“Love Me JeJe," Tems
“Piece of My Heart," Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
- WINNER - “Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar
“Alright," Victoria Monét
“Alter Ego (ALTERnate Version)," Doechii, JT
“Boy Bye," Chloe Bailey
“Yeah Glo!," GloRilla

Outstanding Album
- WINNER - Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé
Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii
Cape Town to Cairo, PJ Morton
Coming Home, Usher
Glorious, GloRilla

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
– WINNER - Wicked: The Soundtrack 
Bob Marley: One Love (Soundtrack)
Genius: MLK/X (Songs from the Original Series)
Reasonable Doubt (Season 2) (Original Soundtrack)
The Book of Clarence (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
- WINNER - “Working for Me," Tamela Mann
“Church Doors," Yolanda Adams
“Do It Anyway," Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“God Problems (Not By Power)," Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick
“I Prayed for You (Said a Prayer)," MAJOR.

Outstanding Jazz Album
- WINNER - Portrait, Samara Joy
Creole Orchestra, Etienne Charles
Epic Cool, Kirk Whalum
Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies, Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni
On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute, Matthew Whitaker

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
- WINNER - “Residuals," Chris Brown
“16 CARRIAGES," Beyoncé
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)," Coco Jones
“I Found You," PJ Morton
“Saturn," SZA

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
- WINNER - “Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar
“Mamushi," Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
“Murdergram Deux," LL Cool J feat. Eminem
“Noid," Tyler, the Creator
“Yeah Glo!," GloRilla

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
- WINNER - Adam Blackstone & Fantasia, "Summertime”
Leela James feat. Kenyon Dixon, "Watcha Done Now”

Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick, "God Problems (Not By Power)”
Muni Long & Mariah Carey, "Made for Me”
Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett & Buddy McLain, "Thankful”

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
– WINNER - Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz, “Piece of My Heart”
FLO & GloRilla, “In My Bag”
GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore, “RAIN DOWN ON ME”
USHER & Burna Boy, “Coming Home”
Victoria Monét feat. Usher, “SOS” (Sex on Sight)

Outstanding Original Score for Television/Motion Picture
 - WINNER - Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)
Challengers (Original Score)
Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The American Society of Magical Negroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Book of Clarence (Original Motion Picture Score)

Outstanding Documentary (Film)
- WINNER - Luther: Never Too Much
Daughters
Frida
King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones
The Greatest Night in Pop

Outstanding Documentary (Television)
WINNER - Black Barbie: A Documentary -
Black Twitter: A People's History
Gospel
Simone Biles Rising
Sprint

Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
– WINNER - How to Sue the Klan
 Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps

Danielle Scott: Ancestral Call
Judging Juries
Silent Killer

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Crystal Jenkins — No Good Deed, "Letters of Intent"
Ashley Nicole Black — Shrinking, "Changing Patterns"

Brittani Nichols — Abbott Elementary, "Breakup"Diarra Kilpatrick — Diarra From Detroit, "Chasing Ghosts"
Jordan Temple — Abbott Elementary, "Smoking" (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
- WINNER - Ben Watkins — Cross, "Hero Complex"
Azia Squire — Bridgerton, "Tick Tock"
Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover — Mr. & Mrs. Smith, "First Date"

Geetika Lizardi — Bridgerton, "Joining of Hands"
Lauren Gamble — Bridgerton, "Old Friends"

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
- WINNER-  Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks, — Young. Wild. Free.
Brandon Espy, Carl Reid — Mr. Crocket

Bree West, Chazitear, A Wesley South African Christmas
Rudy Mancuso, Dan Lagana — Música
Tina Mabry, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Cee Marcellus — The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
- WINNER - RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — Nickel Boys 
Barry Jenkins — The Fire Inside
Steve McQueen — Blitz
Titus Kaphar — Exhibiting Forgiveness
Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
- WINNER - Tiffany Johnson — How to Die Alone, "Trust No One"
Ayo Edebiri — The Bear, "Napkins"

Bentley Kyle Evans — Mind Your Business, "The Reunion"
Robbie Countryman — The Upshaws, "Ain't Broke"
William Smith — The Vince Staples Show, "Brown Family"

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
- WINNER - Rapman — Supacell, "Supacell"
Carl Franklin — Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, "Blame It on the Rain"
Marta Cunningham — Genius: MLK/X, "Protect Us"
Marta Cunningham — Genius: MLK/X, "Who We Are"
Paris Barclay — Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special
- WINNER - Tina Mabry — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat 
Kelley Kali — Kemba
Marcelo Gama — BET Awards 2024
Shanta Fripp — Black Men’s Summit
Thembi L. Banks — Young. Wild. Free

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
 - WINNER - RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys
Jeymes Samuel — The Book of Clarence
Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson
Reinaldo Marcus Green — Bob Marley: One Love
Steve McQueen — Blitz

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
- WINNER - Dawn Porter — Luther: Never Too Much 
Bao Nguyen — The Greatest Night in Pop
Deborah Riley Draper — James Brown: Say It Loud

Jason Pollard, Sam Pollard — Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys
Nneka Onuorah — Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
- WINNER - One of Us Knows: A Thriller — Alyssa Cole
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde — Tia Williams

Grown Woman — Sarai Johnson
Neighbors and Other Stories — Diane Oliver, Tayari Jones (Foreword)
What You Leave Behind — Wanda M. Morris

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction
- WINNER - Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest — Fawn Weaver
A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune — Noliwe Rooks

Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories that Changed the World — Daniela Edmeier, Damarius Johnson, Nicholas B. Breyfogle and Steven Conn
The 1619 Project: A Visual Experience — Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine
The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America — Larry Tye

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
- WINNER - Grown Woman — Sarai Johnson
A Kind of Madness — Uche Okonkwo
AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture — Shirley Neal
Masquerade — O.O. Sangoyomi

Swift River — Essie Chambers

 Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
- WINNER - Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America — Joy-Ann Reid
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me — Whoopi Goldberg
By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness ― Her Story in Her Own Words — Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins
Do It Anyway: Don't Give Up Before It Gets Good — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Sarah Jakes Roberts (Foreword)
Lovely One: A Memoir — Ketanji Brown Jackson

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
- WINNER - Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair — Tomesha Faxio
Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days of Intentionally Reclaiming Your Delight — Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggets
I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free (A Feeding the Soul Book) — Tabitha Brown
Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself: A Guide to Closing the Space Between Us — Chanté Griffin
Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience — Rebecca Moore (Author), Amberlee Green (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
- WINNER This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets — Kwame Alexander Bluff: Poems — Danez Smith
Good Dress — Brittany Rogers
Load in Nine Times: Poems — Frank X Walker
Song of My Softening — Omotara James

Outstanding Literary Work – Children
- WINNER - You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator)
All I Need to Be — Rachel Ricketts (Author), Tiffany Rose (Illustrator) with Luana Horry
Cicely Tyson — Renée Watson (Author), Sherry Shine (Illustrator)
Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair — Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)
My Hair Is a Book — Maisha Oso (Author), London Ladd (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
- WINNER - Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York — Samarra St. Hilaire
American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky — Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein
Barracoon Adapted for Young Readers The Story of the Last Black Cargo — Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi (Adapted by), Jazzmen Lee-Johnson (Illustrator)
Black Star: The Door of No Return — Kwame Alexander
Clutch Time: A Shot Clock Novel (Shot Clock, 2) — Caron Butler and Justin A. Reynolds

Outstanding Graphic Novel
- WINNER - Punk Rock Karaoke — Bianca Xunise
Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined — David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson

Black Defender: The Awakening — Dr. David Washington, Mr. Zhengis Tasbolatov (Illustrator), Mr. Billy Blanks (Foreword)
Gamerville — Johnnie Christmas
Ghost Roast — Shawneé Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs, Emily Cannon (Illustrator)

Outstanding News and Information Podcast
- WINNER - Native Land Pod 
#SundayCivics
After the Uprising
Into America: Uncounted Millions
The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast
- WINNER - We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling 
Balanced Black Girl
Is This Going to Cause An Argument
The R Spot with Iyanla
Therapy for Black Girls

Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
- WINNER - Club Shay Shay 
Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
We Don't Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling
What now? with Trevor Noah

Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast
- WINNER - Two Funny Mamas 
Naked Sports with Cari Champion
Nightcap
Questlove Supreme
R&B Money Podcast

Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
- WINNER - Stranded 
About the Journey
Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown
The Wonder of Stevie
When We Win wih Maya Rupert

Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
-Winner - Paul Tazewell — Wicked
Ernesto Martinez — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Megan Coates — Shirley
Gersha Phillips — The Big Cigar
Francine Jamison-Tanchuck — The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
- WINNER - Debi Young — Shirley 
Carol Rasheed — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Rebecca Lee — Shōgun

Matiki Anoff — The Book of Clarence
Para Malden — The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
- WINNER - Lawrence Davis — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist 
Terry Hunt — Bel-Air
Nakoya Yancey — Shirley

Brian Badie — The Penguin
Andrea Mona Bowman — The Piano Lesson

Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
- WINNER - Rebel Ridge 
Cross
Grotesquerie
Red One
Them: The Scare

16th Annual AAFCA Awards Presented by the African American Film Critics Association in Beverly Hills on February 19th

Amber Ruffin, Colman Domingo, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, Tyler Perry and more gathered to celebrate Black excellence in film, alongside honored first responders at the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards

AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson alongside honored first responders
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan for AAFCA
AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson alongside honored first responders Photo Credit: Sheri Determan for AAFCA

Amber Ruffin hosted the ceremony, where Nicole AvantRaMell RossMalcolm Washington and more were honored. Winners Marianne Jean-BaptisteColman DomingoAunjanue Ellis-TaylorEthan HerisseBrandon WilsonDanielle DeadwylerKris BowersRay FisherGreg KwederClint Bentley, and Clarence Maclin were in attendance to accept their awards alongside AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, who presided over the event.

Additional attendees included Ted SarandosTyler PerryQuestloveLynn WhitfieldKym WhitleyTyler LepleyRobert Ri’chardKat Graham, and more. AAFCA proudly included first responders as special guests at this year’s ceremony in honor of their heroic efforts during the recent LA wildfires.

ABOUT AAFCA
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premier body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment highlighting the Black experience in the US and throughout the rest of the African Diaspora. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com. 

Monkey Wrench Films Releases “Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day”

 

In theaters February 28, 2025

Arcade Poster

Director: Ed Cunningham
Writers:  Ed Cunningham, Mike J. Nichols, and Paul Leach 
Producers: Jonathan Perkins, Seth Gordon and Mike J. Nichols
Executive Producers: Ed Cunningham, Byron Ashley, Scott Jackson, Harrison Kordestani Kerry, Cathy Loveland and Paul Campoamor
Editor: Mike J. Nichols

Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day: A musical documentary following 74-year-old Walter Day - the father of esports and star of The King of Kong - as he battles a lawsuit threatening his legacy while fulfilling his dream of recording and performing the rock-opera style love songs he has been hearing in his head since having his heart broken at the height of the arcade era.

The SLAMDANCE Presents at Quixote Studios on Friday, February 21st

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Slamdance presents the filmmakers representing 7 films from this year’s festival, on one red carpet Friday, February 21st at Quixote Studios. The directors, cast and crew, and subjects of the 7 films will be together in one place, at one time. A lineup of films making their world and U.S. premieres, among these films are provocative, heartrending, and entertaining documentaries, a surreal darkly comic narrative feature, and an experimental short with an unbelievable back story.

See the list of films below!

40 Watts From Nowhere is a documentary about Los Angeles pirate radio station KBLT and the 1990s low-power FM movement in the U.S. It’s based around vintage footage shot in 1998 that shows KBLT operating 24/7 out of an apartment closet in Silver Lake with DJs running the gamut from Keith Morris (Circle Jerks), Mike Watt (Minutemen) and Don Bolles (Germs)  to garden-variety music fans playing everything from jungle and punk to vintage country and French pop. Sue Carpenter started the 40-watt FM station in 1995, exploiting a legal case that allowed hundreds of low-power illegal radio operators to proliferate throughout the country and gave birth to the legal LPFM movement, inviting strangers into her house to spin whatever the hell they wanted. It soon took on a life of its own, drawing Mazzy Star to headline a benefit concert and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to play live in her living room.

Screenings:
World Premiere: Saturday, February 22nd at 6:15PM
LUMIX Theatre at Quixote Studios West

Monday, February 24th at 10PM
Los Angeles Times Theatre at Quixote Studios West

Complicated tells the poignant story of kids with the devastatingly complicated connective-tissue disease Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome (EDS)  suffering at the margins of mainstream medicine – and their parents who risk losing them if they go too far to help (including potentially losing their parental rights): a shocking look at a hidden epidemic in pediatric care when a complex disease, lack of research, and the limits of child protection collide to disastrous and too often deadly outcomes. This is a disease that requires dedicated loved ones to be your medical advocate to finally get a diagnosis and some level of care.

Screenings:
World Premiere: Sunday, February 23rd at 3:45PM
Summer & David Theatre at Quixote Studios West

Monday, February 24th at 5:45PM
Summer & David Theatre at Quixote Studios West

Disposable Humanity follows Cameron Mitchell’s family, who are Disability Studies scholars and filmmakers that have researched the Nazi Aktion T4 program since the 1990s. Through conversations with memorial directors, disabled people, and relatives of T4 victims, they uncover the horrifying truth: that the Nazi Aktion T4 program, was in fact the program where the Nazis trained killing staff and designed the apparatus of mass murder that led to the Holocaust. Disabled people were the first victims to be killed under the Third Reich and in this investigative documentary, the Mitchells reveal how this history has been covered over and erased from international public memory.

Screens:
Friday, February 21 at 7:15PM
Los AngelesTimes Theater at Quixote Studios West

Saturday, February 22 at 5:30PM
Summer & David at Quixote Studios West

In The Mouth is a surreal dark comedy which follows the travails of a man trapped in his home. Merl has been living his life as a shut-in recluse, in complete isolation, unable to leave his house after discovering a giant version of himself protruding from his lawn, blocking any attempt at escape. He’s run out of money, but Merl he doesn’t pay his rent in the next 5 days his landlord is going to evict him. With no other options left, he is forced to get a roommate to pay him the debt in advance. Larry, an older man traveling shockingly light with only the clothes on his back, heeds the call and comes to live with Merl. It’s an adjustment for sure, but maybe they can learn a thing or two from each other. Or maybe Larry’s just found the perfect place to hide.

Screens:
Friday, February 21 at 4:45PM
Summer & David Theater at Quixote Studios West

Monday, February 24 at 11:30AM
Panasonic LUMIX Theater at Quixote Studios West

Larry (They/Them) looks at the intimate world of young non-binary trans photographer Laurence Philomène as they put together their first book, Puberty, a series of self-portraits documenting their transition during hormone therapy. Mirroring Philomène’s autobiographical approach, Larry (they/them) highlights the cinematic power of the artist’s vibrant, colour-saturated images and above all, their willingness to share their story with authenticity and vulnerability. Gender non-conforming identities, body diversity and the challenges of self-affirmation are also explored through an exclusive foray into Philomène’s family and community. Beyond the story of individual transformation, the film chronicles a society that is likewise transitioning, evolving as it grows.

Screenings:
LA Premiere: Friday, February 21st at 5PM
Los Angeles Times Theatre at Quixote Studios West

Tuesday, February 25th at 2:45PM
Landmark Theatre 3

One Rehearses, the Other Doesn’t is an experimental short film in which Marjorie Annapav plays herself as she immerses in improvisational work and on-stage rehearsals with a fictionalized performance teacher. Drawing from her personal history, she enacts scenes based on the murder of her boyfriend by the mob and her time as a sex worker in 1970s New York. In an effort to discover a version of her life that can play to audiences, Marjorie will probe overlooked behaviors, desires, selves. A peripheral figure in American Surrealism, Annapav is noted for her relationship with artist William Copley, who once claimed he sold his art collection in order to pay her to marry him.

Screens:
Friday, February 21 at 12:15PM
Summer & David Theater at Quixote Studios West

Tuesday, February 25 at 5:15PM
Landmark Theater 3

Silent Trees introduces us to Runa, a 16-year-old Kurdish refugee and her family who have been stranded in an icy forest in the Belarusian-Polish border, denied entry into either country. Runa is forced into responsibilities beyond her years, caring for her younger brothers and being a support for her father after her pregnant mother dies due to the harsh conditions. Eventually placed within a Polish refugee camp, the family grapples with the trauma of their loss while struggling to adapt to a new life in a new country.

Screens:
Friday, February 21 at 2:30PM
Summer & David Theater at Quixote Studios West

Saturday, February 22 at 4:00PM
Los Angeles Times Theater at Quixote Studios West

Hugh Grant in ‘HERETIC’

Heretic poster

Release date: November 8, 2024
Directors and Writers: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rating: R
Run time: 1 hour 51 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Directors’ Scott Beck and Bryan Woods film ‘Heretic’ tells the story of Mr. Reed, a recluse (Hugh Grant) and Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Barnes (Chloe East), Mormon missionaries who come to his front door to spread the Gospel, when all hell breaks out.

Distributor: A24
Producers: Stacey Sher, Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Julia Glausi, Jeanette Volturno
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Cinematographer: Chung Chung-hoon
Editor: Justin Li
Music: Chris Bacon
Production companies: Beck/Woods, Shiny Penny Productions, Catchlight Studios

‘The Substance’ Starring Oscar Nominee Demi Moore

The Substance poster

The Substance tells the story of celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is slowly disappearing from stardom and after being fired by her producer (Dennis Quaid) due to her aging, uses a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) with unexpected side effects.

You are reminded of Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a silent film star in the 1950 film ‘Sunset Boulevard’ but without the drugs.

Distributors: Mubi in the United Kingdom and United States and Filmexport in France
Producers: Coralie Fargeat, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Production Companies: Working Title Films, Blacksmith
Cinematographer: Benjamin Kračun
Editors: Coralie Fargeat, Jérôme Eltabet, Valentin Feron
Music: Raffertie

Coleman Domingo in ‘Sing Sing’

Sing Sing Key Art

‘Sing Sing’ tells the story of Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in Ossining, New York.  The program consists of incarcerated men who create theatrical stage productions. The films stars Colman Domingo as John "Divine G" Whitfield, Sean San José a as Mike Mike and Paul Raci as Brent Buell

Former inmates and members of the program that appeared in the film include David "Dap" Giraudy, Patrick "Preme" Griffin, Mosi Eagle, James "Big E" Williams, Sean "Dino" Johnson, Dario Peña, Miguel Valentin, Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, Pedro Cotto, Camillo "Carmine" Lovacco, Cornell "Nate" Alston

Distributor: A24
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
Production companies: Black Bear Pictures, Marfa Peach Company
Producers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Monique Walton
Cinematographer: Pat Scola
Editor: Parker Laramie
Music: Bryce Dessner

AMBER RUFFIN TO HOST THE 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS PRESENTED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

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The 16th Annual AAFCA Awards ceremony will be held on February 19th at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Amber Ruffin Host 16th Annual AFFCA Awards
Amber Ruffin Host 16th Annual AFFCA Awards

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2025 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is thrilled to announce that Emmy and Tony Award-nominated writer, comedian, host, performer, and best-selling author Amber Ruffin will host the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards on February 19, 2025 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements in film and television with a special focus on artistic achievement from the African diaspora. It won’t just be Hollywood enjoying the show this year as AAFCA is proudly including first responders as special guests at this year’s ceremony in honor of their heroic efforts during the recent LA wildfires.

Ruffin brings a wealth of comedic talent and sharp social commentary to the AAFCA stage. Known for her innovative and versatile voice, she has made a significant impact on the entertainment landscape. 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 acclaimed comedy-news weekly talks series, Have I Got News For You, which she leads opposite Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr., who hosted last year’s AAFCA Awards ceremony. It was recently announced that Ruffin will host the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on April 26.

Her television writing credits also include HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, Comedy Central’s Detroiters, and major awards telecasts including the Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes. As a celebrated theater writer, Ruffin wrote a new book for the smash-hit Broadway revival of the iconic musical The Wiz and was nominated for a Tony Award for co-writing the acclaimed musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot. She is currently developing an original musical comedy, Bigfoot.

Ruffin’s previous hosting experience includes the critically acclaimed The Amber Ruffin Show, which ran from 2020-2023 on Peacock and garnered Emmy, Critics Choice, TCA, NAACP Image, and GLAAD Media Award nominations. Her fresh perspective and engaging style have solidified her as a leading voice in comedy.

"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."

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