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GRAMMY WINNERS, A FULL LIST

Check out the winners of this year’s Grammy!

RECORD OF THE YEAR 

WINNER: Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"
The Beatles - "Now and Then"
Beyoncé - "Texas Hold ’Em"
Billie Eilish - "Birds of a Feather"
Chappell Roan - "Good Luck, Babe!"
Charli XCX - "360"
Sabrina Carpenter - "Espresso"
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone - "Fortnight"

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter
André 3000 - New Blue Sun
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Charli XCX - Brat
Jacob Collier - Djesse Vol. 4
Sabrina Carpenter - Short n’ Sweet
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

SONG OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"
Beyoncé - "Texas Hold ’Em"
Billie Eilish - "Birds of a Feather"
Chappell Roan - "Good Luck, Babe!"
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - "Die With a Smile"
Sabrina Carpenter - "Please Please Please"
Shaboozey - "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone - "Fortnight"

BEST NEW ARTIST

WINNER: Chappell Roan
Benson Boone
Doechii
Khruangbin
Raye
Sabrina Carpenter
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
WINNER: Daniel Nigro
Alissia
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Ian Fitchuk
Mustard

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
WINNER: Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessi Alexander
Jessie Jo Dillon
Raye

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Daniel Nigro
Beyoncé - "Bodyguard"
Chappell Roan - "Good Luck, Babe!"
Charli XCX - "Apple"

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - "Die With a Smile"
Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica - "The Boy Is Mine – Remix"
Beyoncé Featuring Post Malone - "Levii’s Jeans"
Charli XCX & Billie Eilish - "Guess" Featuring Billie Eilish
Gracie Abrams Featuring Taylor Swift - "Us."

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter - Short n’ Sweet
Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC RECORDING
WINNER: Justice & Tame Impala - "Neverender"
Disclosure - "She’s Gone, Dance On"
Four Tet - "Loved"
Fred Again.. & Baby Keem - "Leavemealone"
Kaytranada Featuring Childish Gambino - "Witchy"

BEST DANCE POP RECORDING
WINNER: Charli XCX - "Von Dutch"
Ariana Grande - "Yes, And?"
Billie Eilish - "L’Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit]"
Madison Beer - "Make You Mine"
Troye Sivan - "Got Me Started"

 BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC MUSIC ALBUM
WINNER: Charli XCX - Brat
Four Tet - Three
Justice - Hyperdrama
Kaytranada - Timeless
Zedd - Telos

Best Remixed Recording
WINNER: Charli XCX - "Von Dutch"
Charli XCX - "Von Dutch" A. G. Cook Remix Featuring Addison Rae
Doechii & Kaytranada Featuring JT - "Alter Ego (Kaytranada Remix)"
Julian Marley & Antaeus - "Jah Sees Them (Amapiano Remix)"
WIx
Shaboozey & David Guetta - "A Bar Song (Tipsy) (Remix)"

 

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Charli XCX - "Von Dutch"
Chris Brown - "Residuals"
Coco Jones - "Here We Go (Uh Oh)"
Jhené Aiko - "Guidance"
SZA - "Saturn"

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Lucky Daye - "That’s You"Kenyon Dixon - "Can I Have This Groove"
Lalah Hathaway Featuring Michael McDonald - "No Lie"
Marsha Ambrosius - "Wet"
Muni Long - "Make Me Forget"

BEST R&B SONG
WINNER: SZA - "Saturn"
Coco Jones - "Here We Go (Uh Oh)"
Kehlani - "After Hours"
Muni Long - "Ruined Me"
Tems - "Burning"

BEST PROGRESSIVEE R&B ALBUM
WINNER — TIE: Avery*Sunshine - So Glad to Know You
WINNER — TIE: NxWorries - Why Lawd?
Childish Gambino - Bando Stone and the New World
Durand Bernarr - En Route
Kehlani - Crash

BEST R&B ALBUM 

WINNER: Chris Brown - 11:11 (Deluxe)
Lalah Hathaway - Vantablack
Lucky Daye - Algorithm
Muni Long - Revenge
Usher - Coming Home

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
WINNER — TIE: NxWorries - Why Lawd?
Cardi B - "Enough (Miami)"
Common & Pete Rock Featuring Posdnuos - "When the Sun Shines Again"
Doechii - "Nissan Altima"
Eminem - "Houdini"
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar - "Like That"
GloRilla - "Yeah Glo!"

ST MELODIC RAP PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Rapsody Featuring Erykah Badu - "3:AM"
Beyoncé, Linda Martell & Shaboozey - "Spaghettii"
Future, Metro Boomin & The Weeknd - "We Still Don’t Trust You"
Jordan Adetunji Featuring Kehlani - "Kehlani (Remix)"
Latto - "Big Mama"

BEST RAP SONG
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"
Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar - "Like That"
GloRilla - "Yeah Glo!"
Rapsody & Hit-Boy - "Asteroids"
¥$, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign & Rich the Kid Featuring Playboi Carti - "Carnival"

BEST RAP ALBUM est Rap Album
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar - "Not Like Us"
Common & Pete Rock - The Auditorium Vol. 1
Eminem - The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)
Future & Metro Boomin - We Don’t Trust You
J. Cole - Might Delete Later

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Chris Stapleton - "It Takes a Woman"
Beyoncé - "16 Carriages"
Jelly Roll - "I Am Not Okay"
Kacey Musgraves - "The Architect"
Shaboozey - "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus - "II Most Wanted"
Brothers Osborne - "Break Mine"
Dan + Shay - "Bigger Houses"
Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan - "Cowboys Cry Too"
Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen - "I Had Some Help"

BEST COUNTRY SONG
WINNER: Kacey Musgraves - "The Architect"
Beyoncé - "Texas Hold ’Em"
Jelly Roll - "I Am Not Okay"
Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen - "I Had Some Help"
Shaboozey - "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
WINNER: Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter
Chris Stapleton - Higher
Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well
Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind
Post Malone - F-1 Trillion

BEST AMERICANA PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Sierra Ferrell - "American Dreaming"
Beyoncé - "Ya Ya"
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - "Empty Trainload of Sky"
Madi Diaz & Kacey Musgraves - "Don’t Do Me Good"
Madison Cunningham - "Subtitles"
Sarah Jarosz - "Runaway Train"

BEST LATIN POP ALBUM
WINNER: Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran
Anitta - Funk Generation
Kali Uchis - Orquídeas
Kany García - García
Luis Fonsi - El Viaje

BEST MUSICA URBANA ALBUM
WINNER: Residente - Las Letras Ya No Importan
Bad Bunny - Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana
Feid - Ferxxocalipsis
J Balvin - Rayo
Young Miko - Att.

BEST MUSICA MEXICANA ALBUM (Including Tejano)
WINNER: Carín León - Boca Chueca, Vol. 1
Chiquis - Diamantes
Jessi Uribe - De Lejitos
Peso Pluma - Éxodo

BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE
WINNER: Tems - "Love Me JeJe"
Asake & Wizkid - "MMS"
Burna Boy - "Higher"
Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay - "Sensational"

Yemi Alade - "Tomorrow"

 

Best Global Music Album
WINNER: Matt B & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Alkebulan II

 

Antonio Rey - Historias de un Flamenco

Ciro Hurtado – Paisajes

Rema - Heis

Tems - Born in the Wild

 

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

WINNER: Hans Zimmer - Dune: Part Two

Kris Bowers - The Color Purple

Laura Karpman - American Fiction

Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross & Leopold Ross - Shōgun

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - Challengers

 

Best Song Written for Visual Media

WINNER: Jon Batiste - "It Never Went Away" (From the Netflix Documentary American Symphony)

Barbra Streisand - "Love Will Survive" (From The Tattooist of Auschwitz)

Luke Combs - "Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma" (From Twisters: The Album)

*NSync & Justin Timberlake - "Better Place" (From Trolls Band Together)

Olivia Rodrigo - "Can’t Catch Me Now" (From The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes)

 

Best Music Video
WINNER: Jon Batiste - "It Never Went Away" (From the Netflix Documentary American Symphony)
A$AP Rocky - "Tailor Swif"
Charli XCX - "360"
Eminem - "Houdini"
Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone - "Fortnight"

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION (AAFCA)’S 2025 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS LUNCHEON TOOK PLACE IN LOS ANGELES ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 

Lynn Whitfield, RaMell Ross, Kelly Rowland, and more among event attendees 

First Responders Attended in Honor of Their Wildfire Relief Efforts

AAFCA Luncheon Logo

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) hosted the 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon honoring cinematic excellence at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Sunday, February 2nd. A distinguished event celebrating the diverse and influential voices shaping the cinematic landscape, this annual invitation-only awards ceremony honored individuals for their prolific contributions to the entertainment industry.

Attendees included honorees Lynn Whitfield (Legacy Award), Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse (Next Gen Award), “Nickel Boys” and RaMell Ross (Karen & Stanley Kramer Social Justice Award), Amber Rasberry (Horizon Award), and Taura Stinson (Ascension Award).

Presenters and special guests included Keith David, Deric Augustine, Kathryn Bostic, Kelly Rowland, DeVon Franklin, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jennifer & Kat Kramer, along with AAFCA President and Founder Gil Robertson, who presided over the event.

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Keith David attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Amber Rasberry attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA RaMell Ross attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA attends AAFCA’s Lynn Whitfield Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Karen Kramer attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Taura Stinson attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd
Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

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. 

Micheal B. Jordan Stars in Director Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS in Theaters April 18, 2025

Release date   April 18, 2025

Director and writer Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li, Delroy Lindo
Genre:  Supernatural Horror, thriller
Run time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

SINNERS tells the story of twin brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, but find that maybe the worse decision of their lives.

Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Cinematographer: Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Editor: Michael P. Shawver
Music: Ludwig Göransson
Production company: Proximity Media
Distributer: Warner Bros. Pictures

 

PAFF Announces Cancellation of 2025 ArtFest Amidst Challenges Caused by Recent Fires

Los Angeles, CA — The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF), the nation’s largest and most prestigious celebration of Pan African culture, has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated 2025 ArtFest to later this year.

The decision to cancel the ArtFest comes in response to unforeseen challenges caused by the recent fires, which significantly impacted planning and logistics. “We are committed to delivering the highest quality experiences for our audience, and in light of these challenges, we felt it was necessary to take the time to ensure the ArtFest meets the exceptional standards our audience expects and deserves,” said Oduduwa Olatunji Executive Director of PAFF.

Despite the postponement of the ArtFest, PAFF’s signature events will continue as planned, including:

• International Black Film Festival featuring over 150 films
• Children’s Fest - A free fun-filled event showcasing kid-friendly films and activities designed to educate and entertain young audiences.
• Student Fest - A curated program of films for students in grades 6-12, addressing today’s social issues and topics that matter most to young people.
• Spokenword Fest - A powerful showcase of spoken word artists delivering electrifying performances that celebrate culture, identity, and expression.
• LOL Comedy Show - An unforgettable night of laughter featuring top comedians from across the diaspora bringing humor and heart to the stage.
• A robust lineup of panel discussions that make up the PAFF Institute

The 2025 Pan African Film Festival itself remains a full-scale celebration of Pan African art and storytelling, featuring an extraordinary lineup of films, events, and cultural experiences. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the powerful and diverse stories showcased on screen while PAFF works behind the scenes to prepare an unforgettable ArtFest experience later this year.

The 2025 Pan African Film Festival runs from February 4-17 in Los Angeles, CA. For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit paff.org.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is proud to be supported by an incredible lineup of sponsors who share our commitment to celebrating Black art, culture, and storytelling. This year’s sponsors include Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, District 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Culver City, the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, District 8, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Curren D. Price Jr., District 9 and Heather Hutt, District 10.  Additional support for PAFF comes from Stocker Street Creative, Gilead Sciences, SAGindie, Sony Pictures, DGA, US Bank, BeiGene, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

About Pan African Film & Arts Festival:

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at paff.org.

“Magazine Dreams” to Open 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Jonathan Majors’ Gritty, Acclaimed Drama Kicks Off a Celebration of Black Storytelling in Cinema’s Grandest Showcase

Majors to Attend Along with Actress Meagan Good

MD_EB_SELECT_4551_R_LIGHT2

— The 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival is set to open Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at The Culver Theater with MAGAZINE DREAMS, the gripping and critically acclaimed drama from writer-director Elijah Bynum, starring Emmy-winning actor Jonathan Majors (“Lovecraft Country”) in a transformative performance.

MAGAZINE DREAMS, which stars Majors alongside Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Harrison Page, and Mike O’Hearn, will set the stage for another groundbreaking year of celebrating Black storytelling on the big screen. Majors, who is also a celebrity ambassador for the 2025 PAFF, will attend hitting the red-carpet alongside a star[1]studded list of celebrities. He will be introduced by actress Meagan Good (“Harlem”).

Killian Maddox is consumed by his dream of becoming a world-famous bodybuilder and one day gracing the cover of fitness magazines. He lives a lonely, regimented life, and his relentless drive for perfection only pushes him deeper towards self-destruction, but beneath his tenacious pursuit of superstardom lies a desperate, aching need for human connection. As he battles both the limits of his physical body and his own inner demons, MAGAZINE DREAMS explores the lengths one man will go in his haunting quest for recognition in a world that often overlooks him.

MAGAZINE DREAMS is directed and written by Malcolm Elijah Bynum. The film produced by Jennifer Fox, Dan Gilroy, Simon Horsman, Jeffrey Soros, Luke Rodgers with executive producers. Lemuel Plummer, LJ Plummer and Jason Tolbert. The distributor is Briarcliff Entertainment with Zeus Network as Briarcliff’s marketing partner for MAGAZINE DREAMS.

“We are thrilled to open the 2025 Pan African Film Festival with a film that challenges, moves, and sparks critical conversation,” said PAFF Executive Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “Magazine Dreams is a bold and necessary work that speaks to the complexities of Black identity and ambition, making it a perfect launch for this year’s festival.”

Now in its 33rd year, PAFF continues to be a leading platform for films that elevate global Black voices. As the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the United States, PAFF has been instrumental in showcasing the work of established and emerging filmmakers from across the African diaspora.

The 2025 Pan African Film Festival will take place February 4-17, 2025, in Los Angeles, featuring a lineup of narrative features, documentaries, and short films from the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Tickets for Opening Night are on sale along with tickets to the rest of the Festival’s presentations now at www.paff.org.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is proud to be supported by an incredible lineup of sponsors who share our commitment to celebrating Black art, culture, and storytelling. This year’s sponsors include Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, District 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Culver City, the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, District 8, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Curren D. Price Jr., District 9 and Heather Hutt, District 10. Additional support for PAFF comes from Stocker Street Creative, Gilead Sciences, SAGindie, Sony Pictures, DGA, US Bank, BeiGene, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

About Pan African Film & Arts Festival:

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at

Universal Pictures ‘WICKED’

Wicked_(2024_film)_poster

Director: Jon M. Chu
Screenplay:     Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Bas:d on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman; Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

The film tells the story of the stage musical's first act. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande[b] as Galinda Upland, with Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum in supporting roles. Set in the Land of Oz, before Dorothy Gale's arrival from Kansas, its plot follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with her classmate Galinda, who becomes Glinda the Good.

PAFF Unveils 2025 Film Guide

Dream Beyond: PAFF Unveils 2025 Film Guide with Premieres, Award-Winning Selections, and Diverse Voices from 34 Countries

Los Angeles, CA — The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), the largest international Black film festival in the United States, proudly announces the release of its highly anticipated 2025 Film Guide. The PAFF Film Guide offers a first look at the extraordinary lineup of films selected for this year’s festival taking place February 4-23, 2025, in Los Angeles. While PAFF runs through the 23rd, all of its films will screen February 10-17. This year PAFF will showcase an exceptional selection of over 150 films, with a lineup that includes 46 documentaries, 100 narratives, 46 features, 100 shorts, and six web series. The festival will host an impressive array of premieres, including 30 world premieres, 16 U.S. premieres, 36 West Coast premieres, and 16 Los Angeles premieres, and it proudly highlights the work of 51 female filmmakers and 10 queer filmmakers representing 34 countries in 19 languages.

“This year’s lineup reflects the power and scope of Black storytelling from across the globe,” said PAFF Executive Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “From international award contenders to groundbreaking premieres, we are thrilled to present a festival that celebrates the voices, cultures, and perspectives of Black America, Africa, and the African diaspora.” Among the highly acclaimed selections are Soundtrack to a Coup D’État, nominated for Best Documentary Feature for the 97th Academy Awards (2025) and NAWI, Kenya’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards (2025). These Oscar[1]contending films are joined by a dynamic slate of compelling narratives, groundbreaking documentaries, and innovative shorts, offering a vibrant showcase of the creativity and depth of films made by and/or about people of African descent throughout the world.

Olatunji continued, “We are thrilled that South African film The Last Ranger, directed by Cindy Lee, received an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards! This incredible achievement comes after the film won Best Short Narrative Film at the 2024 Pan African Film and Arts Festival that allowed it to qualify for the Academy Awards. The Last Ranger is a shining example of how films showcased at PAFF go on to achieve great things, further cementing the festival’s reputation as a launchpad for groundbreaking Black storytelling and talent.

” PAFF is an Oscars qualifying film festival for the Academy Awards in the categories of: Best Short Narrative Film, Best Short Documentary, and Best Animated Short.

In a joint statement, PAFF Programmers added, “The selection process for PAFF is always an inspiring yet challenging journey, as we sift through hundreds of extraordinary submissions from across the globe. The films chosen for this year’s festival represent the bold creativity, diverse perspectives, and profound storytelling that define the African diaspora. They challenge us to think deeply, dream beyond limitations, and celebrate the richness of our shared humanity.”

PAFF ArtFest This year, PAFF expands its reach with new venues in Culver City, providing audiences with even more opportunities to experience the dynamic lineup of films, panels, and special events. Adding to the excitement is the return of the beloved ArtFest, hosted at the Westfield Culver City, where attendees can explore an inspiring showcase of fine art, jewelry, fashion, and unique crafts from talented artisans across the globe. These new locations reflect PAFF’s commitment to bringing the community together and celebrating Black excellence in art, culture, and storytelling in vibrant and accessible spaces.

As PAFF continues its legacy of amplifying Black stories and talent, the 2025 festival invites audiences to embrace this year’s theme, Dream Beyond, celebrating the boundless creativity, resilience, and innovation of the African diaspora. Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with screenings, panels, and special events that inspire discovery, spark meaningful dialogue, and foster a vibrant sense of community. For more information and to explore the full 2025 Film Guide, visit paff.org.

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is proud to be supported by an incredible lineup of sponsors who share our commitment to celebrating Black art, culture, and storytelling. This year’s sponsors include Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, District 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Culver City, the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, District 8, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Curren D. Price Jr., District 9 and Heather Hutt, District 10, and Westfield Culver City. Additional support for PAFF comes from Stocker Street Creative, SAGindie, Sony Pictures, DGA, US Bank, BeiGene, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).

Their support helps make this festival a powerful platform for creativity, connection, and community.

About Pan African Film & Arts Festival:

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at paff.org.

‘Wicked: Part I’ Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera

Poster

Released November 22, 2024, in the United States

Director: Jon M. Chu
Screenplay: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Genre: Musical, fantasy
Rating: PG
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Jon Chu’s ‘Wicked: Part I’ covers the musical's first act in the Land of Oz before Dorothy Gale's arrival from Kansas and how Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her friendship with her classmate Galinda, the future Glinda the Good develops over time.

The additional cast are young Elphaba (Karis Musongole); Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande-Butera), a popular young woman who becomes Glinda the Good; Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), a prince from Winkie Country who meets Elphaba and Glinda at school; Boq Woodsman (Ethan Slater), a Munchkin in love with Glinda; Pfannee (Bowen Yang), one of Glinda's college friends; Nessarose Thropp (Marissa Bode) Elphaba's paraplegic younger sister; young Nessarose (Cesily Collette Taylor); Dr. Dillamond (as the voice of Peter Dinklage ), a talking Goat and history professor at Shiz University, Dr. Dillamond (movement artist Luisa Guerrerio); Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh ), the Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University; The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum); Governor Thropp (Andy Nyman ), Elphaba and Nessarose's father and the Governor of Munchkinland; Mrs. Thropp  (Courtney-Mae Briggs) , Elphaba and Nessarose's mother, who dies after giving birth to Nessarose; Miss Coddle (Keala Settle), the headmistress of Shiz University, Avaric (Aaron Teoh), Fiyero's friend.

 

Distributor: Universal Pictures
Producers: Marc Platt, David Stone
Production companies: Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions
Cinematographer: Alice Brooks
Editor: Myron Kerstein
Music score: John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Music songs: Stephen Schwartz

NOMUNEES FOR THE 2025 SCREEN ACTORS’ GUILD

MOVIES

Best ensemble cast

“Anora”
“A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Emilia Pérez"
“Wicked”

Best actor

Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
Daniel Craig, “Queer”
Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”

Best actress

Pamela Anderson, “The Last Showgirl”
Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
Karla Sofía Gascón, “Emilia Pérez"
Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Demi Moore, “The Substance”

Best supporting actor

Jonathan Bailey, “Wicked”
Yura Borisov, “Anora”
Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”

Best supporting actress

Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
Jamie Lee Curtis, "The Last Showgirl"
Danielle Deadwyler, "The Piano Lesson"
Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"

Best stunt ensemble

“Deadpool & Wolverine”
“Dune: Part Two”
“The Fall Guy”
“Gladiator II”
“Wicked”

TELEVISION

Best drama ensemble

Anna Sawai stars in "Shogun," up for best drama ensemble at the SAG Awards.© FX
“Bridgerton”
“The Day of the Jackal”
“The Diplomat”
“Shōgun"
“Slow Horses”

Best comedy ensemble

“Abbott Elementary”
“The Bear”
“Hacks”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Shrinking”

Best actor in a drama series

Tadanobu Asano, “Shōgun"
Jeff Bridges, “The Old Man”
Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
Eddie Redmayne, “The Day of the Jackal”
Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shōgun”

Best actress in a drama series

Kathy Bates, “Matlock”
Nicola Coughlan, “Bridgerton”
Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”
Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”
Anna Sawai, “Shōgun”

Best actor in a comedy series

Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”
Ted Danson, “A Man on the Inside”
Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

Best actress in a comedy series

Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Jean Smart, “Hacks”

Best actor in a TV movie or limited series

Javier Bardem, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Colin Farrell, “The Penguin”
Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”
Kevin Kline, “Disclaimer”
Andrew Scott, “Ripley”

Best actress in a TV movie or limited series

Kathy Bates, “The Great Lillian Hall”
Cate Blanchett, “Disclaimer”
Jodie Foster, “True Detective: Night Country”
Lily Gladstone, “Under the Bridge”
Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”
Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin”

Best stunt ensemble

“The Boys”
“Fallout”
“House of the Dragon”
“The Penguin”
“Shōgun”

2025 Golden Globes Winners

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

  • Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez" — Winner
  • Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
  • Selena Gomez, "Emilia Pérez"
  • Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"
  • Margaret Qualley, "The Substance"
  • Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy

  • Jean Smart, "Hacks" — Winner
  • Kristen Bell, "Nobody Wants This"
  • Quinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary"
  • Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear"
  • Selena Gomez, "Only Murders in the Building"
  • Kathryn Hahn, "Agatha All Along"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

  • Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain" — Winner
  • Yura Borisov, "Anora"
  • Edward Norton, "A Complete Unknown"
  • Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"
  • Jeremy Strong, "The Apprentice"
  • Denzel Washington, "Gladiator II"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama

  • Hiroyuki Sanada, "Shōgun" — Winner
  • Donald Glover, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"
  • Jake Gyllenhaal, "Presumed Innocent"
  • Gary Oldman, "Slow Horses"
  • Eddie Redmayne, "The Day of the Jackal"
  • Billy Bob Thornton, "Landman"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series

  • Jessica Gunning, "Baby Reindeer" — Winner
  • Liza Colon-Zayas, "The Bear"
  • Hannah Einbinder, "Hacks"
  • Dakota Fanning, "Ripley"
  • Allison Janney, "The Diplomat"
  • Kali Reis, "True Detective: Night Country"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series

  • Tadanobu Asano, "Shōgun" — Winner
  • Javier Bardem, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"
  • Harrison Ford, "Shrinking"
  • Jack Lowden, "Slow Horses"
  • Diego Luna, "La Maquina"
  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach, "The Bear"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy

  • Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear" — Winner
  • Adam Brody, "Nobody Wants This"
  • Ted Danson, "A Man on the Inside"
  • Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"
  • Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"
  • Jason Segel, "Shrinking"

Best Screenplay — Motion Picture

  • Peter Straughan, "Conclave" — Winner
  • Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez"
  • Sean Baker, "Anora"
  • Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, "The Brutalist"
  • Jesse Eisenberg, "A Real Pain"
  • Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance"

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television

  • Ali Wong, "Single Lady" — Winner
  • Jamie Foxx, "What Had Happened Was"
  • Nikki Glaser, "Someday You'll Die"
  • Seth Meyers, "Dad Man Walking"
  • Adam Sandler, "Love You"
  • Ramy Youssef, "More Feelings"

Best Motion Picture — Non-English Language

  • "Emilia Pérez" — Winner
  • "All We Imagine as Light"
  • "The Girl with the Needle"
  • "I'm Still Here"
  • "The Seed of the Sacred Fig"
  • "Vermiglio"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

  • Colin Farrell, "The Penguin" — Winner
  • Richard Gadd, "Baby Reindeer"
  • Kevin Kline, "Disclaimer"
  • Cooper Koch, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"
  • Ewan McGregor, "A Gentleman in Moscow"
  • Andrew Scott, "Ripley"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

  • Jodie Foster, "True Detective: Night Country" — Winner
  • Cate Blanchett, "Disclaimer"
  • Cristin Milioti, "The Penguin"
  • Sofia Vergara, "Griselda"
  • Naomi Watts, "Feud: Capote vs. The swans"
  • Kate Winslet, "The Regime"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

  • Demi Moore, "The Substance" — Winner
  • Amy Adams, "Nightbitch"
  • Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"
  • Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"
  • Zendaya, "Challengers"
  • Mikey Madison, "Anora"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

  • Sebastian Stan, "A Different Man" — Winner
  • Jesse Eisenberg, "A Real Pain"
  • Hugh Grant, "Heretic"
  • Gabriel LaBelle, "Saturday Night"
  • Jesse Plemons, "Kinds of Kindness"
  • Glen Powell, "Hit Man"

Best Motion Picture — Animated

  • "Flow" — Winner
  • "Inside Out 2"
  • "Memoir of a Snail"
  • "Moana 2"
  • "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl"
  • "The Wild Robot"

Best Director — Motion Picture

  • Brady Corbet, "The Brutalist" — Winner
  • Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez"
  • Sean Baker, "Anora"
  • Edward Berger, "Conclave"
  • Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance"
  • Payal Kapadia, "All We Imagine as Light"

Best Original Score — Motion Picture

  • Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, "Challengers" — Winner
  • Volker Bertelmann, "Conclave"
  • Daniel Blumberg, "The Brutalist"
  • Kris Bowers, "The Wild Robot"
  • Clément Ducol, Camille, "Emilia Pérez"
  • Hans Zimmer, "Dune: Part Two"

Best Original Song — Motion Picture

  • "El Mal," by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard (from "Emilia Pérez") — Winner
  • "Beautiful That Way," by Miley Cyrus, Lykke Li and Andrew Wyatt (from "The Last Showgirl")
  • "Compress/Repress," by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross & Luca Guadagnino (from "Challengers")
  • "Forbidden Road," by Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler & Sacha Skarbek ("Better Man")
  • "Kiss The Sky," by Delacey, Jordan Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack & Ali Tamposi (from "The Wild Robot")
  • "Mi Camino," by Clément Ducol and Camille (from "Emilia Pérez")

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

  • "Wicked" — Winner
  • "Alien: Romulus"
  • "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
  • "Deadpool & Wolverine"
  • "Gladiator II"
  • "Inside Out 2"
  • "Twisters"
  • "The Wild Robot"

Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

  • "Baby Reindeer" — Winner
  • "Disclaimer"
  • "Monsters: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story"
  • "The Penguin"
  • "Ripley"
  • "True Detective: Night Country"

Best Television Series — Comedy Or Musical

  • "Hacks" — Winner
  • "Abbott Elementary"
  • "The Bear"
  • "The Gentlemen"
  • "Nobody Wants This"
  • "Only Murders in the Building"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama

  • Anna Sawai, "Shōgun" — Winner
  • Kathy Bates, "Matlock"
  • Emma D'Arcy, "House of the Dragon"
  • Maya Erskine, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
  • Keira Knightley, "Black Doves"
  • Keri Russell, "The Diplomat"

Best Television Series — Drama

  • "Shōgun" — Winner
  • "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
  • "The Diplomat"
  • "Squid Game"
  • "Slow Horses"
  • "The Day of the Jackal"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama

  • Fernanda Torres, "I'm Still Here" — Winner
  • Pamela Anderson, "The Last Showgirl"
  • Angelina Jolie, "Maria"
  • Nicole Kidman, "Babygirl"
  • Tilda Swinton, "The Room Next Door"
  • Kate Winslet, "Lee"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama

  • Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist" — Winner
  • Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"
  • Daniel Craig, "Queer"
  • Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"
  • Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave"
  • Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice"

Best Motion Picture — Drama

  • "The Brutalist" — Winner
  • "A Complete Unknown"
  • "Conclave"
  • "Dune: Part Two"
  • "Nickel Boys"
  • "September 5"

Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

  • "Emilia Pérez" — Winner
  • "Anora"
  • "Challengers"
  • "A Real Pain"
  • "The Substance"
  • "Wicked"