Winners in 13 categories recognizing outstanding achievements in television and streaming to be announced July 1st, with Tracy Morgan to receive the inaugural Flip Wilson Award
LOS ANGELES, CA, June 10, 2026 – High above the City of Angels, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) will celebrate six honorees at the 8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors, taking place Saturday, August 8, 2026, at City Club LA in Downtown Los Angeles. Continuing its long-standing tradition, AAFCA will honor some of the industry's most influential creatives, executives, storytellers, and performers with Special Achievement Awards, recognizing their contributions to television and their impact on culture. Honorees for the 2026 ceremony include acclaimed actor and comedian Tracy Morgan (the inaugural Flip Wilson Award), President of Original Programming at STARZ Kathryn Busby (TV Vanguard Award), writer-producer Celeste Hughey (Impact Award), Senior Vice President of Current Programming at Sony Pictures Television Lamar Chase (Horizon Award), and writer-producer Felicia Pride (Salute to Excellence Award). Winners and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
New this year, AAFCA will introduce the inaugural Flip Wilson Award, recognizing individuals whose comedic artistry and cultural impact continue the legacy of the groundbreaking entertainer and television pioneer. A trailblazing comedian, actor and host, Wilson became a household name in the 1970s through “The Flip Wilson Show,” a landmark series that transformed the television landscape with culturally resonant humor and historic visibility for Black entertainers. The award celebrates artists who use comedy as a vehicle for cultural commentary while reflecting the richness, complexity and authenticity of Black stories. Tracy Morgan will receive the inaugural honor for his enduring contributions to comedy and for continuing that tradition through his performance in NBC’s “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.”
Beyond the TV Honors, AAFCA's summer programming slate reflects the organization's year-round commitment to celebrating excellence and cultivating industry talent. Through partnerships with the Grammy Museum, SAG-AFTRA, and the American Cinematheque, AAFCA will present AAFCA Black Music Spotlight, AAFCA Spotlights PRIDE, AAFCA Next Gen with SAG-AFTRA, and AAFCA Highlights Below the Line.
The 2026 AAFCA TV Honors special achievement honorees include:
- Flip Wilson Award – Tracy Morgan
- TV Vanguard Award – Kathryn Busby
- Impact Award – Celeste Hughey
- Horizon Award – Lamar Chase
- Salute to Excellence Award – Felicia Pride
8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors Voting Timeline
June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026 Eligibility Window
April 1, 2026 Submissions Open
June 12, 2026 Submissions Close
June 14, 2026 - June 21, 2026 Voting Window
July 1, 2026 Winners Announced
August 8, 2026 8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors
*Please note there is no fee or application required for submissions.
TRACY MORGAN – Flip Wilson Award
Emmy nominated actor and comedian Tracy Morgan remains one of comedy’s most distinctive and influential voices, known for a career that has consistently blended fearless humor with emotional honesty and cultural commentary. From his groundbreaking work on “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” to stand up specials and film performances, Morgan has built a legacy rooted in authenticity and resilience. He currently stars in NBC’s hit comedy “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” a predominantly Black led series that explores family, fame and identity through a sharp contemporary mockumentary lens. Morgan’s work continues to resonate with audiences across generations while carrying forward a tradition of comedy that is both entertaining and socially reflective.
KATHRYN BUSBY – TV Vanguard Award
Kathryn Busby is a highly regarded media executive whose leadership has helped shape some of television’s most ambitious and culturally relevant programming. As President of Original Programming at STARZ, Busby has championed bold storytelling and creator driven content that amplifies underrepresented voices and perspectives across premium television. Throughout her career at companies including Sony Pictures Television, TriStar Television and Turner Broadcasting, she has consistently advocated for inclusive development and opportunities for diverse talent both on screen and behind the scenes. Busby’s influence continues to help redefine the business and creative landscape of television while opening doors for the next generation of creators and executives.
CELESTE HUGHEY – Impact Award
Celeste Hughey has quickly emerged as one of television’s most exciting contemporary voices through storytelling that blends humor, emotional authenticity and social relevance. As creator and executive producer of Peacock’s “The ’Burbs,” Hughey reimagined the cult classic through a modern lens, centering a Black female lead portrayed by Keke Palmer as the only Black resident navigating an unsettling suburban community. The series features a diverse creative team both behind and in front of the camera, reflecting Hughey’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and multidimensional representation. Through projects including “Palm Royale” and “Dead to Me,” Hughey continues creating impactful stories that challenge convention while connecting with audiences across generations and backgrounds.
LAMAR CHASE – Horizon Award
Lamar Chase is part of a new generation of entertainment creatives helping redefine how diverse stories are developed and championed across television and digital platforms. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to elevating fresh voices, Chase has built a reputation as a rising industry force focused on culturally resonant storytelling and emerging talent. His work consistently reflects an understanding of how contemporary audiences engage with authentic narratives rooted in community and identity. As the television landscape continues to evolve, Chase represents the next wave of creators and executives shaping a more inclusive future for the industry.
FELICIA PRIDE – Salute to Excellence Award
Felicia Pride is an acclaimed writer, producer and storyteller whose work consistently centers nuanced portrayals of Black life, relationships and ambition. Through projects spanning television, film and digital media, Pride has become known for emotionally grounded storytelling that amplifies the voices and experiences of Black women and communities often overlooked in mainstream entertainment. Her work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, representation and creating pathways for emerging writers and creatives of color within the industry. As a creative force and advocate, Pride continues advancing excellence in storytelling while helping shape a television landscape that is richer and more inclusive.
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.
