Unspool Hollywood

SERIESFEST ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR UPCOMING FESTIVAL

‘The Four Seasons’ Series Star Marco Calvani To Be Presented
With ‘Breakthrough Actor’ Award

Highlights Include International Spotlight to Showcase Global Series, Timely Industry Conversations on Topics Like AI and Inclusion, and a Live Podcast Recording

Marco Calvani Photo Credit: Gerson Lopes

April 9, 2025 (Denver, CO) - SeriesFest has added new panels, screenings and special events in the lineup for the festival’s 11th season, taking place in Denver April 29 - May 4. Actor Marco Calvani from the upcoming Netflix comedy series “The Four Seasons” from Universal Television will be honored with the “Breakthrough Actor” award at an advance screening and panel featuring Calvani and series co-showrunner and co-writer, Tracey Wigfield.

The ACLU’s podcast At Liberty will turn the mic on its host, W. Kamau Bell (comedian, TV host and longtime ACLU Artist Ambassador for Racial Justice), for a live podcast taping in conversation with Mo Fry Pasic (comedian, actor, writer and host of the Worse Than You podcast) discussing political comedy and making sense of this moment in America. There will also be a panel with SeriesFest alum, actor and filmmaker Kit Williamson (“Unconventional”) and Revry co-founders Damian Pelliccione and Chris Rodriguez to address breaking barriers in traditional media and fostering an inclusive environment for both established and emerging LGBTQ+ talent.

The future of storytelling will be the main topic as Brian Bird (Executive Producer, Co-Creator, “When Calls the Heart”), Chris King (SVP, Drama Development, Sony Pictures Television), and Lindsay Rovegno (Vice President of Production, ESPN Originals) gather to discuss the latest trends shaping the TV landscape, what distributors are actively seeking, and bold predictions for the next wave of hits. In addition, Julie Ann Crommett (Founder and CEO of Collective Moxie), Lawon Exum (Entertainment and Media Director of Disability Belongs) and Elijah McKinnon (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Emmy-nominated non-profit Open Television) will participate in a discussion on the power of media and identity. For SeriesFest’s Vanguard Workshop series, actor and filmmaker Kit Williamson will share his experience crafting compelling pitches in a workshop and design demonstration featuring Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform.

SeriesFest will host SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Flawless Co-CEO & Founder Scott Mann and Wonder Dynamics (an Autodesk company) Co-Founder Nikola Todorovic in a conversation exploring how SAG-AFTRA is navigating the rapidly evolving relationship between the entertainment industry and AI technology.

The only U.S. television festival to feature an International Spotlight, SeriesFest will include the U.S. Premiere Screening of series from France, Egypt, Norway, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. Series included are:

A Better Man (Ølhunden Berit) - Norway, Lithuania - Maipo Film in collaboration with ARTBOX for NRK in co-production with ZDFneo

Ça C'est Paris - France - Mon Voisin Productions, Federation Studios France

Enjoy! - France - produced by LE COLLECTIF 64, broadcast by France.tv Slash

The Island (An t-Eilean) - United Kingdom - Black Camel Pictures for the BBC, UK, in association with All3Media International

Lam shamseya (لام شمسية) - Egypt - Mediahub

"This year’s SeriesFest lineup continues to expand upon what is happening in the industry, not just in the United States, but around the world. The impact of AI, streaming and other technologies bring new challenges and opportunities for the industry,” said SeriesFest Co-Founder & CEO Randi Kleiner. “We aim to highlight the creators and innovators by bringing the people who are leading the industry to SeriesFest to share their perspectives.”

Now in its 11th season, SeriesFest was created to champion and discover innovative projects in the television industry. Please visit seriesfest.com for a full schedule of events. Festival badges granting access to SeriesFest on April 29 - May 4 can be purchased at seriesfest.com. Tickets for the festival’s opening night event with Amy Schumer & Friends can also be purchased separately through AXS.com. Please find programming details at https://seriesfest.com/festival/.

SeriesFest: Season 11 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.

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ABOUT SERIESFEST

SeriesFest, a non-profit organization, champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences. Each spring, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres. Follow @SeriesFest on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

Publicity Contact: Ginsberg / Libby, GLSF@ginsberglibby.com

For General Inquiries: info@seriesfest.com

E-Newsletter Sign-up: HERE

‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Hacks’ and ‘Yellowjackets’ Cast and Creatives Announced as Part of SeriesFest Lineup!

April 3, 2025 (Denver, CO) - SeriesFest announced the programming lineup for the festival’s 11th season, taking place in Denver April 29 - May 4. SeriesFest attendees will get an inside look at the development process, producing, showrunning, and acting from executives and talent from Warner Bros. Television Group, Sony Pictures Television, Universal Studio Group, and more. Panelists include Tawny Cypress (“Yellowjackets”), Mayan Lopez (“Lopez vs Lopez”), Stephen Moyer (“Art Detectives”), Rhea Seehorn (“Cooper’s Bar”), Jocko Sims (“Gross Pointe Garden Society”), and Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”), and industry leaders behind hit series such as “Doc”, “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, “The Real Housewives of New York”, “St. Denis Medical” and “The Voice”. Special screenings, with select panels, include Bad Bangs LLC and Small Ideas’ “Hal & Harper” starring Mark Ruffalo, Lili Reinhart and Cooper Raif; Acorn TV’s “Art Detectives” starring Stephen Moyer; UCP and Peacock’s upcoming “Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” starring Michael Chernus and Gabriel Luna; Emmy® Award-nominated “It’s Bruno!” starring Slick Naim; and “Cooper’s Bar” starring Rhea Seehorn.

SeriesFest will honor Carnival Films, one of the UK's leading television drama companies, with the 2025 “Impact in Television Award” at the festival’s annual Soirée on May 2, 2025. Carnival Films’ Chief Executive Officer Gareth Neame and Managing Director Nigel Marchant, both award-winning producers, will accept the award. Past honorees include Shondaland & Betsy Beers, SAG-AFTRA and Minnie Driver. There will be a special panel with Neame, Marchant and actor Michael Peña during the festival to discuss their celebrated work on “Downton Abbey”, “The Day of The Jackal”, “Belgravia: The Next Chapter”, and the forthcoming “All Her Fault”.

SeriesFest will also host television icon Maury Povich, the longest-running daytime talk show host in history, as he returns to his journalistic roots in a special live taping of his bold new podcast, On Par with Maury Povich. In a compelling, no-holds-barred conversation with award-winning political journalist Jessica Yellin, Povich dives into the power of storytelling, the evolution of media, and the cultural moments that shape our world. This must-see event brings two sharp, seasoned voices together on one stage for a conversation that’s both timely and unforgettable.

"We're thrilled to unveil this year's incredible SeriesFest lineup, packed with opportunities for attendees to dive deep into the most captivating corners of episodic content!" say SeriesFest co-Founders Randi Kleiner & Kaily Smith. “Whether you’re passionate about groundbreaking new shows, the creative process behind your favorite series, or connecting with the people shaping the future of television, this year’s program is designed to inspire, engage, and celebrate the power of storytelling.”

Please find additional details for this year’s programming, including the previously announced competition lineup, at https://seriesfest.com/festival/.

PANELS

Innovation Talk with Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television

A one-on-one conversation with the President of one of the most successful television studios in the world with series including “Law & Order,” “Hacks,” “A Man on the Inside“ “St. Denis Medical,” “Loot,” “Bel-Air” and “The Four Seasons.”

Clips and Conversation with “St. Denis Medical”

Panelists: Eric Ledgin (Co-Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner) and Justin Spitzer (Co-Creator/Executive Producer)

A Conversation with Warner Bros. Television Unscripted Executives

Panelists: Lauren Blincoe (SVP of Current Programming, Telepictures), Lisa Lettunich (SVP of Production & Operations, Warner Bros. Unscripted Television), Dan Peirson (SVP of Programming & Development, Shed Media), and moderated by Mona Kosar Abdi, Senior Correspondent at “Extra.”

The Evolving Role of Actors in Television

Panelists: Tawny Cypress (Yellowjackets), Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs Lopez), Jocko Sims (Grosse Pointe Garden Society), Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary)

Impact In Television with Carnival Films

Panelists: Gareth Neame (Chief Executive Officer, Carnival Films), Nigel Marchant (Managing Director, Carnival Films), Michael Peña (Actor, All Her Fault)

Leading The Narrative: Inside The World of Showrunners

Panelists: Carla Kettner (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Alert: Missing Persons Unit), Barbie Kligman (Showrunner/Executive Producer, Doc), Eric Ledgin (Showrunner/Executive Producer, St. Denis Medical), Audrey Morrissey (Showrunner/Executive Producer, The Voice), and Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Showrunner/Writer/Executive Producer, Boarders)

SCREENINGS“Art Detectives” - WORLD PREMIERE

Acorn TV

Panelists: Stephen Moyer (Executive Producer and Star) and Paul Powell (Executive Producer)

“Cooper’s Bar” - SeriesFest Alumni Spotlight Screening

AMC Networks

Panelists: David Conolly (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Cast), Hannah Davis (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer), Nicholas Morton (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer), Louis Mustillo (Creator/Executive Producer/Cast), and Rhea Seehorn (Creator/Executive Producer/Cast)

“Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” - WORLD PREMIERE

Peacock

Panelist: Patrick Macmanus (Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer)

“Hal & Harper” - COLORADO PREMIERE

Bad Bangs LLC and Small Ideas

Panelist: Cooper Raiff (Creator and Star)

“It’s Bruno!” - SPECIAL SCREENING

Netflix

Panelists: Slick Naim (Creator/Executive Producer/Writer/Star) and Molly Conners (Producer and Founder, Phiphen)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Live Podcast Taping of On Par with Maury Povich

Guest: Jessica Yellin (Former White House Correspondent, Founder of News Not Noise)

SeriesFest Soirée

“Impact in Television Award” presented to Carnival Films’ Chief Executive Officer Gareth Neame and Managing Director Nigel Marchant

Pitch-A-Thon

Panelists: Whitney Fuller (Development Executive, Monkeypaw Productions), Jason Hiro Kim (VP, Good Karma Productions), Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary)

Storyteller’s Live Read Directed by Denzel Whitaker

SeriesFest's Storyteller’s Live Read is a signature event bringing an unproduced television pilot script to life through a live table read. This year's pilot, Singh and Son, written by Vishnu Akella, was chosen by Pacific Electric Picture Company to receive a development deal with the company.

As previously announced, comedian Amy Schumer will open the festival with a one-night-only headline performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She will be joined by comedians and collaborators Mia Jackson (“Life & Beth”) & Jaye McBride (“Inside Amy Schumer”).

SeriesFest: Season 11 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.

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ABOUT SERIESFEST

Publicity Contact: Ginsberg / Libby, GLSF@ginsberglibby.com

For General Inquiries: info@seriesfest.com

E-Newsletter Sign-up: HERE

KINGS OF VEGAS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE RUNNIN’ REBELS HISTORIC LEGACY

Groundbreaking Documentary Marks the 35th Anniversary of UNLV’s 1990 Championship with exclusive Player-Driven Storytelling

March 31, 2025 (Las Vegas, NV) – In honor of the 35th anniversary of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels legendary 1989-90 NCAA championship victory, The Real Story LLC and Hidden Empire Sports (HESC), the newly formed sports division of Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) are teaming up to produce a groundbreaking documentary that finally unveils the full story, directly from the players who lived it.

The four-part UNLV: Kings of Vegas documentary will explore one of the most dynamic and polarizing college basketball teams ever. It won’t shy away from the controversies surrounding the UNLV squad and will take an in-depth look at the rise of some of the most electrifying college players—Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Anderson Hunt, and more. "All you've heard before are rumors. Now you hear the truth from Us, by Us. The only championship I've ever won was with the brotherhood at UNLV," declared Larry Johnson.

For decades, the Runnin’ Rebels unparalleled dominance, cultural impact, and the controversies surrounding their reign have been discussed and dissected by outsiders. Now, for the first time, the team itself takes center stage, reclaiming its narrative and revealing what truly happened on and off the court. "It's time that you heard this story from us. The story's been told before by people who don't know us. You hear the truth from us directly," emphasized Stacey Augmon.

The documentary will cover the wins, the losses, the pain, the controversy, the racism, and everything that went into building one of the most legendary teams in college basketball history. Former guard Brian Emerzian proclaimed, "The Kings were the REAL show in town!" UNLV: Kings of Vegas will also spotlight the incredible impact of Jerry Tarkanian, a coach ahead of his time, who revolutionized recruiting by tapping into the culture and giving elite players opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have had. "We were kids in Sin City. How'd you think we'd act? We were kids but played and partied like adults," reflected Moses Scurry.

Randy Arehart and Phil Lopez from The Real Story, who will serve as producers, emphasized, “When we discussed with the team how they wanted to make this documentary, their response was 'Nobody has told our story or heard it from us...Now is the time!'”

Hosted by Hip-Hop pioneer Chuck D and Basketball icon Cheryl Miller, the documentary features an unprecedented roundtable where, for the first time in 35 years, all 13 players come together to reflect on their journey, triumphs, and the challenges that defined their legacy. “We are honored to tell this story from the perspective of the players who lived it,” expressed Roxanne Avent-Taylor, co-CEO of HEFG. “For too long, the narrative has been shaped by outsiders. This documentary will finally let the Runnin’ Rebels speak their truth.”

Framing the Runnin’ Rebels impact beyond the game, UNLV: Kings of Vegas will feature insight from cultural and sports icons, including Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Kimmel, Chuck D, Coach Krzyzewski, and Kenny Anderson, highlighting how this team transcended Basketball and left an indelible mark on American culture. “No one has ever talked until now—I guess the statute of limitations is over,” joked Deon Taylor, co-CEO of HEFG. “You’ve heard others tell this story, but you’ve never heard it from them—until now.”

Matt Barnes and Jelani McCoy’s All the Smoke will collaborate on the documentary, further strengthening the project’s connection to basketball culture. Damien “Big Percy” Roderick will serve as an Executive Producer through his company, Roderick Music Marketing. The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels were the epitome of the first-time basketball, hip-hop, culture, and lifestyle all merged into one perfect moment. They set the stage for the world we live in today, from basketball shoes to the way we wear our jerseys and socks, to everything shaping the culture. UNLV: Kings of Vegas is one of the most important basketball stories to be told, and Hidden Empire Sports is excited to produce this electric story. The film is currently in post-production and is set to release in Fall 2025.

Tribeca’s Inaugural Storytelling Summit from June 5-15, 2025

Where Vision Meets Possibility

We’re excited to announce a new addition to this year’s program: the Tribeca Storytelling Summit — a festival-within-the-festival for the entire filmmaking community.

The multi-day summit will take place June 5-15 alongside the Festival, bringing together visionary filmmakers, storytellers, and industry leaders for thoughtfully curated panels, intimate workshops, and networking opportunities. Designed specifically to help foster collaboration and supercharge careers, this year’s inaugural Storytelling Summit will be the start of the next wave of storytelling success in TV, film, digital media, and beyond.

To kick things off, we announced our first featured speakers, including Christine Vachon, Julio Torres, Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur, Jeremy O. Harris, and our own Jane Rosenthal. When you attend our Storytelling Summit, you’ll gain insights from industry veterans like these, while also connecting with a diverse group of fellow creatives (and maybe even see a film or two).

The Tribeca Storytelling Summit is open to anyone with a story to tell. Badges are $250 and provide full access to the Summit’s programming June 5-15.

Find more details about the event at tribecafilm.com/storytellingsummit.

ACE Winners Announced for the 75th ACE Eddie Awards

Winners for Outstanding Editing In Film, Television and Documentaries were announced today, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Los Angeles at UCLA’s Royce Hall

American Cinema Editors (ACE) announced today the winners for the 75th Annual ACE Eddie Awards, recognizing outstanding editing in 14 categories of film, television and documentaries. The winners were announced at the live ceremony at UCLA’s Royce Hall.

Acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu received the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, recognizing a filmmaker who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. Film editors Maysie Hoy, ACE and Paul Hirsch, ACE received Career Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to film editing.

A full list of winners for the 75th Annual ACE Eddie Awards follows:

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (Drama, Theatrical):

Emilia Pérez - Juliette Welfling

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (Comedy, Theatrical):

Wicked - Myron Kerstein, ACE

BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:

The Wild Robot - Mary Blee

BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:

Will & Harper - Monique Zavistovski, ACE

BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Chimp Crazy (102 - Gone Ape)
Evan Wise, ACE
Charles Divak, ACE
Adrienne Gits, ACE
Doug Abel, ACE

BEST EDITED MULTI-CAMERA COMEDY SERIES:
Frasier (207 - My Brilliant Sister) - Russell Griffin, ACE

BEST EDITED SINGLE CAMERA COMEDY SERIES:

What We Do in the Shadows (603 - Sleep Hypnosis)
Liza Cardinale, ACE
Dane McMaster, ACE

BEST EDITED DRAMA SERIES:

Shogun (110 - A Dream of A Dream)
Maria Gonzales, ACE
Aika Miyake

BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (NON-THEATRICAL):
Road House
Doc Crotzer, ACE

BEST EDITED LIMITED SERIES:
Baby Reindeer (104 - Episode 4)
Peter H. Oliver
Benjamin Gerstein

BEST EDITED NON-SCRIPTED SERIES:
Welcome to Wrexham (305 - Temporary)
Tim Wilsbach, ACE
Steve Welch, ACE
Michael Brown
Michael Oliver
Tim Roche
Matt Wafaie
Jenny Krochmal
Mohamed el Manasterly

BEST EDITED VARIETY TALK/SKETCH SHOW OR SPECIAL:
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (1103 - Boeing)
Anthony Miale, ACE

BEST EDITED ANIMATED SERIES:
X-Men '97 (105 - Remember It)
Michelle McMillan

About American Cinema Editors

American Cinema Editors (ACE) is an honorary society that has been championing the art, craft and business of film editing since 1950. Through signature events like EditFest Global, the ACE Eddie Awards and Invisible Art/Visible Artists, the organization celebrates the vital role of editors in storytelling and provides a dynamic global platform to illuminate the craft. ACE is committed to elevating the profile of film editing, fostering a diverse and inclusive community and educating future generations through a variety of active mentorship and scholarship programs. Through its programs, publications (CinemaEditor), podcasts (Editors on Editing, Global Editing Perspectives) and active educational activities, this collective of accomplished film editors is at the forefront of both preserving cinematic history while simultaneously preparing the next generation of film editors in a continuously evolving artistic climate.

2025 Oscar Winners: A Complete List

See the full list of the 97th Oscar Winners Below!

Best Picture Winners
“Anora” - WINNER
“The Brutalist”
“A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Pérez”
‘I’m Still Here”
“Nickel Boys”
“The Substance”
“Wicked”

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Mikey Madison, “Anora” - WINNER
Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
Karla Sofía Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
Demi Moore, “The Substance”
Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” - WINNER
Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”
Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Perez” - WINNER
Monica Barbaro, “A Complete Unknown”
Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” - WINNER
Yura Borisov, “Anora”
Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”

Best Director
Sean Baker, “Anora” -WINNER
Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist
James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown”
Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Perez”
Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”

Best Original Screenplay
“Anora” Sean Baker — WINNER
“The Brutalist”
“A Real Pain”
“September 5”
“The Substance”

Best Adapted Screenplay
"Conclave," Peter Straughan — WINNER
“A Complete Unknown”
“Emilia Pérez”
“Nickel Boys”
“Sing Sing”

Best Animated Feature Film
“Flow” - WINNER
“Inside Out 2”
“Memoir of a Snail”
“Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
“The Wild Robot”

Best Cinematography
“The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley — WINNER
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Perez”
“Maria”
“Nosferatu”

Best Costume Design
“Wicked” Paul Tazewell - WINNER
“A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Gladiator 2”
“Nosferatu”

Best Sound
“Dune: Part Two” - WINNER
“A Complete Unknown”
“Emilia Perez”
“Wicked”
“The Wild Robot”

Best Live Action Short Film
“I’m Not a Robot” - WINNER
“A Lien”
“Anuja”
“The Last Ranger”
“The Man Who Would Not Remain Silent”

Best Animated Short Film
“In the Shadow of the Cypress” - WINNER
“Beautiful Men”
“Magic Candies”
“Wander to Wonder”
“Yuck!”

Best Original score
“The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg — WINNER
“Conclave”
“Emilia Pérez”
“Wicked”
“The Wild Robot”

Best Original Song
"El Mal," "Emilia Pérez" (Clement Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard) — WINNER
“The Journey” from “The Six Triple Eight”
“Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing”
“Mi Camino” from “Emilia Perez”
“Never Too Late” from “Elton John: Never Too Late”

Best Documentary Feature Film
"No Other Land," Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor - WINNER
“Black Box Diaries”
“Porcelain War”
“Soundtrack To A Coup D’Etat”
“Sugarcane”

Best Documentary Short Film
“The Only Girl in the Orchestra” - WINNER
“Death by Numbers”
“I Am Ready, Warden”
“Incident”
“Instruments of a Beating Heart”

Best International feature Film
“I’m Still Here,” (Brazil) - WINNER
“The Girl With The Needle” (Denmark)
“Emilia Perez” (France)
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Germany)
“Flow” (Latvia)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“The Substance” - WINNER
“A Different Man”
“Emilia Perez”
“Nosferatu”
“Wicked”

Best Production Design
"Wicked," Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales — WINNER
“The Brutalist”
“Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Nosferatu”

Best Film Editing
“Anora,” Sean Baker – WINNER
"Conclave," Peter Straughan
“The Brutalist”
“Conclave”
“Emilia Perez”
“Wicked”

Best Visual Effects
“Dune: Part Two” - WINNER
“Alien: Romulus”
“Better Man”
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
“Wicked”

Best live-action short
"I'm Not a Robot" — Winner
"A Lien"
"Anuja"
"The Last Ranger"
"The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent"

2025 NAACP Image Awards Winners!

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

Amber Ruffin hosted the ceremony, where Nicole Avant, RaMell Ross, Malcolm Washington and more were honored. Winners Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Danielle Deadwyler, Kris Bowers, Ray Fisher, Greg Kweder, Clint 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 Sarandos, Tyler Perry, Questlove, Lynn Whitfield, Kym Whitley, Tyler Lepley, Robert Ri’chard, Kat 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.

Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content for AAFCA Nicole Avant, Ted Sarandos, Tyler Perry attends the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards in Beverly Hills on February 19, 2025

Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content for AAFCA for AAFCA Nickel Boys director, stars attends the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards in Beverly Hills on February 19, 2025

Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content for AAFCA Gil Robertson, Founder AAFCA and Amber Ruffin host Amber attends the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards in Beverly Hills on February 19, 2025

Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content for AAFCA Coleman Domingo attends the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards in Beverly Hills on February 19, 2025

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.

Coleman Domingo in ‘Sing Sing’

‘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

Purdie Distribution’s “Tokyo Cowboy” in Theaters on August 30th

(Los Angeles, CA) This charming dramedy centers on a Japanese corporate turnaround artist, Hideki (Arata Iura). Confident that he has the secret sauce to recharge any stagnant brand, he’s got a slick pitch deck (with a snapshot from his own childhood), and he’s engaged to Keiko (Ayako Fujitani), the corporate vice-president he reports to. His company is about to liquidate a money-hemorrhaging cattle ranch in Montana co-owned by Peg (Robin Weigert ), when he parachutes in for a quick fix. His Japanese beef consultant Wada (Jun Kunimura) goes hilariously native, and Hideki, a smart guy, immediately sees that his idea for a quick fix was mistaken. Now unsettled and off the grid in an alien culture, Hideki recalibrates his values and his life goals. Mexican ranch hand Javier (Goya Robles) helps Hideki see that there is more to live for than just the bottom line and rising sales figures. When Hideki fails to come home on time, Keiko is sent to bring him back.

Directed by filmmaker Marc Marriott making his feature directorial debut, and beautifully shot by cinematographer Oscar Ignacio Jimenez, this stunning film was produced by Brigham Taylor, Marc Marriot and Jeri Rafter. This premiered last year at the 2023 Tallgrass Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Feature, and it also played at the Boston, San Luis Obispo, Sedona, St Louis International, Newport Beach, Zions Indie and Heartland Film Festivals, winning additional awards at all of them. The screenplay was written by Dave Boyle and Ayako Fujitani.

“The story of Tokyo Cowboy was born out of my own experience living as a foreigner in a foreign land. Years ago, I had a profoundly impactful experience living in Japan.”Said Director Marc Marriott. “I went as one person, and I came home changed. My time in Japan caused me to become quieter- to listen more.”

“…thus was born Hideki Sakai and his journey in Tokyo Cowboy. Displaced and disconnected in Japan, Hideki Sakai spends his time acquiring other people’s dreams. Like the characters in my favorite films such as Local Hero, I was charmed by Hideki’s journey and his growing attraction to a place he has come intending to change, even destroy. Hideki’s bottom-line numbers-focused approach to life has left him empty- searching for more.”

“This is a story about finding untapped reservoirs of courage and empathy from your own culture, while also reaching out and connecting with others. Highlighting this character journey is the natural beauty of the Montana landscape: the stunning contrast to the rich neon beauty of Tokyo produces a unique visual palette.”

“The greatest dramatic stakes are when we risk something personal, and humor is most indelible when it’s derived from a shared human experience. This is what I wanted to feel in Tokyo Cowboy. I hope audiences are surprisingly charmed by this gentle narrative about Hideki’s journey. I hope that they can see some of themselves in Hideki’s desire to listen, slow down, and connect with the land and with the people around him.”

Tokyo Cowboy is produced through Salaryman Film. Purdie Distribution will release Tokyo Cowboy in select US theaters as AMC Artisan Films on August 30th, 2024 with VOD to follow. For more info, visit the film's official site, www.tokyocowboyfilm.com or visit www.PurdieDistribution.com.

ABOUT Purdie Distribution:
Purdie Distribution is an independently-owned film distribution company known for releasing independent films theatrically nationwide. Established in 2009, Purdie Distribution led the distribution of Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed and The Void, The Saratov Approach, Freetown, Once I Was A Beehive and is generally focused on films that elevate the human experience, focusing primarily on family, faith-based and funny films.

‘The Four Seasons’ Series Star Marco Calvani To Be Presented With ‘Breakthrough Actor’ Award

Highlights Include International Spotlight to Showcase Global Series, Timely Industry Conversations on Topics Like AI and Inclusion, and a Live Podcast Recording

Groundbreaking Documentary Marks the 35th Anniversary of UNLV’s 1990 Championship with exclusive Player-Driven Storytelling

Winners for Outstanding Editing In Film, Television and Documentaries were announced today, Friday, March 14, 2025, in Los Angeles at UCLA’s Royce Hall

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

‘The Four Seasons’ Series Star Marco Calvani To Be Presented
With ‘Breakthrough Actor’ Award