Category: Fantasy

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION (AAFCA) SETS DECEMBER 3RD FOR  THE 5TH ANNUAL AAFCA TV HONORS

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN TELEVISION AND STREAMING 

AAFCA WILL CELEBRATE ITS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED WINNERS AT A PRIVATE LUNCHEON AT THE HOTEL CASA DEL MAR IN SANTA MONICA QUINTA BRUNSON, NIECY NASH-BETTS, “P-VALLEY,” JESSICA WILLIAMS, “TED LASSO,” JENNIFER HUDSON,  MARLA GIBBS AND DEBBIE ALLEN AMONG THOSE TO BE CELEBRATED

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2023 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) today announced a new date to celebrate its previously announced AAFCA TV Honors winners. The private, invitation-only event was previously scheduled for August 27th but was postponed due to the strike and will now be held on December 3rd at the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California.​

Presented by the African American Film Critics Association the AAFCA TV Honors recognize outstanding achievements in Broadcast Television and Streaming with a special emphasis on entertainment representing the Black diaspora.  Previously announced winners include Quinta Brunson, the cast of “P-Valley,” Jessica Williams, Debbie Allen, Niecy Nash-Betts, “The 1619 Project” and many more. Special honorees include Jennifer Hudson, who will receive the We See You Award, Delroy Lindo, who will receive the Legacy Award, and five-time Emmy® nominee Marla Gibbs who will receive the Legend Award.  The Apple TV+ show “Ted Lasso'' will receive the Inclusion Award, and CBS’ “S.W.A.T.,'' produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with CBS Studios, will receive the Impact Award.

"We are happy that our industry can take a collective sigh of relief and get back to work, " stated AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. “We love a good party here at AAFCA and we’re going to pull out all the stops to celebrate our winners and honorees.  With the industry in flux for so many months, we’re really looking forward to finally getting to recognize and celebrate these incredible talents.”

A full list of previously announced  winners follows:

2023 AAFCA TV HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS:

  • BEST TV COMEDY - "Abbott Elementary" (ABC)

  • BEST TV DRAMA - "P-Valley" (Starz)

  • BEST NEW SHOW - "Mo" (Netflix) 

  • BEST DOCUMENTARY - "The 1619 Project" (Onyx Collective/Hulu) 

  • BEST LIMITED SERIES - "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" (Peacock)

  • BEST TV MOVIE - “Shooting Stars” (Peacock)  

  • BREAKOUT STAR - Jessica Williams - “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)

  • BEST ENSEMBLE - "P-Valley" (Starz) 

  • BEST TV WRITING - Quinta Brunson - “Abbott Elementary” (ABC) 

  • BEST TV DIRECTING - Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan, Jordan E. Cooper - "The Ms. Pat Show" (BET+) 

  • BEST TV ACTING (Female) - Niecy Nash-Betts - “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” (Netflix)  

  • BEST TV ACTING (Male) - J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan - "P-Valley" (Starz) 

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.

Freestyle Media to Distribute Psychological Action Fantasy Thriller “Exceptional Beings” Across North American TVOD & Digital Platform & DVD

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Co-Directors: Njedeh Anthony and Christian Kazadi
Writer: Njedeh Anthony
Starring:  Ciarra Carter, Dane Oliver,  Rachel Thundat, Bunmi Famuyiwa, Clark Moore, Chad Sano, introducing Jean Charles, Sarah Bonrepaux, Victoria Antonelli, and Eric Roberts
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller

“Exceptional Beings” tracks the existential crisis of two supernatural beings, as they begin to question their Godhood, when they encounter a woman with an uncanny essence that doesn’t conform with their 4,000 years of knowledge. They journey through her existence, as it relates to their desperate need to understand answers to question, they never believed existed. The movie is a prequel to the book Godhood.

Freestyle Media will distribute the psychological action fantasy thriller “Exceptional Beings” across North American on TVOD, Digital Platform and DVD.

You can find the DVDs at Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com, Walmart.com, and   Barnesandnoble.com.

Find the film on AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV, Dish Network,  Sling TV, iN DEMAND, Vubiquity, Hoopla and directly at the links below:

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Exceptional-Beings-Ciarra-Carter/dp/B0B65CCQ8Z

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/exceptional-beings/id1665272579

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AppleTV https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/exceptional-beings/umc.cmc.fe4tfbhefhrdz01e1x2rg5rw

Vudu
https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/Exceptional-Beings/2247159

Xbox
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/exceptional-beings/8d6kgwz05wbg?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab

Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Exceptional_Beings?id=uSln0B7ieYw.P&hl=en_US&gl=US

YouTube Movies

The Gestalt Effect

The Gestalt Effect  production company was founded 10 years ago to dive into all aspects of film production. “Creatures of Necessity” was their first North American release, which released in November of 2022. We greatly appreciate your review, interview, and what to watch coverage consideration for this incredibly talented team of black filmmakers and their diverse cast.

Distributor: Freestyle Media
Co-Directors: Njedeh Anthony and Christian Kazadi
Writer:   Njedeh Anthony
Producers: Njedeh Anthony and Justin Morgan
Executive Producers: Njedeh Anthony, Justin Morgan, Christian Kazadi and Kurtis Anton
Director of Cinematography: Christian Kazadi
Editor: Christian Kazadi
Production Designer: Justin Morgan

Freestyle Media to Distribute Psychological Action Fantasy Thriller “Exceptional Beings” Across North American on TVOD/Digital Platform & DVD Release on January 31st, 2023

Couple poster

“Exceptional Beings” extraordinary cast fantastically embodies the Gods from a number of pantheons, and is led by Ciarra Carter (‘Ooga Booga,” “The Colony”), Dane Oliver (“The Resonator,” “Cupid’s Match”), Rachel Thundat (“9-1-1: Lone Star,” “Secrets Exposed”), Bunmi Famuyiwa (“Ida B. Wells: A Red Record,” “The Wake”), Clark Moore (“Yellowstone,” “Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”), Chad Sano (“Grease Live!,” “My Crazy Ex”), introducing Jean Charles, Sarah Bonrepaux (“Strayed,” “Mr. Know-It-All”), Victoria Antonelli (“Switched Before Birth,” “Blader”), and cinema icon Eric Roberts (“Inherent Vice,” “The Dark Knight”).

“Exceptional Beings” tracks the existential crisis of two supernatural beings, as they begin to question their Godhood, when they encounter a woman with an uncanny essence that doesn’t conform with their 4,000 years of knowledge. They journey through her existence, as it relates to their desperate need to understand answers to question, they never believed existed. The movie is a prequel to the book Godhood.

“Exceptional Beings” is the incredible creation of a vastly talented team of black filmmakers beginning with co-directors Njedeh Anthony (“Creatures of Necessity,” “Mind Crawlers”) and Christian Kazadi (“24 Hours Blind,” Blinkers”); written by  Njedeh Anthony; produced by Njedeh Anthony and Justin Morgan; executive produced by Njedeh Anthony, Justin Morgan, Christian Kazadi and Kurtis Anton (“Monstrous,” “Blood Pageant”); director of cinematography Christian Kazadi; and editor Christian Kazadi; and production designer Justin Morgan. This incredible international film team are based in Los Angeles and busily prepping their next feature films.

Principal photography began in February 2021 in Los Angeles, California, during the height of the Covid outbreak, with every precaution and safety protocol taken for the safety of the cast and crew. “Exceptional Beings” was shot in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, New York and Lagos, Nigeria.

2023 Pan African Film and Arts Festival Film Guide

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Over 150 films from 40 countries, in 19 languages, including 50 World and 22 North American premieres!

Today, the PAFF announced its full lineup for its upcoming in-person festival Feb. 9-20, 2023. Now in its 31st year, the Festival is returning to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and the adjacent Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will host its renowned fine art show featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. This year’s film festival features over 150 films from 40 countries, in 19 languages, including 50 World and 22 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 39% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers.

The Festival film guide is available here.

Passes on sale now and can be purchased here.

Individual tickets go on sale on January 31, 2023.

 

20th Digital Studio’s BITE SIZE HALLOWEEN- Now available on Hulu Nationwide as a part of Huluween 2022

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In celebration of Huluween, 20th Digital Studio’s Bite Size Halloween series of spooky shorts is back for a third season! Twenty new shorts from exciting emerging filmmakers premiere October 1 on Hulu, blending genres like horror, comedy, sci-fi, thriller, and more.

Shot in seven different countries, this season takes on topical issues such as racism, gender, parenthood, sexuality, and identity. SNATCHED (dir. Michael Schwartz) features Tatiana Maslany (“She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law”) in her first on-screen role with husband Brendan Hines (“Locke & Key”). Misha Osherovich (“Freaky”) stars as their son.

Other shorts feature familiar faces like Brigette Lundy-Paine (“Atypical”), Lin Shaye (“Insidious”), David Costabile (“Breaking Bad”), and former “Glow” co-stars Rebekka Johnson and singer-songwriter Kate Nash who co-wrote/directed/star in a short featuring Nash’s original music.

David Worthen Brooks, SVP 20th Digital Studio commented:  “As we launch the first feature films developed with our incredibly talented Bite Size Halloween filmmaker alums, we are thrilled to introduce the next wave of dynamic filmmaking talent and their ingenious short films. We take great pride in showcasing these vital, diverse voices and their very personal twists on horror, thriller and sci-fi.”

The goal of 20th Digital Studio’s short film programs is to continue to guide and finance the growth of these artists’ careers and to transition some of the shorts into longer features. The first two films developed in this way will premiere this month on Hulu: “Grimcutty” from John William Ross on Oct. 10 and “Matriarch” from Ben Steiner on Oct. 21. Shorts from past seasons have played at festivals such as SXSW, Sundance, Tribeca, Fantasia, and more.

20th Digital Studio’s focus on diversity and inclusion continues as prestigious filmmakers from the festival world are featured, including Nuhash Humayun (“Moshari,” SXSW Grand Jury Prize), Sam Max (“Chaperone,” Sundance), Michelle Krusiec (“Bite,” AFI DWW), Zoey Martinson (“Cupids,” Tribeca), and many more.

About 20th Digital Studio
20th Digital Studio focuses on funding and producing award-winning short-form genre content together with up-and-coming filmmakers from the digital and film festival worlds. 20th Digital develops select shorts into longer form content, packaging new voices with established producers and offering opportunities for growth and representation; always with a goal to create innovative character narrative, voice-driven filmmaking with a social message, cultural impact and box-office or streaming success. Set up in 2008 as a nimble entrepreneurial group within Fox Filmed Entertainment,  20th Digital is now a part of Disney General Entertainment Content. For more information visit: https://www.20thdigitalstudio.com/ or follow: @20thDigital on Instagram & Twitter, or  facebook.com/20thdigitalstudio.

Toronto International Film Festival 2022 Intl Premiere of South African Caper Heist Comedy Feature Film “The Umbrella Men”

Mila played by Bronté Snell, Cope played by Rob Van Vuuren, Tiger played by Joey Rasdien, Jerome played by Jaques De Silva, Mortimer played by Keenan Arrison
Mila played by Bronté Snell, Cope played by Rob Van Vuuren, Tiger played by Joey Rasdien, Jerome played by Jaques De Silva, Mortimer played by Keenan Arrison

“The Umbrella Men” will have its world premiere on September 10th, 2022, followed by an additional two public screenings, as well as press & industry screenings as a part of TIFF. 

The international premiere of the extraordinary South African caper heist comedy feature film, “The Umbrella Men,” selected for Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) set for September 10th, 2022, as a selection of the international arm of its Contemporary World Cinema slate.

“The Umbrella Men” is directed by John Barker (“Bunny Chow: Know Thyself,” “Isibaya”) and is written by John Barker and Philip Roberts and stars the captivating talents of Jaques Da Silva, Shamilla Miller (“Love Lies and Hybrids”),  Keenan Arrison (“Atlantis”) and Bronte Snell (“Atlantis”). Produced by Joel Phiri, Dan Jawitz, Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri, Themba Mfebe and John Barker, “The Umbrella Men” draws inspiration and comparisons to critical and audience favorites in this incredible ensemble genre including: “The LadyKillers,” “Set It Off,” “The Inside Man,” “Sexy Beast,” “The Italian Job,” and “Ocean’s Eleven,” among others.

Loukman played by Dann-Jacques Mouton, Jerome played by Jaques De Silva, Mortimer played by Keenan Arrison

An incredible cinematic ride, embracing the best of caper heist comedy set in the colourful and culture-rich Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town “The Umbrella Men” is a must-see TIFF film. “The Umbrella Men” follows a troupe of musicians who are forced to rob a bank during the city’s Carnival in an effort to save their beloved nightclub – spiritual home to their whole community. The music is written by South African Jazz pianist extraordinaire, Kyle Shepard.

The film has received excellent reviews at home in South Africa. For example, The Sunday Times (South Africa) wrote that “through the “Afrikaaps” phrases, nuances and Humour, Barker has beautifully captured a marginalised and often misrepresented culture.” The film is being sold in Toronto by Known Associates Entertainment.

View New Trailer for SQUEAL that will Opens theatrically in NYC (Alamo Manhattan) and LA (Laemmle Music Hall) and on VOD on major platforms in the US and Canada on August 19th

Good Deed Entertainment and Cranked Up Films Present SQUEAL

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Director: Aik Karapetia
Scriptwriter: Aik Karapetian,Aleksandr      Rodionov
Cast: Kevin Janssens,Laura Siliņa,Aigars Vilims,Normunds Griestiņš,Juris Bartkevičs,Guntis Pilsums
Year: 2021
Genre: Dark Comedy
Country: Latvia
Language: Latvian and English (with English subtitles)
Run time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Official Selection: FANTASTIC FEST 2021 and many more

Theaters Include:
NYC (Alamo Manhattan)
Lumiere Music Hall - Los Angeles

VOD Platforms Include:
US: Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, XFinity Cable, and more.
Canada: Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play

GUIDANCE Released in U. S. on VOD June 17

Good Deed Entertainment Logo
Guidance US Poster (Good Deed Entertainment)

Director: Neysan Sobhani
Cast: Sun Jia (Han Miao), Harry Song (Mai Zi Xuan) and Francesco Chen (Su Jie)
Country: China
Language: Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles
Year: 2021
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes

GUIDANCE on all major platforms including: Apple TV/iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, XFinity Cable, and more on June 17th

(L-R) Francesco Chen and Sun Jia in Neysan Sobhani's GUIDANCE. (Photo Credit: Good Deed Entertainment)
L-R) Sun Jia in in Neysan Sobhani's GUIDANCE. (Photo Credit: Good Deed Entertainment)

In the not-too-distant future, humanity slowly rebuilds itself a decade after The Great War. Believing that the ability to lie is the root cause of the devastating conflict, a tech entrepreneur creates a pill containing a nanotechnology app known as “Guidance” that allegedly will make everyone more enlightened. Once swallowed, an A.I. “installs” in the person’s nervous system and aids their ability to detect deception in other people among other enhancements.

A young couple goes on a weekend retreat to the countryside, and they begin to use Guidance. However, recent events have potentially compromised their trust in one another. With the tech in their bodies, the couple tries to subvert Guidance in the hopes of saving their relationship before it’s too late.

About Neysan Sobhani, Writer/Director/Producer

Writer/Director Neysan Sobhani is an award-winning writer and director making short films and now his feature debut, GUIDANCE, in Asia. Raised in Asia and North America and at times officially stateless, his identity was shaped by the diverse places he lived, having fled war and conflict twice while young.

As a diaspora filmmaker, Sobhani’s films have flavors of Asian and Western cinema, with his short films appearing in over 40 international film festivals around the world. Reframing audience perceptions of Chinese films through a blended genre approach, his feature film, GUIDANCE (2021), was released in cinemas across China in late 2021.

(L-R) Harry Song and Sun Jia in Neysan Sobhani's GUIDANCE. (Photo Credit: Good Deed Entertainment)
(L-R) Sun Jia in Neysan Sobhani's GUIDANCE. (Photo Credit: Good Deed Entertainment)

ABOUT GOOD DEED ENTERTAINMENT
Good Deed Entertainment (GDE) is an Ohio based independent studio dedicated to producing, financing, and distributing quality entertainment for under-served audiences. Its distribution slate includes recent releases Summertime, Ma Belle, My Beauty, and Lucky Grandma, in addition to the Academy Award nominated, Loving Vincent, and Spirit Award nominated, To Dust.

Website:  http://www.gooddeedentertainment.com/

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PAFF ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP FOR 2022 PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

REMEMBER ME, THE MAHALIA JACKSON STORY Opens 30th Edition of America’s Largest Black Film Festival, Apri 19 - May 1

Over 200 films from 55 countries to be shown at Cinemark Baldwin Hills

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LOS ANGELES, California – Today, PAFF announced the full lineup for the 30th annual Pan African Film & Arts Film Festival, the largest Black film festival in America, taking place April 19 - May 1, 2022. This year the Festival will make its return to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills for in-person screenings, featuring over 200 films from 55 countries, in 18 languages, including 58 World and 32 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 46% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers, and 80% are directed by filmmakers of African descent. Many titles will also be available virtually for in-home screenings via the Festival’s streaming platform Eventive to audiences worldwide. The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will once again host its renowned Artfest, featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. Festival Passes and individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.paff.org.

BIG NIGHTS

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival opens Apr. 19 at the Directors Guild of America with REMEMBER ME, a poignant look into the life and rise of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and starring Grammy-winning singer Ledisi. The Centerpiece presentation are the winning films from the JOHN SINGLETON SHORT FILM COMPETITION. Inspired by the legacy of the late Los Angeles-born legendary African American filmmaker, John Singleton, the competition is the result of a partnership between the City of Los Angeles and PAFF under L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson’s embRACE L.A. initiative and is designed to honor Singleton’s cinematic legacy while simultaneously celebrating his unapologetic approach to filmmaking. The Festival will also host the premiere of FX Network’s hotly anticipated “Snowfall” Season 5 finale and Showtime’s “The Man Who Fell From Earth,” starring Chiwetel Ejiofo. The full schedule is available in the online Festival Program.

Click here to download PAFF's 2022 Quick Facts and Highlights

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

7,200 miles away from Los Angeles in Ougadodo, Burkina Faso, the idea to showcase Black film and filmmakers in Los Angeles was born. It was 1989, the 20th anniversary of FESPACO also known as The Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, the largest film festival in Africa. There, Ayuko Babu, Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethan Weapon), and others with the help of then-Chairman of the U.S. Subcommittee on Africa Rep. Mervyn Dymally and Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaoré conceived a plan to bring African cinema to the U.S. Thirty years later, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is still going strong and is the largest Black film festival in America.

Ticketing

Festival Passes and individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.paff.org.

Festival Sponsors and Partners

PAFF is sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell through the Department of Arts and Culture, LA Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, LA Councilmember Curren Price, LA Councilmember Herb Wesson, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund with the California Community Foundation, and the LA County COVID-19 Arts Relief Fund administered by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival's sponsors include major Festival sponsors: Stocker Street Creative, FX Networks, and Glassdoor.

About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja'Net DuBois ("Good Times"), and Ayuko Babu (Executive Director), the Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festivals in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America.

For media inquiries please contact press@paff.org.

IN-PERSON
The 30th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival
April 19-May 1, 2022

Cinemark Baldwin Hills 15 | Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

53rd NAACP Image Awards Nominees

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The NAACP Image Award will announce its winners to honor Black excellence in 2021 during their two-hour special that will be hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner Anthony Anderson, on Saturday, February 26 at 8/7c on BET.

The Image Awards highlights the wonderful achievements of people of color across television, music, literature and film, and the promotion of social justice through their creative endeavors.

Samuel L. Jackson will be presented with the NAACP Chairman’s Award and Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, will receive the Social Justice Impact Award.

Presenters for this year will be Issa Rae, Kerry Washington, LL Cool J, Morgan Freeman, Questlove, Tiffany Haddish, and Zendaya and Mary J. Blige will be a featured performer.

The list of all the 2022 nominees:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Jennifer Hudson
Lil Nas X
Megan Thee Stallion
Regina King
Tiffany Haddish

MOTION PICTURE
OUTSTANDING MOTION PICTURE
Judas and the Black Messiah
King Richard
Respect
The Harder They Fall
The United States vs. Billie Holiday

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE
Denzel Washington, The Tragedy of Macbeth
Jonathan Majors,The Harder They Fall
LaKeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah
Mahershala Ali, Swan Song
Will Smith, King Richard

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE
Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Halle Berry, Bruised
Jennifer Hudson, Respect
Tessa Thompson, Passing
Zendaya, Malcolm & Marie

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE
Algee Smith, Judas and the Black Messiah
Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah
Delroy Lindo, The Harder They Fall
Idris Elba,The Harder They Fall
LaKeith Stanfield,The Harder They Fall

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTINGACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE
Aunjanue Ellis, King Richard
Audra McDonald, Respect
Danielle Deadwyler, The Harder They Fall
Dominique Fishback, Judas and the Black Messiah
Regina King,The Harder They Fall

OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT MOTION PICTURE
American Skin
Bruised
CODA
Test Pattern
The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain

OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE
7 Prisoners
African America
Eyimofe (This is My Desire)
Flee
The Gravedigger's Wife

OUTSTANDING BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Ariana DeBose, West Side Story
Danny Boyd, Jr., Bruised
Jalon Christian, A Journal For Jordan
Lonnie Chavis, The Water Man
Sheila Atim, Bruised

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE
Coming 2 America
Judas and the Black Messiah
King Richard
Respect
The Harder They Fall

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED MOTION PICTURE
Encanto
Luca
Raya and the Last Dragon
Sing 2
Vivo

OUTSTANDING CHARACTER VOICE-OVER PERFORMANCE – MOTION PICTURE
Andre Braugher, Spirit Untamed
Awkwafina, Raya and the Last Dragon
Brian Tyree Henry, Vivo
Eric André, Sing 2
Letitia Wright, Sing 2

OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORM (Live Action)
Aurinko in Adagio
Blackout
The Ice Cream Stop
These Final Hours
When The Sun Sets (Lakutshon' Ilanga)

OUTSTANDING SHORT-FORM(Animated)
Blush
Robin Robin
She Dreams at Sunrise
Twenty Something
Us Again

OUTSTANDING BREAKTHROUGH CREATIVE (Motion Picture)
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Summer Of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Jamila Wignot, Ailey
Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall
Liesl Tommy, Respect
Rebecca Hall, Passing

TELEVISION + STREAMING CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
black-ish
Harlem
Insecure
Run the World
The Upshaws

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Anthony Anderson, black-ish
Cedric the Entertainer, The Neighborhood
Don Cheadle, Black Monday
Elisha 'EJ' Williams, The Wonder Years
Jay Ellis, Insecure

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Issa Rae, Insecure
Loretta Devine, Family Reunion
Regina Hall, Black Monday
Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish
Yvonne Orji, Insecure

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Andre Braugher - Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Deon Cole, black-ish
Kenan Thompson - Saturday Night Live
Kendrick Sampson, Insecure
Laurence Fishburne, black-ish

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Amanda Seales, Insecure
Jenifer Lewis, black-ish
Marsai Martin, black-ish
Natasha Rothwell, Insecure
Wanda Sykes, The Upshaws

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
9-1-1
All American
Godfather of Harlem
Pose
Queen Sugar

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Billy Porter, Pose
Damson Idris, Snowfall
Forest Whitaker, Godfather of Harlem
Kofi Siriboe, Queen Sugar
Sterling K. Brown, This is Us

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Queen Sugar
Octavia Spencer, Truth Be Told
Queen Latifah, The Equalizer
Rutina Wesley, Queen Sugar

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Alex R. Hibbert, The Chi
Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Power Book II: Ghost
Daniel Ezra, All American
Giancarlo Esposito, Godfather of Harlem
Joe Morton, Our Kind of People

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Alfre Woodard, SEE
Bianca Lawson, Queen Sugar
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy
Mary J. Blige, Power Book II: Ghost
Susan Kelechi Watson, This is Us

OUTSTANDING TELEVISION MOVIE, LIMITED-SERIES OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Colin in Black & White
Genius: Aretha
Love Life
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
The Underground Railroad

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE, LIMITED-SERIES OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL

Anthony Mackie, Solos
Jaden Michael, Colin in Black & White
Kevin Har, True Story
Wesley Snipes, True Story
William Jackson Harper, Love Life

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION MOVIE, LIMITED-SERIES OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Betty Gabriel, Clickbait
Cynthia Erivo, Genius: Aretha
Danielle Brooks, Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
Jodie Turner-Smith, Anne Boleyn
Taraji P. Henson, Annie Live!

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE, LIMITED-SERIES OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Courtney B. Vance, Genius: Aretha
Keith David, Black As Night
Tituss Burgess, Annie Live!
Will Catlett, True Story
William Jackson Harper, The Underground Railroad

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION MOVIE, LIMITED-SERIES OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
Anika Noni Rose, Maid
Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus
Pauletta Washington, Genius: Aretha
Regina Hall, Nine Perfect Strangers
Sheila Atim, The Underground Railroad

OUTSTANDING NEW/INFORMATION (Series or Special)
Blood on Black Wall Street: The Legacy of the Tulsa Massacre
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
Soul of A Nation
The Reidout
Unsung

OUTSTANDING TALK SERIES
Desus & Mero
Hart to Heart
Red Table Talk
Tamron Hall
The Real

OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM, REALITY COMPETITION OR GAME SHOW (Series)

Celebrity Family Feud
Iyanla: Fix My Life
Sweet Life: Los Angeles
The Voice
Wild 'n Out

OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW (Series or Special)
A Black Lady Sketch Show
BET Awards 2021
Dave Chappelle: The Closer
Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Ada Twist, Scientist
Family Reunion
Karma's World
Raven’s Home
Waffles + Mochi

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A YOUTH (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Alayah "Lay Lay" High, That Girl Lay Lay
Celina Smith, Annie Live!
Elisha 'EJ' Williams, The Wonder Years
Eris Baker, This Is Us
Miles Brown, black-ish

OUTSTANDING HOST IN A TALK OR NEWS/INFORMATION (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Joy Reid, The Reidout
Daniel "Desus Nice" Baker, Joel "The Kid Mero" Martinez, Desus & Mero
Garcelle Beauvais, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, The Real
Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Willow Smith, Red Table Talk
LeBron James, The Shop: Uninterrupted

OUTSTANDING HOST IN A REALITY/REALITY COMPETITION, GAME SHOW OR VARIETY (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Alfonso Ribeiro, America's Funniest Home Videos
Amber Ruffin, The Amber Ruffin Show
Cedric The Entertainer, 73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Iyanla Vanzant, Iyanla: Fix My Life
Trevor Noah, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE
Alani "La La" Anthony, The Chi
Christina Elmore, Insecure
Daniel Kaluuya, Saturday Night Live
Erika Alexander, Run the World
Maya Rudolph,Saturday Night Live

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED SERIES
Big Mouth
Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz
Super Sema
We The People
Yasuke

OUTSTANDING CHARACTER VOICE-OVER PERFORMANCE (Television)
Angela Bassett, Malika: The Lion Queen
Billy Porter, Fairfax
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Karma's World
Cree Summer, Rugrats
Keke Palmer, Big Mouth

SHORT FORM SERIES - Comedy or Drama
Between the Scenes - The Daily Show
Dark Humor
Della Mae
The Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator
Two Sides: Unfaithful

OUTSTANDING SHORT FORM SERIES OR SPECIAL – Reality/Nonfiction
Life By The Horns
Memory Builds The Monument
Widen the Screen: 8:46 Films
Through Our Eyes: Shelter
Lynching Postcards: Token of a Great Day

OUTSTANDING BREAKTHROUGH CREATIVE (Television)
Angel Kristi Williams, Colin in Black & White
Cierra Glaude, Queen Sugar
Deborah Riley Draper, The Legacy of Black Wall Street
Halcyon Person, Karma's World
Quyen Tran, Maid

RECORDING CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING NEW ARTIST
Cynthia Erivo
Jimmie Allen
Saweetie
Tems
Zoe Wees

OUTSTANDING MALE ARTIST
Anthony Hamilton
Drake
Givēon
J. Cole
Lil Nas X

OUTSTANDING FEMALE ARTIST
H.E.R
Ari Lennox
Beyoncé
Chlöe
Jazmine Sullivan

OUTSTANDING GOSPEL/CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Anthems & Glory - Todd Dulaney
Believe For It-CeCe Winans
Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A.-Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music
Overcomer -T amela Mann
Power -Jason McGee & The Choir

OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL SONG
"Essence" - Wizkid feat. Tems and Justin Bieber
"Peru" - Fireboy DML
"Somebody's Son" - Tiwa Savage feat. Brandy
"Touch It" - KiDi
"Understand" - Omah Lay

OUTSTANDING MUSIC VIDEO/VISUAL ALBUM
"Best Friend" - Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
"Essence" - Wizkid feat. Tems
"Fye Fye" - Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe
"Have Mercy" - Chlöe
"Leave The Door Open" - Silk Sonic

OUTSTANDING ALBUM
An Evening with Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic
Back of My Mind - H.E.R.
Certified Lover Boy - Drake
Heaux Tales - Jazmine Sullivan
When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time - Givēon

OUTSTANDING SOUNDTRACK/COMPILATION ALBUM
Coming 2 America (Amazon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)- Eddie Murphy, Craig Brewer, Kevin Misher, Randy Spendlove, Jeff Harleston, Brittney Ramsdell
Judas and the Black Messiah (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Mark Isham and Craig Harris
Respect (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Jason Michael Webb and Stephen Bray
The Harder They Fall (The Motion Picture Soundtrack) - JAY-Z and Jeymes Samuel
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Music from the Motion Picture) - Salaam Remi, Andra Day, Raphael Saadiq, Warren “E” Felder, Downtown Trevor Brown

OUTSTANDING GOSPEL/CHRISTIAN SONG
"Believe For It" - CeCe Winans
"Help Me" - Tamela Mann feat. The Fellas
"Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)" - H.E.R. and Tauren Wells
"Overcome 2021" - Kirk Franklin
"Time for Reparations" - Sounds of Blackness

OUTSTANDING JAZZ ALBUM – INSTRUMENTAL
Forever…Jaz - Jazmin Ghent
Love Languages - Nathan Mitchell
Somewhere Different - Brandee Younger
Sounds from the Ancestors - Kenny Garrett
The Magic of Now - Orrin Evans

OUTSTANDING JAZZ ALBUM – Vocal
Dear Love - Jazzmeia Horn and Her Noble Force
Generations - The Baylor Project
Ledisi Sings Nina - Ledisi
Let There Be Love - Freda Payne
SALSWING! - Rubén Blades y Roberto Delgado & Orquesta

OUTSTANDING SOUL/R&B SONG
"Damage" - H.E.R.
"Be Alive" - Beyoncé
"Have Mercy" - Chlöe
"Leave The Door Open" - Silk Sonic
"Pick Up Your Feelings" - Jazmine Sullivan

OUTSTANDING HIP HOP/RAP SONG
"Best Friend" - Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
"Fye Fye" - Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe
"Industry Baby" - Lil Nas X feat. Jack Harlow
"My Life" - J. Cole feat. 21 Savage and Morray
"Way 2 Sexy" - Drake

OUTSTANDING DUO, GROUP OR COLLABORATION (Traditional)|
Anthony Hamilton feat. Jennifer Hudson - "Superstar"
Chlöe x Halle - "Georgia On My Mind"
Jazmine Sullivan feat. H.E.R. - "Girl Like Me"
Leela James feat. Anthony Hamilton - "Complicated (Remix)"
Silk Sonic - "Leave the Door Open"

OUTSTANDING DUO, GROUP OR COLLABORATION (Contemporary)
Chris Brown feat. Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk and Latto - "Go Crazy (Remix)"
Doja Cat feat. SZA - "Kiss Me More"
Drake feat. Future & Young Thug - "Way 2 Sexy"
H.E.R. feat. Chris Brown - "Come Through"
Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe - "Fye Fye"

DOCUMENTARY CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY (Film)
Attica
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power
My Name Is Pauli Murray
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Tina

OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY (Television)
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
American Masters: How It Feels to Be Free
Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Insecure Documentary

WRITING CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING WRITING IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ashley Nicole Black - Ted Lasso - "Do the Right-est Thing"
Issa Rae – Insecure -"Everything's Gonna Be, Okay?!"
Leann Bowen - Ted Lasso - "Lavender"
Maya Erskine – Pen15 - "Blue in Green"
Temi Wilkey - Sex Education - "Episode #3.6"

OUTSTANDING WRITING IN A DRAMA SERIES
Aurin Squire – Evil - "C Is For Cop"
Davita Scarlett -The Good Fight - "And the Firm Had Two Partners…"
Malcolm Spellman - The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - "New World Order"
Nkechi Okoro Carroll - All American - "Homecoming"
Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Our Lady J, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy – Pose - "Series Finale"

OUTSTANDING WRITING IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR SPECIAL

Abdul Williams - Salt-N-Pepa
Mario Miscione, Marcella Ochoa - Madres
Monique N. Matthew - A Holiday In Harlem
Sameer Gardezi - Hot Mess Holiday
Sherman Payne - Black As Night

OUTSTANDING WRITING IN A MOTION PICTURE
Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris - Zola
Jeymes Samuel, Boaz Yakin - The Harder They Fall
Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas, Keith Lucas - Judas and the Black Messiah
Virgil Williams - A Journal for Jordan
Win Rosenfeld, Nia DaCosta, Jordan Peele - Candyman

DIRECTING CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A COMEDY SERIES
Bashir Salahuddin, Diallo Riddle - South Side - "Tornado"
Melina Matsoukas – Insecure - "Reunited, Okay?!"
Neema Barnette – Harlem - "Once Upon A Time in Harlem"
Prentice Penny – Insecure - "Everything's Gonna Be, Okay?!"
Tiffany Johnson - Black Monday - "Eight!"

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A DRAMA SERIES
Anthony Hemingway - Genius: Aretha "Respect"
Barry Jenkins - The Underground Railroad - "Indiana Winter"
Carl Seaton – Snowfall - "Fight or Flight"
Carl Seaton - Godfather of Harlem - "The Bonanno Split"
Hanelle Culpepper - True Story - "Like Cain Did Abel"

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR SPECIAL
Jaffar Mahmood - Hot Mess Holiday
Kenny Leon - Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia
Mario Van Peebles - Salt-N-Pepa
Maritte Lee Go - Black As Night
Veronica Rodriguez - Let's Get Merried

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A MOTION PICTURE|
Denzel Washington - A Journal for Jordan
Jeymes Samuel - The Harder They Fall
Lin-Manuel Miranda - tick tick...BOOM!
Reinaldo Marcus Green - King Richard
Shaka King - Judas and the Black Messiah

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN A DOCUMENTARY (Television or Motion Picture)
Andre Gaines - The One and Only Dick Gregory
Dawn Porter - Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer
Sam Pollard - MLK/FBI
Samantha Knowles, Yoruba Richen, Geeta Gandbhir, Nadia Hallgren - Black and Missing
Spike Lee - NYC Epicenters 9/11➔2021½

LITERARY CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Fiction
Harlem Shuffle - Colson Whitehead
Libertie - Kaitlyn Greenidge
Long Division - Kiese Laymon
The Man Who Lived Underground - Richard Wright
The Perishing - Natashia Deón

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Nonfiction
Dance Theatre of Harlem - Judy Tyrus, Paul Novosel
Just As I Am - Cicely Tyson
My Remarkable Journey - Katherine Johnson
Renegades: Born in the USA - Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story - Nikole Hannah-Jones

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Debut Author
Just As I Am - Cicely Tyson
My Remarkable Journey - Katherine Johnson
Other Black Girl: A Novel - Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois - Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts - Rebecca Hal

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Biography/Autobiography
Just As I Am - Cicely Tyson
Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement- Tarana Burke
Unprotected: A Memoir - Billy Porter
Until I Am Free - Keisha Blain
Will- Will Smith

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Instructional
Diversity Is Not Enough: A Roadmap to Recruit, Develop and Promote Black Leaders in America - Keith Wyche
Feeding the Soul (Because It's My Business) - Tabitha Brown
Permission to Dream - Chris Gardner
Teaching Black History to White People - Leonard N. Moore
The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations - Robert Livingston

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Poetry
Perfect Black - Crystal Wilkinson
Playlist for the Apocalypse - Rita Dove
Such Color: New and Selected Poems - Tracy K. Smith
The Wild Fox of Yemen - Threa Almontaser
What Water Knows: Poems - Jacqueline Jones LaMon

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Children
OUTSTBlack Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy - Misty Copeland
Change Sings - Amanda Gorman, Loren Long
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words - Stacey Abrams, Kitt Thomas
Time for Bed, Old House - Janet Costa Bates, A.G. Ford
When Langston Dances - Kaija Langley, Keith Mallett

OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK - Youth/Teens
Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Happily Ever Afters - Elise Bryant
The Cost of Knowing - Brittney Morris
When You Look Like Us - Pamela N. Harris
Wings of Ebony - J. Elle

PODCAST CATEGORIES
OUTSTANDING NEWS AND INFORMATION PODCAST
#SundayCivics
After the Uprising: The Death of Danyé Dion Jones
Blindspot: Tulsa Burning
Into America
Un(re)solved

OUTSTANDING LIFESTYLE/SELF-HELP PODCAST
Checking In with Michelle Williams
The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema
The SonRise Project Podcast
Two Funny Mamas: Sherri Shepherd & Kym Whitley
Under Construction w/ Tamar Braxton

STANDING SOCIETY AND CULTURE PODCAST
Beyond the Scenes - The Daily Show
Jemele Hill is Unbothered
Professional Troublemaker
Questlove Supreme
Super Soul Podcast

OUTSTANDING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PODCAST
Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe
Jemele Hill is Unbothered
Questlove Supreme
Reasonably Shady
The History of Sketch Comedy with Keegan-Michael Key

SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
@Euniquejg - Eunique Jones GIbson
@KevOnStage - Kevin Fredericks
@Laronhinesofficial - Laron Hines
@_Lyneezy - Lanae Vanee
@Terrellgrice - Terrell Grice