Category: Television

All things about the television entertainment biz.

PBS American Masters ‘W.E.B. Du Bois’ Documentary Premieres May 19th

New York, NY - February 11, 2026 — American Masters today announced the new documentary W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause from Peabody Award-winning director Rita Coburn will premiere May 19, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). The two-hour film examines Du Bois’s remarkable life from his birth, just five years after the Emancipation Proclamation; to his death, on the eve of the March on Washington in 1963, and how his legacy as an activist continues to resonate today.

Born on February 23, 1868, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois lived through the collapse of Reconstruction through two World Wars to the rise of the Civil Rights Movement. The film follows his life chronologically, enriched by commentary from leading scholars, historians, artists, and biographers including Raymond Arsenault, Karida Brown, Eric Foner, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Eddie Glaude Jr., Nikole Hannah-Jones, David Levering Lewis, Imani Perry, and more.

For Du Bois, the power of the pen was his greatest weapon. He authored more than 20 books and fused scholarship with activism, deploying literature, data, and groundbreaking infographics to expose the roots of systemic racism. Drawing from his books, articles, speeches, and archival audio, Rebel With A Cause illuminates the poetry and force of his language through dramatic readings by Common, Courtney B. Vance, and Jeffrey Wright, with narration by Viola Davis.

Rebel With A Cause charts this visionary’s singular journey by exploring both his monumental achievements and his deeply personal struggles. From the loss of his infant son to his lifelong battles with systemic racism, Du Bois’s humanity shaped his activism, enabling him to transcend the social constraints of the early 20th century and elevate the lives of Black people worldwide — inspiring leaders from the Harlem Renaissance to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A rebel against the status quo, Du Bois relentlessly spearheaded the fight for racial justice. By showing the world “The Souls of Black Folk,” through his 1903 book by that same name, he prophetically declared: “The problem of the 20th century is the color line.” He co-founded the NAACP, helped launch the Niagara Movement, challenged contemporaries such as Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey, and contributed to the founding of the United Nations.

“My hope is that this documentary invites reflection and sparks dialogue, not only about who Du Bois was, but about the world we continue to shape in his wake,” said director Rita Coburn. “His life reminds us that scholarship and art, grounded in truth, can be weapons against oppression. To tell his story is to affirm that the pursuit of justice is as urgent today as it was in his time.”

Coburn previously directed and produced American Masters documentaries about trailblazers Maya Angelou and Marian Anderson. Her film Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (co-directed with Bob Hercules), which premiered on American Masters in 2017, was an official selection at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and won the AFI Docs Audience Award. Marian Anderson: The Whole World In Her Hands, which aired on American Masters in 2022, received the highest documentary production grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and was recognized with a Christopher Award.

“Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois lived from 1868 to 1963, and he devoted his life to helping us all understand what he called ‘the problem of the color line,’” said Michael Kantor, Executive Producer of American Masters.  “Though even the brilliant Dr. Du Bois couldn’t solve this problem, his teachings and his influence couldn’t resonate more strongly today.”

Now in its 40th season on PBS, American Masters illuminates the lives and creative journeys of our nation’s most enduring artistic giants — those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape — through compelling, unvarnished stories. Setting the standard for documentary film profiles, the series has earned widespread critical acclaim: 28 Emmy Awards — including 10 for Outstanding Nonfiction Series and five for Outstanding Nonfiction Special— two News & Documentary Emmys, 14 Peabodys, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards, an Oscar, and many other honors. To further explore the lives and works of more than 290 masters past and present, the American Masters website offers full episodes, film outtakes, filmmaker interviews, the podcast “American Masters: Creative Spark,” educational resources, digital original series and more. The series is a production of The WNET Group.

American Masters is available for streaming concurrent with broadcast on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App, available on iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO. PBS station members can view many series, documentaries and specials via PBS Passport. For more information about PBS Passport, visit the PBS Passport FAQ website.

W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause is produced, written and directed by Rita Coburn. The Executive Producers are Andrew T. Carr, Sandra Evers-Manly, Leslie Fields-Cruz, B.K. Fulton, Denise A. Greene and Michael Kantor. The Archival Producer is Prudence Arndt and the Associate Producer is Eleanor Levine. The Director of Photography is Henry Adenbonojo, the Editor is K.A. Miille, and the musical score is by Kathryn Bostic.

Funding for W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause was provided by National Endowment for the Humanities, University of Pennsylvania, Larry Chatman, Una Jackman, John W. Rogers and Ariel Investments, The New School, Artemis Rising Foundation, John McArthur Forbes, Omega Educational Foundation, Inside Outside Communications Foundation, The Leslie and Roslyn Goldstein Foundation, The Better Angels Society and its members: Bobby and Polly Stein, Maureen Jane and Mark Perry, The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund, Diane and Hal Brierle, Gilchrist and Amy Berg.

American Masters Original Production Funding provided by AARP, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Rosalind P. Walter foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Marc Haas Foundation, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Thea Petschek, Iervolino Foundation, Seton J. Melvin, Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Foundation, Candace King Weir, Anita and Jay Kaufman, Cheryl and Philip Milstein Family, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, The Charina Endowment Fund, and The André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation.

 

Websites:
http://pbs.org/americanmasters
Facebook: http://facebook.com/americanmasters
Instagram: http://instagram.com/pbsamericanmaster
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pbsamericanmasters?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/americanmasters
#AmericanMastersPBS

Terry McMillian Presents: TEMPTED 2 LOVE

Director: Roger M. Bobb
Starring: Garcelle Beauvais, Vaughn W. Hebron, Lela Rochon, Boris Kodjoe

World Premiere of Terry McMillian Presents: TEMPTED 2 LOVE on LIFETIME Premieres Saturday, January 31st

aotions simmer to the surface. Their attraction and love for each other will force them to decide once again what is best for their careers and relationship.

Academy Award® Winner Octavia Spencer Sets Premiere Dates for Projects with Investigation Discovery LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA AND FEDS

ID logo

\(New York, NY) - Leading true crime network Investigation Discovery announced today the highly anticipated return of the Emmy nominated LOST WOMEN franchise and the new season of FEDS beginning next month. Octavia Spencer's Orit Entertainment, October Films, and ID come together again for LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA which focuses on the brutal murders of two Alaska Native women and the shocking investigation that led authorities to their sadistic killer. Over three gripping hours, LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA premieres on Wednesday, February 25 from 8-11pm ET on ID. On its heels is a new season of FEDS, offering unprecedented access inside America’s most elite crime fighting agency, the FBI, to bring the agency’s most dramatic cases to life. The immersive six-part second season of FEDS begins airing weekly on Wednesday, March 4 at 9/8c on ID. Both projects will be available to stream on HBO Max.

“Expanding the LOST WOMEN franchise allows us to shine a light on cases involving underrepresented women, and LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA confronts the devastating intersection of race and systemic failures that perpetuate violence against Indigenous women. Alongside this, FEDS gives us the chance to showcase the courage of FBI agents who often work covertly to bring justice for the victims. I’m honored to continue this partnership with ID and October Films to amplify these crucial stories and create bold, meaningful work,” said Executive Producer Octavia Spencer.

“Octavia brings a level of care to every story she touches,” said Jason Sarlanis, President of ID. “LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA helps expose a crisis impacting Indigenous women with sensitivity and cinematic power. And with FEDS, we are bringing viewers unprecedented access to the FBI’s most compelling investigations. We’re proud to continue building prestige true-crime storytelling together.”

As the LOST WOMEN franchise continues to provoke important conversations around society’s treatment of women, LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA offers an unsettling look into the murders of Veronica Abouchuk and Kathleen Jo Henry, killed in 2018 and 2019. They join a cacophony of Indigenous voices seemingly lost without trace in the remote Alaskan landscape, but through the courage of some unlikely heroes, the twisted crimes of a potential serial killer come to light. Over three episodes packed with surprising turns, LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA delivers intimate and unflinching access to the disturbing impact of a predator who turns a community into a personal hunting ground. But his arrest is only the beginning of a far deeper horror.

FEDS continues to offer unprecedented access to the FBI, featuring exclusive interviews with FBI agents and the previously untold stories of high-profile, dangerous and unusual cases as recounted by investigators, informants, undercover operatives and victims. The series unveils the brilliant tactics, tough judgment calls, and relentless dedication that make the FBI the world's most elite crime-fighting force. From a shocking kidnapping hoax to an elaborate baby-selling scheme, each episode offers front-row seats to the real-life drama and emotion of major investigations. The full season rundown is below:

City Under Fire

Premieres Wednesday, March 4 at 9/8c

In 2015, the East Coast experiences the first major terrorist attack since 9/11. The FBI carries out an intense 72-hour investigation with multiple bombings across New Jersey and New York. Now, they race to track down the bomber and save thousands.

Vanishing Act

Premieres Wednesday, March 11 at 9/8c

A 911 call comes in from the quiet luxury neighborhood of Ponte Vedra. A husband reports the kidnapping of his wife. The FBI races against time in the hope of locating the mom-of-two alive, but this case takes even the most experienced Agents by surprise.

We Sell Babies

Premieres Wednesday, March 18 at 9/8c

The Always Hope adoption center, run by Tara Lynn Lee, falls under suspicion of multiple families who are all left heartbroken after their adoptions fall through. However, the FBI begins to uncover a heartbreaking multi-state scam like no other.

Inside Job

Premieres Wednesday, March 25 at 9/8c

In Connecticut, an employee arrives at his bank with a bomb strapped to him, claiming he will die if not given money. In Tennessee, more bank employees begin robbing their own banks, each claiming they have been held hostage and forced into the crime.

Gangbuster

Premieres Wednesday, April 1 at 9/8c

A series of unsolved shootings and murders across Southern Florida leave a community terrorized under the threat of an unknown gang. Rookie FBI Special Agent Jessica Box makes it her mission to identify and dismantle this deadly crew.

Hired to Kill

Premieres Wednesday, April 8 at 9/8c

Over two years, a killer shoots multiple people dead in Philadelphia, but the killer's identity and motive remain unclear. The FBI and a dedicated Task Force soon uncover that they are dealing with a real-life hitman who calls himself the Real John Wick.

LOST WOMEN OF ALASKA is executive produced by Octavia Spencer, Brian Clisham and Stephanie Kluft of Orit Entertainment, Matt Robins, Jos Cushing and Amy Lee-Jones of October Films, and Christina Douglas of Momentum Content. FEDS is executive produced by Octavia Spencer, Brian Clisham and Stephanie Kluft of Orit Entertainment and Matt Robins and Mike Warner of October Films.

To join the conversation and follow along with premieres on social, tag #LostWomenofAlaska or #FEDSonID and follow Investigation Discovery on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube for exclusive content.

About INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY (ID)

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the leading true crime network on television, delivering the highest-quality programming to nearly 60 million U.S. households. For exclusive digital content and bonus material, fans can follow ID on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube. Investigation Discovery is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Film Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.

Contact

ID Press Team at IDPress@wbd.com

\Ginsberg Libby Press Team at GLTV@ginsberglibby.com

STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Creators and Cast in Pictures

Netflix Logo

Stanger Things Logo

On Wednesday, December 17th, Netflix hosted a special event for the critically-acclaimed and highly anticipated Season 5 of STRANGER THINGS. The event took place at the Metrograph in NYC, beginning with a screening, followed by a lively conversation with cast and creators of the iconic series. Moderated by Josh Horowitz  from the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast

On the panel were:

Matt Duffer / Creator, Executive Producer, Director and Writer
Ross Duffer / Creator, Executive Producer, Director and Writer
Noah Schnapp / “Will Byers”
Caleb McLaughlin / “Lucas Sinclair”
Gaten Matarazzo / “Dustin Henderson”
Jamie Campbell Bower / “Vecna”
Maya Hawke / “Robin Buckley”
Natalia Dyer / Nancy Wheeler”
Charlie Heaton  / “Jonathan Byers”J
Joe Keery / "Steve Harrington"

 STRANGER THINGS tells the story of what happened beginning in the fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.

Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Mike Coppola / Getty for Netflix

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY begins its fifth season of award-winning comedy with a press conference and set tour

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Group Photo; Credit: Yevette Renee
ABBOTT ELEMENTARY Group Photo; Credit: Yevette Renee

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY provided the media with a dynamic opportunity, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot, to hear and ask questions from the show’s stars, Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Quinta Brunson, Emmy® winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, Golden Globe® winner Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti and William Stanford Davis.  

Moderator: Um, we’re gonna start with a question from Margaret Gardiner, but I just have to ask Tyler, have you heard from Ryan Coogler?

Tyler James Williams: Um, I actually have, via Quinta.

Quinta Brunson: He was so flat- it was so sweet. Um, yeah, I ran into him this weekend at the LACMA Gala where he was being honored, um, which was just incredible to see. He’s somebody I admire so much. I think- I don’t admire that many people. I actually admire that man. (00:03:50) And, um, he came up to me, he was getting ready for- to do his speech, and he’s like, “Yo. The episode.” He said his auntie sent it to him and that’s how he found out about it, which was just so special to me because we constantly say this is a show for family viewing.

Moderator: Uh, Stan, what about for you? This is your first series regular role in a very long career.

William Stanford Davis: I’m still- I’m still in pinch-myself mode. You know, every time I come to work, you know, I’m here, I’m working with all these great people, and, you know, y’all know how old I am, right? (00:10:19) I’m not gonna tell you. Uh, anyway, but yeah, I’m enjoying every moment. Still today after five seasons, yes.

London Williams, NAACP. Abbott Elementary has redefined what representation looks like on network television. (00:20:24) What has been the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from educators or viewers? You sort of addressed this earlier, but I’d- I’d love to hear everyone else’s thoughts too.

Quinta Brunson: So I think the better the stories are, the more you’re naturally gonna get the diversity. Now, there is the angle of we’re always gonna need our industry to appreciate the storytelling of people of color, to not write it off because it’s people of color, of other. But a good story is a good story.

Quinta Brunson: Yeah. No, I- I was thinking- there are many proud moments for me on this show. I’m proud right now—I’m proud that you guys want to talk to hear, want to hear from us. I’m proud—this is where we do our tables reads, so we usually come in here, very tired from being on set and getting through, so it’s like even this moment I was like, “Whoa, this is new. (00:32:28) Like, this is different.” I’m very proud right now. I was very proud when we shot in Philadelphia because we pulled something off that’s not easy to do, so we shot at a live baseball game—there’s a reason that shows don’t shoot at live events, it’s ’cause it’s damn near impossible to do. And I was so proud of my- we have a crew that has been together for a very long time and, you know, we get new people, of course, like any show does, but we’ve been together for a long time. And to be able to pull that off as a crew, oh my gosh, that’s when you’re proud of your PAs, you’re proud of your hair and makeup, you’re proud of your crafty, you’re proud of the lighting, the- you’re proud of the- the sound people. (00:33:05) That’s when it’s like, oh my God. You can’t really pull that off without a good, solid crew. And it’s one of those things where I- I just- people come to this job and they could phone it in. They could. People do it all the time.

NBC New Comedy Series STUMBLE Premieres November 7th  at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT

Stumble Logo
Picture3

Director: Jeff Blitz
Writers: Jeff Astrof, Liz Astrof
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Jenn Lyon, Taran Killam, Ryan Pinkston, Jarrett Austin Brown, Anissa Borrego, Arianna Davis, Taylor Dunbar, Georgie Murphy
Recurring Guest Star: Kristin Chenoweth

 

Executive Producers: Jeff Astrof, Liz Astrof
Executive Producers: Dana Honor, Monica Aldama
Executive Producer: Jeff Blitz
Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group
Production Company: Defining Eve Productions

The 5th Annual Next Gen Panel Presented by AAFCA x SAG-AFTRA Foundation Takes Place Today

THE 5TH ANNUAL NEXT GEN PANEl pics

On Sunday, July 20th, the African American Film  Critics Association and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation hosted the 5th Annual Next Gen Panel at the Meryl Streep Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. The panel of young stars on the rise is DaVinchi, Taylor, Ernest Kingsley Jr.,  Myles Truitt, who all have a bright future ahead.

7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors winners announced

“FOREVER,” “PARADISE” AND “MATLOCK” ARE MULTIPLE WINNERS

KEITH LE GOY, AYO DAVIS, TINA PERRY, MARA BROCK AKIL, MICHELLE BUTEAU, NNEKA ONUORAH, DENISE NICHOLAS TO RECEIVE SPECIAL HONO

aafca logo

Los Angeles (May 29, 2025) — The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is proud to announce its winners of this year’s AAFCA TV HONORS, its annual TV TOP TEN LIST and its 2025 class of Special Achievement Honorees. The 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors will  take place on August 23, 2025, at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

This year’s WINNERS, as voted on by the AAFCA membership, are as follows:

    • Best Drama - “Paradise” (Hulu)
    • Best Comedy - “Harlem” (Amazon Prime)
    • Best Actor - Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” (Hulu)
    • Best Actress - Kathy Bates, “Matlock” (CBS)
    • Best Writing - “Forever” (Netflix)
    • Best Director - Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil and Regina King, “Forever” (Netflix)
    • Breakthrough Talent - Skye P. Marshall, “Matlock” (CBS)
    • Best Documentary - “Number One on the Callsheet” (Apple TV+)
    • Best Reality - “Gen Zone” (BET+)
    • Best Limited Series - “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+)
    • Best TV Movie - “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu)
    • Best Ensemble - “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
    • Best New Show- “Forever” (Netflix)

AAFCA’s selection for the 2025 TOP TEN TELEVISION PROGRAMS is as follows:

  1. “Forever” (Netflix)
  2. “Paradise” (Hulu)
  3. “Cross” (Amazon Prime)
  4. “Harlem” (Amazon Prime)
  5. “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  6. “Power Book: Raising Kanan” (Starz)
  7. “Dope Thief” (Apple TV+)
  8. “The Bear” (“Hulu”)
  9. “The Chi” (Paramount+ with Showtime)
  10. “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

“Do not miss the winning programs and performances and AAFCA’s Top 10 TV shows of the year,” said AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “We look forward to celebrating a banner year for television, with our winners and Top 10 list reflecting incredible creativity, compelling narratives, and the powerful resonance of diverse storytelling across all platforms."

In addition to this year’s winners of the AAFCA TV HONORS and the announcement of the Top 10 television programs of the year, AAFCA is thrilled to announce this year’s class of special honoreees. Selected by the AAFCA TV HONORS awards committee, these individuals represent a dynamic cross-section of leaders and visionaries making an indelible impact across television and streaming platforms.

“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” said Gil Robertson, AAFCA Co-Founder and President. “As the entertainment world finds its footing again post-COVID, post-strikes, and amid a shifting political and cultural landscape, this year’s class of honorees exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”

Now in its seventh year, the AAFCA TV Honors has become a bellwether event within the entertainment industry—serving as both a celebration and a reflection of the groundbreaking work happening in television and streaming.

This year’s special honorees include:

    • Keith Le Goy, Chairman, Sony Pictures Television – TV Vanguard Award

Le Goy is chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), one of the television industry’s leading content providers. He is responsible for all television production operations, of one of the TV industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform.

    • Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television – Salute to Excellence Award

As president of Disney Branded Television, Davis is responsible for producing premium original content for kids and families across Disney+ and Disney Junior. Under her leadership, the network has launched favorites like “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” hit animated series “Bluey,” Disney Jr.’s “Ariel” starring Amber Riley and Taye Diggs, and “Descendants: The Rise of Red” starring Brandy and Rita Ora. Having spent over two decades at Disney—starting in casting before moving into content—Davis has made her mark.

    • Tina Perry, President, OWN TV – Visionary Award

Perry has served as President of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network since 2019, overseeing all creative and operational aspects of the network, reporting directly to OWN Chairwoman and CEO Oprah Winfrey and Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks Chairwoman and CEO Channing Dungey. Under her leadership, OWN has solidified its role as a leading destination for Black audiences.  The network continues to dominate Friday and Saturday nights among African American viewers with hit series such as Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Family or Fiance, and Ready to Love. Over the past year, OWN’s average premiere ratings among Black women aged 25-54 have increased by 6%.

    • Mara Brock Akil, Producer/Screenwriter – Legacy Award

A groundbreaking television writer and producer, Akil’s work has shaped modern Black storytelling on TV. Her work includes writing for “South Central,” and becoming the youngest African-American showrunner at 30 with her hit series “Girlfriends.” Additional projects include “The Game,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Black Lightning.” Brock Akil’s most current series, “Forever,” just debuted on Netflix.

    • Michelle Buteau, Actress/Comedian – Trailblazer Award

Comedian, actress, producer, and podcast host, Buteau is known for her bold humor. She began stand-up in 2001 after working as a TV news producer in New York. Her big break came five years later on Comedy Central. Named one of Esquire’s "comedians to watch" in 2017, she went on to host the “Late Night Whenever!” podcast and Netflix’s “The Circle.” Her comedy special, “Welcome to Buteaupia,” earned a 2021 Critics' Choice Award. In 2020, she published “Survival of the Thickest,” later adapted into a Netflix series. She starred in the 2024 film “Babes.”

    • Nneka Onuorah, Producer/Director – 2025 Horizon Award

Onuorah is an Emmy-winning film director and producer known for bold, socially resonant storytelling. The winner of a Primetime Emmy for directing “Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” her most recent Prime Video project, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words” spotlights the superstar rapper's rise to fame.

    • Denise Nicholas – 2025 TV Icon Award

Denise Nicholas is a renowned actress and author, best known for her roles in films like “Let’s Do it Again” (1975) and “Capricorn One” (1977) as well as her TV roles on “In the Heat of the Night” and “Room 222.” She is also the author of the novel “Freshwater Road” and has received several accolades for her writing, including the Best First Novel Award from the American Library Association’s Black Caucus. She got her start on stage touring with the Free Southern Theater through the rural South during the Civil Rights Movement.
###

About AAFCA
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the largest collective of Black film critics in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence in film and television. Founded in 2003, AAFCA presents a range of annual awards celebrations and special events that honor outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. Since its inception, the organization has remained committed to amplifying Black voices in film criticism and arts and entertainment journalism across the African Diaspora. AAFCA’s mission has always been clear: to elevate diverse perspectives and create space for underrepresented voices in media.
For media inquiries or more information, please visit www.aafca.com.

Media Contact:
PERCEPTION PR
Lea Yardum | lea@perceptionpr.com | +1 323 606 2080
Natasha Barrett | natasha@perceptionpr.com | +1 323 606 3239
Maggie Bie-Grace | maggie@perceptionpr.com | +1 508 505 8152

‘THE RESIDENCE’ Emmy Event

NETFLIX Logo

On Friday, May 23rd, Netflix hosted a special event for for the widely acclaimed comedy series, THE RESIDENCE, at American Legion Post 43 in Los Angeles. The event began with a screening and was followed by a conversation with Creator, Showrunner, Writer, and Executive Producer Paul William Davies, stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ken Marino, Production Designer François Audouy, Costume Designer Lyn Paolo, and Composer Mark Mothersbaugh. The event concluded with a reception. Please see below for photos from the event!

Paul William Davies / Creator, Showrunner, Writer, Executive Producer
Uzo Aduba / “Cordelia Cupp”
Randall Park / “Edwin Park”
Susan Kelechi Watson / “Jasmine Haney”
Giancarlo Esposito / “A.B. Wynter”
Ken Marino / “Harry Hollinger”
François Audouy / Production Designer
Lyn Paolo / Costume Designer
Mark Mothersbaugh / Composer
Moderated by Jenelle Riley / Variety

Photos Courtesy of Jerod Harris / Getty for Netflix
Photos Courtesy of Jerod Harris / Getty for Netflix

ABOUT THE RESIDENCE

132 rooms. 157 suspects. One dead body. One wildly eccentric detective. One disastrous State Dinner. The Residence is a screwball whodunnit set in the upstairs, downstairs, and backstairs of the White House, among the eclectic staff of the world's most famous mansion.