Unspool Hollywood

AAFCA and The Grammy Museum Today Presents ‘The ABC’s of Music Magic for TV

Roahn Hylton, Taura Stinson, Autum Rowe, Qiana Conley Akinro and Schlyer O’Neal; Photo: Yevette Renee

A conversation about people of color and music in television with songwriter, producer, musician, composer and author, Taura Stinson ; Qiana Conley Akinro, senior executive director at The Recording Academy; Autum Rowe, singer-songwriter, TV personality, DJ and Roahn Hylton, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop music producer and moderated by Schlyer O’Neal took place at The Grammy Museum on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The distinguished panelist provided information on their extensive background and how they got started working in the music industry and eventually finding their way to television. It was great opportunity for those interested in getting into the industry and/or those who already in the industry and want to grow and level-up.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Starring Anthony Mackie, Now in Theaters

Release Date: February 14, 2025 United States

Director: Julius Onah
Screenplay: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah and Peter Glanz
Story by: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson
Captain America creators: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito
Genre: Superhero, Sci-Fi Adventure, Action
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Director Julius Onah’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

Also stars Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns and Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder.

Distributor: Wallt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Production Company: Marvel Studios
Director: Julius Onah
Screenplay: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah and Peter Glanz
Story by: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson
Captain America creators: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito
Producer: Mitchell Bell; co-producer credit as Mitch Bell
Executive Producer: Louis D'Esposito
Co-producer: Kyana F. Davidson
Producers: Kevin Feige, Nate Moore
Associate Producer: Jillian Henry
Executive producers: Anthony Mackie and Charles Newirth
Cinematographer: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Madeleine Gavin, Matthew Schmidt
Music: Laura Karpman
Casting: Sarah Finn

PAFF Spotlight Screening: Mount Mutombo Brings the Inspiring Legacy of an NBA Giant to The Culver Theater

Some legacies can’t be measured by championships or statistics.

On Tuesday, February 11, at 8:55 PM, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) proudly presents a Spotlight Screening of Mount Mutombo at The Culver Theater—a powerful documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and impact of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo.

From his humble beginnings in the Democratic Republic of Congo to his dominance on the basketball court, the film dives deep into the story of a man whose legacy extends far beyond sports. With rare interviews featuring Allen Iverson, Adam Silver, Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Tracy McGrady, Hakeem Olajuwon, Masai Ujiri, Larry Brown, and more, Mount Mutombo captures the towering presence and influence of one of basketball’s greatest defenders—not just in the game, but in the world.

Beyond his NBA career, Mutombo has dedicated his life to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, building hospitals, empowering communities, and becoming a global ambassador for change. His story is one of resilience, generosity, and the belief that true greatness comes from lifting others up.

Be There for This Unforgettable Screening

The Culver Theater
Tuesday, February 11
8:55 PM

This isn’t just a film about basketball. It’s a story about heart, impact, and the kind of legacy that lasts far beyond the final buzzer.

PAFF Awards Brunch, Presented by Apple TV+, to Honor “Severance” Star Tramell Tillman with “Star on the Rise” Award

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is closing out its 33rd annual celebration with a show-stopping finale: the highly anticipated Filmmaker Awards Brunch, presented by Apple TV+. And this year, the festival is shining a well-deserved spotlight on Tramell Tillman (“Severance”) as he receives the coveted “Star on the Rise” Award.

Set for Monday, February 17, at 11 a.m. at the elegant Palm Sophia in Culver City, the invite-only event will be a toast to the best in global Black cinema. From unveiling this year’s jury and audience-selected winners to recognizing industry game-changers, the brunch is the festival’s grand finale—a celebration of the visionaries shaping the future of film.

And at the center of it all? Tramell Tillman, the undeniable talent who has been keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with his riveting performance as Milchick in Apple TV+’s psychological thriller “Severance.” With the series now in its second season and new episodes dropping every Friday, Tillman’s nuanced, haunting portrayal has solidified him as one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Tramell Tillman, whose performance in Apple’s Severance has made him one of the most exciting talents to watch,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, PAFF Executive Director. “As PAFF continues its mission to uplift and amplify Black creatives, we are proud to recognize artists like Tramell, who are redefining the industry.”

Attended by an exclusive mix of industry insiders, filmmakers, and festival participants, the PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch is more than just a wrap-up event—it’s a moment to honor cinematic excellence and the future of Black storytelling. And with Apple TV+ on board as the presenting sponsor, this year’s edition is set to be a celebration worthy of Hollywood’s next big star.

Producers Guild of America 2025 Winners: See Full List

The 36^th Annual Producers Guild of America was held on February 8^th at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City.

Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures

WINNER Anora
Producers: Samantha Quan, p.g.a., Alex Coco, p.g.a., Sean Baker, p.g.a.

The Brutalist
Producers: Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, D.J. Gugenheim, Brady Corbet

A Complete Unknown
Producers: Fred Berger, p.g.a., Alex Heineman, p.g.a., James Mangold, p.g.a.

Conclave
Producers: Tessa Ross, p.g.a., Juliette Howell, p.g.a., Michael A. Jackman, p.g.a.

Dune: Part Two
Producers: Mary Parent, p.g.a., Cale Boyter, p.g.a., Denis Villeneuve, p.g.a., Tanya Lapointe, p.g.a.

Emilia Pérez
Producers: Pascal Caucheteux, Jacques Audiard

A Real Pain
Producers: Ali Herting, p.g.a., Jesse Eisenberg, p.g.a.

September 5
Producers: Philipp Trauer, p.g.a., Thomas Wöbke, p.g.a., Tim Fehlbaum, p.g.a., John Ira Palmer, p.g.a., John Wildermuth, p.g.a.

The Substance
Producers: Coralie Fargeat, Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner

Wicked
Producers: Marc Platt, p.g.a.

Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures
WINNER The Wild Robot
Producers: Jeff Hermann, p.g.a.

Flow
Producers: Matīss Kaža, Ron Dyens, Gints Zilbalodis, Gregory Zalcman

Inside Out 2
Producers: Mark Nielsen, p.g.a.

Moana 2
Producers: Yvett Merino, p.g.a., Christina Chen, p.g.a.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Producers: Richard Beek

The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures

WINNER Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Producers: Lizzie Gillett, p.g.a., Robert Ford, p.g.a., Ian Bonhôte, p.g.a.

Gaucho Gaucho
Producers: Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw

Mediha
Producers: Hasan Oswald, Annelise Mecca, Fahrinisa Campana

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
Producers: Michael D. Ratner, Miranda Sherman, Dalia Burde, Christopher Newman

Porcelain War
Producers: Aniela Sidorska, p.g.a., Paula DuPré Pesmen, p.g.a.

We Will Dance Again
Producers: TBD

Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Drama
Shōgun – WINNER
Producers: Justin Marks, Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, Rachel Kondo, Shannon Goss, Erin Smith, Hiroyuki Sanada, Eriko Miyagawa, Jamie Vega Wheeler, Matt Lambert

Bad Sisters
Producers: Sharon Horgan, Faye Dorn, Clelia Mountford, Dearbhla Walsh, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer, Bert Hamelinck, Michael Sagol, Malin-Sarah Gozin, Catherine Magee, Rebecca Parkinson

The Diplomat
Producers: Debora Cahn, Janice Williams, Keri Russell, Alex Graves, Peter Noah, Peter Ackerman, Pam Roberts, Brad Carpenter, Chris Arruda

Fallout
Producers: Jonathan Nolan, Lisa Joy, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner, Athena Wickham, Todd Howard, James Altman, Margot Lulick, James W. Skotchdopole, Stephen Semel, Karey Dornetto, Carson Mell, Kieran Fitzgerald, Jill Footlick, Noreen O’Toole, Jay Worth, Crystal Whelan, Halle Phillips, Gursimran Sandhu, Skye Wathen

Slow Horses
Producers: Graham Yost, Will Smith, Douglas Urbanski, Gail Mutrux, Jane Robertson, Julian Stevens, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Simon Gillis

Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television – Comedy
WINNER Hacks

Producers: Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, Michael Schur, David Miner, Morgan Sackett, Guy Branum, Andrew Law, Carol Leifer, Joe Mande, Aisha Muharrar, Samantha Riley, Ashley Glazier, Nate Young

Abbott Elementary
Producers: Quinta Brunson, Patrick Schumacker, Justin Halpern, Randall Einhorn, Brian Rubenstein, Jordan Temple, Brittani Nichols, Josh Greene, Scott Sites

The Bear
Producers: Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Christopher Storer, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, Cooper Wehde, Rene Gube, Courtney Storer, Carrie Holt de Lama, David Woods

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Producers: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Jeff Schaffer, Laura Streicher, Jennifer Corey, Adam Feil

Only Murders in the Building
Producers: Dan Fogelman, Jess Rosenthal, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, John Hoffman, Ben Smith, Matteo Borghese, Rob Turbovsky, J.J. Philbin, Rick Wiener, Kenny Schwartz, Kristin Bernstein, Madeleine George, Joshua Allen Griffith, Jill Risk Wolfe, Kristin Newman

David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television

Baby Reindeer – WINNER
Producers: Richard Gadd, Matthew Mulot, Wim De Greef, Petra Fried, Matt Jarvis, Ed Macdonald

FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans
Producers: Ryan Murphy, Alexis Martin Woodall, Jon Robin Baitz, Gus Van Sant, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Naomi Watts, Kip Davis Myers, Tanase Popa, Jason De Beer, Sara Stelwagen, Kip Davis Myers, Lou Eyrich, Todd Nenninger

The Penguin
Producers: Lauren LeFranc, Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Craig Zobel, Colin Farrell, Bill Carraro, Daniel Pipski, Vladimir Cvetko, Erika L. Johnson, Noelle Valdivia, John McCutcheon, Dana Robin, Nick Towne, Corina Maritescu, Claudine Farrell

Ripley
Producers: Steven Zaillian, Garrett Basch, Clayton Townsend, Guymon Casady, Benjamin Forkner, Philipp Keel, Sharon Levy, Charlie Corwin, Ben Rosenblatt, Enzo Sisti, Andrew Scott

True Detective: Night Country
Producers: Issa López, Mari Jo Winkler-Ioffreda, Jodie Foster, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Chris Mundy, Sam Breckman, Alan Page Arriaga, Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Cathy Tagnak Rexford, Layla Blackman

Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures

Carry-On
Producers: Dylan Clark, p.g.a.

The Greatest Night in Pop – WINNER
Producers: Lionel Richie, George Hencken, Julia Nottingham

The Killer
Producers: Charles Roven, p.g.a., Alex Gartner, p.g.a., John Woo, p.g.a.

Rebel Ridge
Producers: Anish Savjani, p.g.a., Neil Kopp, p.g.a., Jeremy Saulnier, p.g.a.

Unfrosted
Producers: Jerry Seinfeld, p.g.a., Spike Feresten, p.g.a., Beau Bauman, p.g.a.

Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television
STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces – WINNER
Producers: Morgan Neville, Meghan Walsh, Charlise Holmes, Caitrin Rogers

30 for 30
Producers: Heather Anderson, Marsha Cooke, Brian Lockhart, Burke Magnus, Marquis Daisy, Gentry Kirby, Adam Neuhaus, Carolyn Hepburn, Cora Atkinson, Marie Margolius, Connor Schell, Libby Geist, Aaron Cohen

Conan O'Brien Must Go
Producers: Conan O'Brien, Jeff Ross, Jason Chillemi, Sarah Federowicz, Jessie Gaskell, Matt O'Brien, Mike Sweeney, Aaron Bleyaert, Jordan Schlansky

The Jinx - Part Two
Producers: Charlotte Kaufman, Sam Neave, Kyle Martin, Zac Stuart-Pontier, Andrew Jarecki

Welcome to Wrexham
Producers: Jeff Luini, Bryan Rowland, Josh Drisko, Andy Thomas, Nicholas Frenkel, George Dewey, Rob McElhenney, Ryan Reynolds, Humphrey Ker, Patrick McGarvey, Cody Shelton, Liz Spano, Aaron Lovell, Shannon Owen, Charlotte Hobday, Sandy Johnston, Alex Leech

Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment, Variety, Sketch, Standup & Talk Television

Saturday Night Live – WINNER
Producers: Lorne Michaels, Steve Higgins, Erik Kenward, Erin Doyle, Tom Broecker, Caroline Maroney, Javier Winnik

Ali Wong: Single Lady
Producers: Ali Wong, John Irwin, Casey Spira, Ryan Polito

The Daily Show
Producers: Jennifer Flanz, Jon Stewart, James "Babydoll" Dixon, Ramin Hedayati, Justin Melkmann, Zhubin Parang, Dan Amira, Ian Berger, Max Browning, Sushil Dayal, Pamela DePace, David Kibuuka, David Paul Meyer, Elise Terrell, Jocelyn Conn, Jeff Gussow, Matt O'Brien, Brittany Radocha, Daniel Radosh, Shawna Shepherd, Beth Shorr, Fiona Wozniak, David Blog, Adam Chodikoff, Jimmy Donn, Kira Klang Hopf, Allison MacDonald, Ryan Middleton, Matt Negrin, Aaron Perlman-Price, Juliet Werner

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Producers: John Oliver, Tim Carvell, Liz Stanton, Jeremy Tchaban, Catherine Owens, Whit Conway, Kaye Foley, Laura L. Griffin, Christopher McDaniel, Kate Mullaney, Matt Passet, Megan Peck Shub, Wynn Van Dusen, Marian Wang, Charles Wilson, Rebecca Etchberger

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Producers: Stephen T. Colbert, Tom Purcell, Jon Stewart, Tanya Michnevich Bracco, Barry Julien, Matt Lappin, Opus Moreschi, Aaron Cohen, Paul Dinello, Ariel Dumas, Emily Gertler, Jay Katsir, Bjoern Stejskal, Sara Vilkomerson, Ballard C. Boyd, Michael Brumm, Megan Gearheart, Gabe Gronli, Paige Kendig, Jake Plunkett, Adam Wager

Award for Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition Television
WINNER The Traitors
Producers: Mike Cotton, Toni Ireland, Sam Rees-Jones, Stephen Lambert, Jack Burgess, Tim Harcourt, Ben Cook, Joe Evans, Laura Gallen, Chris Mannion, Emma Carroll, Deena Katz, Zoe Duerden, Alan Cumming

The Amazing Race
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Bertram van Munster, Jonathan Littman, Elise Doganieri, Mark Vertullo, Phil Keoghan, Patrick Cariaga

RuPaul's Drag Race
Producers: RuPaul Charles, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Mandy Salangsang, Steven Corfe, Michele Mills, Daniel Blau Rogge, John Polly, Thairin Smothers, Lisa Steele, Sara Kordy, Julie Ha, Michelle Visage, Thea Berns, Michael Seligman, Alicia Gargaro-Magaña, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews

Top Chef
Producers: Casey Kriley, Jo Sharon, Doneen Arquines, Hillary Olsen, Tracy Tong, Hunter Braun, Nora Cromwell, Thi Nguyen, Patrick Schmedeman, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, John Adams, Taylor Cochran, Diana Schmedeman, Steve Lichtenstein

The Voice
Producers: John De Mol, Mark Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Amanda Zucker, Kyra Thompson, Adam H. Sher, Barry Poznick, Teddy Valenti, Barton Kimball, Brittany Martin Porter, Clyde Lieberman, Amanda Silva Borden, Dan Paschen, Kyle Grossinger, Hayley Opalek McSherry, Melissa Wong, Jared Wyso, Meredith Ambrose, Bri Baxter, Ashley Bennett, Carson Daly, Jessica Molina, Gavin Lee Rees, Stephanie Waters

**The categories below were previously announced at the PGA Awards East Coast Nominees Celebration on February 3rd, and the PGA Awards West Coast Nominees Celebration on February 6th.

The Award for Outstanding Sports Program
The producing team for Simone Biles Rising

The Award for Outstanding Children's Program
The producing team for Sesame Street

2025 PGA Innovation Award
The producing team for Orbital

The Award for Outstanding Short Form Program
The producing team for Shōgun – The Making of Shōgun

The 2025 Producers Guild Awards Event Chairs: Mike Farah and Joe Farrell.

The 2025 Producers Guild Awards Producer: Anchor Street Collective and written by Lauren Cortizo, Jody Lambert and Matt Oberg for the Producers Guild of America
Executive Producer: Branden Chapman
Co-executive producer:

Public Relations Agency: Carleen Cappelletti Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Sponsorship: Diane Salerno

2025 Sponsors: Cadillac, the Official Vehicle, Delta Air Lines, the Official Airline, Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky, GreenSlate, and Hong Kong Tourism Board

Directors Guild Awards 2025 Winners: See Full List

The 77^th Annual Directors Guild Awards was held on February 8^th at the Beverly Hilton and was hosted by Judd Apatow.

FILM

WINNER: Sean Baker Anora (Neon)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Olivia Kavanaugh
First Assistant Director: Liza Mann
Second Assistant Director: Sofía Blanco
Second Second Assistant Director: Steve Coleman
Location Manager: Ross Brodar

JACQUES AUDIARD: Emilia Pérez (Netflix)

EDWARD BERGER: Conclave (Focus Features)

BRADY CORBET: The Brutalist (A24)

JAMES MANGOLD: A Complete Unknown (Searchlight Pictures)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Michael Bederman
First Assistant Director: Douglas Torres
Second Assistant Director: Brad Robinson
Second Second Assistant Directors: Billy Brennan, Veronica Grant
Location Manager: Anthony Pisani

Michael Apted First-Time Theatrical Feature Film

WINNER RAMELL ROSS: Nickel Boys (Amazon MGM Studios)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Kenneth Yu
First Assistant Director: James Roque
Second Assistant Director: Jonathan M. Warren
Second Second Assistant Director: Thalia Skaleris
Additional Second Assistant Director: Zachery Scherer
Location Manager: Batou Chandler

PAYAL KAPADIA: All We Imagine as Light (Sideshow & Janus Films)

MEGAN PARK: My Old Ass (Amazon MGM Studios)

HALFDAN ULLMANN TONDEL: Armand (IFC Films)

SEAN WANG: Dìdi (Focus Features)

Dramatic Series

WINNER Frederick E.O. Toye, Shogun, “Crimson

Sky” (FX)
Alex Graves, The Diplomat, “Dreadnought” (Netflix)

Hiromi Kamata, Shogun, “Ladies of the Willow World” (FX)

Issa López,True Detective: Night Country, “Part 6” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Mari Jo Winkler
First Assistant Director: Richard Graysmark

Jonathan Van Tulleken, Shogun, “Anjin” (FX)

Comedy Series

WINNER Lucia Aniello, Hacks, “Bulletproof” (Max)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Chris R. Robinson
First Assistant Director: Jeff Rosenberg
Second Assistant Director: Erin Stern Linares
Second Second Assistant Director: Alaina Neumann
Additional Second Assistant Director: Chalis Romero

Ayo Edebiri, The Bear, “Napkins” (FX)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson Bidner
First Assistant Director: Duccio Fabbri
Second Assistant Directors: Olivia Dame, Larissa Malarek
Second Second Assistant Director: Sofía Blanco
Location Manager: Maria C. Roxas

Duccio Fabbri, The Bear, “Doors” (FX)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson Bidner
First Assistant Director: Larissa Malarek
Second Assistant Director: Olivia Dame
Second Second Assistant Director: Sofia Blanco
Location Manager: Maria C. Roxas

Jeff Schaffer, Curb Your Enthusiasm, “No Lessons Learned” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Mary Church
First Assistant Director: Adam Feil
Second Assistant Director: Jessica Faires McGinn
Second Second Assistant Director: Timothy Muir

Christopher Storer, The Bear, “Tomorrow” (FX)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Carrie Holt de Lama, Tyson Bidner
First Assistant Director: Duccio Fabbri
Second Assistant Director: Olivia Dame
Second Second Assistant Director: Sofía Blanco
Location Manager: Maria C. Roxas

Movies for Television and Limited Series

WINNER Steven Zaillian, Ripley (Netflix)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Clayton Townsend, Joe Guest (New York)
First Assistant Director: Peter Thorell
Second Assistant Directors: Justin Bischoff (New York), Nick Notte (New York)
Second Second Assistant Director: Melissa Morphet (New York)
Location Manager: Paul Eskenazi (New York)

Kevin Bray, The Penguin, “Top Hat” (HBO)

Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill Carraro
First Assistant Director: Jude Gorjanc
Second Assistant Director: Brad Robinson
Second Second Assistant Director: Matt Merksamer
Additional Second Assistant Director: Maritza Gomez
Location Manager: Keith Adams

Alfonso Cuarón, Disclaimer (Apple TV+)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Donald Sabourin
First Assistant Director: Chris Carreras

Jennifer Getzinger, The Penguin, “A Great or Little Thing” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill Carraro
First Assistant Director: H.H. Cooper
Second Assistant Director: Eric Calatayud
Second Second Assistant Director: Matt Merksamer
Additional Second Assistant Director: Maritza Gomez
Location Manager: Keith Adam

Helen Shaver, The Penguin, “Cent’anni” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: Dana Robin, Bill Carraro
First Assistant Director: H.H. Cooper
Second Assistant Director: Eric Calatayud
Second Second Assistant Director: Matt Merksamer
Additional Second Assistant Director: Maritza Gomez
Location Manager: Keith Adams

Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Regularly Scheduled Programming

WINNER LIZ PATRICK, Saturday Night Live, “John Mulaney / Chappell Roan” (NBC)
Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Michael Mancini, Michael Poole, Laura Ouziel Mack, Janine DeVito, Amy Mancini
Stage Managers: Gena Rositano, Chris Kelly, Eddie Valk, Tom Ucciferri

PAUL G. CASEY, Real Time with Bill Maher, “Jiminy Glick, Andrew Cuomo, Adam Kinzinger” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Stacy Talbot
Stage Managers: Brian Anderson, Patrick Whitney

JIM HOSKINSON, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez & Mavis Staples w/ Jeff Tweedy” (CBS)
Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Yvonne De Mare, Karen Yaeger
Stage Managers: Mark McKenna, Jeff Leib

DAVID PAUL MEYER, The Daily Show, “Indecision 2024: The Democratic National Convention ‑ Plot Twist!” (Comedy Central)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Adrienne Ford
Stage Managers: Bennymar Almonte (Lead), Tyler Goldman, Gena Rositano

PAUL PENNOLINO, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, “India Elections” (HBO)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Elliot Mendelson
Stage Managers: Mark McKenna, Craig Spinney, Jeff Leib

Variety/Talk/News/Sports — Specials

WINNER - BETH McCARTHY‑MILLER, The Roast of Tom Brady (Netflix)
Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Debbie Palacio, Marty Pasetta Jr.
Stage Managers: Lynn Finkel, Steve Hollander, Greg Kasoff, Ran Lowe, Jennifer Marquet, Christopher McDonald, Tammy Raab, Jackie Stathis

HAMISH HAMILTON, The 96th Annual Academy Awards (ABC)
Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Hayley Collett, Susan Kopensky, Lori Margules, Robin Mishkin Abrams, Sara Niimi, Kristen Patterson Terry, Michael Polito
Stage Managers: Gary Natoli (Lead), Alexis Brusig, Rita Cossette, John Esposito, Zachary Figures, Valdez Flagg, Doug Fogel, Chris Hines, Alissa Levisohn Hoyo, Roxanne Lozano, Donna Parker, Ron Paul, Alec Potter, Tammy Raab, Jason Seligman, Jackie Stathis, Cheryl Teetzel-Moore, Ari Woog

DAVID PAUL MEYER, The Daily Show Presents A Live Election Night Special With Jon Stewart: Indecision 2024: Nothing We Can Do About It Now (Comedy Central)

Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Adrienne Ford
Stage Managers: Bennymar Almonte (Lead), Tyler Goldman, Gena Rositano

GLENN WEISS, The 77th Annual Tony Awards (CBS)
Directorial Team:
Associate Directors: Ken Diego, Robin Mishkin Abrams, Ricky Kirshner, Susan Kopensky, Ryan Smith, Kristen Patterson Terry Stage Managers: Garry Hood (Lead), Peter Epstein, Bennymar Almonte, Joey Despenzero, Phyllis Digilio Kent, Doug Fogel, Jeffry Gitter, Tyler Goldman, Kevin Lishawa, Arthur Lewis, Jeff Markowitz, Cyndi Owgang, Jason Pacella, Annette Powlis, Elise Reaves, Cody Renard Richard, Lauren Class Schneider, Eddie Valk, Leslie Williams

ALI WONG, Ali Wong: Single Lady (Netflix)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: John Irwin
Stage Manager: Zoey Powers

Reality Programs

WINNER - NEIL DeGROOT, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, “The Cliffs of Ireland” (National Geographic)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Jeff Simms

JOSEPH GUIDRY, Deal Or No Deal Island, “Are You Decisive?” (NBC)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: Greg Rosa

ARI KATCHER, Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, “Road Trip” (HBO)

PATRICK McMANUS, American Ninja Warrior, “Las Vegas Finals 4” (NBC)
Directorial Team:
Associate Director: David Massey
Stage Managers: Sara Brown, Sean P. Galvin, T.J. Ganser, Joseph R. Osborne, Louise Story

MIKE SWEENEY, Conan O’Brien Must Go, “Ireland” (Max)

Children’s Programs

Winner - AMBER SEALEY, Out of My Mind (Disney+)

KAT COIRO, The Spiderwick Chronicles, “Welcome to Spiderwick” (Roku Channel)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Grace Gilroy

MICHAEL GOI, Avatar: The Last Airbender, “Aang” (Netflix)
Directorial Team:
First Assistant Director: Michael Neumann
Second Assistant Director: Chad Belair

JIM MICKLE, Sweet Tooth, “This Is a Story” (Netflix)

JENNIFER PHANG, Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)
Directorial Team:
Unit Production Manager: Wendy S. Williams
First Assistant Director: Senica Billingsley
Second Assistant Director: Mark E. Brown

Commercials

LANCE ACORD (Park Pictures)

An American Love Story, Volkswagen ‑ Johannes Leonardo
Unit Production Manager: Karoline Kousidonis
First Assistant Directors: Thomas Smith, Peter S. Jackson
Second Assistant Directors: Carly Sturgeon, John Mattern
Second Second Assistant Directors: Matthew Kramer, Reed Baum

KIM GEHRIG (Somesuch)

A Life in Sound, SiriusXM – Uncommon
First Assistant Director: Kate Greenberg
Second Assistant Director: Rebecca Rogers

Am I A Bad Person?, Nike ‑ Wieden+Kennedy
First Assistant Director: Guy Forgaard

Find Your Friends, Apple‑ Client Direct
First Assistant Director: Rodney Smith
Second Assistant Director: John Nasraway
Second Second Assistant Director: Isaac Meija
Additional Second Assistant Directors: Michael Dudley, Kendall Wilmot

TIM HEIDECKER & ERIC WAREHEIM (Prettybird)

Michael CeraVe, CeraVe‑ WPP Onefluence (Ogilvy)
First Assistant Directors: Matthew Smith, Kerstin Emhoff
Second Assistant Director: Kiersten Fehlig
Second Second Assistant Director: Matthew Hausmann

Whizzer, Virgin Media ‑ VCCP ‑ London

IVAN ZACHARIÁŠ (Smuggler)

Flock, Apple ‑ Media Arts Lab
First Assistant Director: Robert Phillips

Documentary

WINNER - BRENDAN BELLOMO & SLAVA LEONTYEV, Porcelain War (Picturehouse)

JULIAN BRAVE NOISECAT & EMILY KASSIE, Sugarcane (National Geographic)

JOHAN GRIMONPREZ, Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat (Kino Lorber)

IBRAHIM NASH’AT, Hollywoodgate (Fourth Act Film)

NATALIE RAE & ANGELA PATTON, Daughters (Netflix)

Critics’ Choice Awards: A Full List of the 2025 Winners

The 30^th Annual Critic Choice Awards took place on February 7, 2025, at the Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar and was hosted by Chelsea Handler. It was a postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

See the full list below:

FILM

WINNER Best Picture: Anora

A Complete Unknown
The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
The Substance
Wicked

Best Actor

WINNER Best Actor: Adrien Brody – The Brutalist

Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
Daniel Craig – Queer
Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Hugh Grant – Heretic

Best Actress

WINNER Best Actress: Demi Moore – The Substance

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths
Angelina Jolie – Maria
Mikey Madison – Anora

Best Supporting Actor

WINNER Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Yura Borisov – Anora

Clarence Maclin – Sing Sing
Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
Denzel Washington – Gladiator II

Best Supporting Actress

WINNER Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

Danielle Deadwyler – The Piano Lesson
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Nickel Boys
Ariana Grande – Wicked
Margaret Qualley – The Substance
Isabella Rossellini – Conclave

Best Young Actor/Actress

WINNER Best Young Actress: Maisy Stella – My Old Ass

Alyla Browne – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Elliott Heffernan – Blitz
Izaac Wang – Didi
Alisha Weir – Abigail
Zoe Ziegler – Janet Planet

Best Acting Ensemble

WINNER Best Acting Ensemble: Conclave

Anora
Emilia Pérez
Saturday Night
Sing Sing
Wicked

Best Director

WINNER Best Director: Jon M. Chu – Wicked

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Sean Baker – Anora
Edward Berger – Conclave
Brady Corbet – The Brutalist
Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
RaMell Ross – Nickel Boys
Denis Villeneuve – Dune: Part Two

Best Original Screenplay

WINNER Best Original Screenplay: Coralie Fargeat –
The Substance

Sean Baker – Anora
Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David – September 5
Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold – The Brutalist
Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain
Justin Kuritzkes – Challengers

Best Adapted Screenplay

WINNER Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan – Conclave

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez
Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox – Wicked
Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley – Sing Sing
RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes – Nickel Boys
Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts – Dune: Part Two

Best Cinematography

WINNER Best Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke – Nosferatu
Alice Brooks – Wicked

Lol Crawley – The Brutalist
Stéphane Fontaine – Conclave
Greig Fraser – Dune: Part Two
Jomo Fray – Nickel Boys

Best Production Design

WINNER Best Production Design: Nathan Crowley, Lee

Sandales – Wicked
Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia – The Brutalist
Suzie Davies – Conclave
Craig Lathrop – Nosferatu
Arthur Max, Jille Azis, Elli Griff – Gladiator II
Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau – Dune: Part Two

Best Editing

WINNER Best Editing: Marco Costa – Challengers

Sean Baker – Anora
Nick Emerson – Conclave
David Jancso – The Brutalist
Joe Walker – Dune: Part Two
Hansjörg Weißbrich – September 5

Best Costume Design

WINNER Best Costume Design: Paul Tazewell – Wicked

Lisy Christl – Conclave
Linda Muir – Nosferatu
Massimo Cantini Parrini – Maria
Jacqueline West – Dune: Part Two
Janty Yates, Dave Crossman – Gladiator II

Best Hair and Makeup

WINNER Best Hair and Makeup: Hair and Makeup Team – The Substance

Christine Blundell, Lesa Warrener, Neal Scanlan – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Hair and Makeup Team – Dune: Part Two
Frances Hannon, Sarah Nuth, Laura Blount – Wicked
Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton, David White – Nosferatu
Mike Marino, Sarah Graalman, Aaron Saucier – A Different Man

Best Visual Effects

WINNER Best Visual Effects: Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, Gerd Nefzer – Dune: Part Two

Mark Bakowski, Pietro Ponti, Nikki Penny, Neil Corbould – Gladiator II
Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, Paul Corbould, David Shirk – Wicked
Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs – Better Man
Visual Effects Team – The Substance
Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story, Rodney Burke – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Best Animated Feature

WINNER Best Animated Feature: The Wild Robot

Flow
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Best Comedy

WINNER Best Comedy: A Real Pain and Deadpool & Wolverine

Hit Man
My Old Ass
Saturday Night
Thelma

Best Foreign Language Film

WINNER Best Foreign Language Film: Emilia Pérez

All We Imagine as Light
Flow
I’m Still Here
Kneecap
The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Best Song

WINNER Best Song: “El Mal” – Emilia Pérez – Zoe Saldaña,

Karla Sofía Gascón, Camille
“Beautiful That Way” – The Last Showgirl – Miley Cyrus
“Compress/ Repress” – Challengers – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
“Harper and Will Go West” – Will & Harper – Kristen Wiig
“Kiss the Sky” – The Wild Robot – Maren Morris
“Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez – Selena Gomez

Best Score

WINNER Best Score: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Challengers

Volker Bertelmann – Conclave
Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist
Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot
Clément Ducol & Camille – Emilia Pérez
Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two

Television Best Drama Series

WINNER Best Drama Series: Shōgun

The Day of the Jackal
The Diplomat
Evil
Industry
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire
The Old Man
Slow Horses

Best Actress in a Drama Series

WINNER Best Actress in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates – Matlock

Caitriona Balfe – Outlander
Shanola Hampton – Found
Keira Knightley – Black Doves
Keri Russell – The Diplomat
Anna Sawai – Shōgun

Best Actor in a Drama Series

WINNER Best Actor in a Drama Series: Hiroyuki Sanada – Shōgun

Jeff Bridges – The Old Man
Gatwa – Doctor Who
Eddie Redmayne – The Day of the Jackal
Rufus Sewell – The Diplomat
Antony Starr – The Boys

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

WINNER Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Moeka Hoshi – Shōgun

Allison Janney – The Diplomat
Nicole Kidman – Lioness
Skye P. Marshall – Matlock
Anna Sawai – Pachinko
Fiona Shaw – Bad Sisters

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

WINNER Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tadanobu Asano – Shōgun

Michael Emerson – Evil
Mark-Paul Gosselaar – Found
Takehiro Hira – Shōgun
John Lithgow – The Old Man
Sam Reid – Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire

Best Comedy Series

WINNER Best Comedy Series: Hacks

Abbott Elementary
English Teacher
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Somebody Somewhere
St. Denis Medical
What We Do in the Shadows

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

WINNER Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – Hacks

Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Natasia Demetriou – What We Do in the Shadows
Bridget Everett – Somebody Somewhere
Kristen Wiig – Palm Royale

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

WINNER Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This

Brian Jordan Alvarez – English Teacher
David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical
Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building
Kayvan Novak – What We Do in the Shadows
Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

WINNER Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Michael Urie – Shrinking

Paul W. Downs – Hacks
Asher Grodman – Ghosts
Harvey Guillén – What We Do in the Shadows
Brandon Scott Jones – Ghosts
Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

WINNER Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder – Hacks

Liza Colón-Zayas – The Bear
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
Stephanie Koenig – English Teacher
Patti LuPone – Agatha All Along
Annie Potts – Young Sheldon

Best Limited Series

WINNER Best Limited Series: Baby Reindeer

Disclaimer
Masters of the Air
Mr Bates vs the Post Office
The Penguin
Ripley
True Detective: Night Country
We Were the Lucky Ones

Best Movie Made for Television

WINNER Best Movie Made for Television: Rebel Ridge

The Great Lillian Hall
It’s What’s Inside
Música
Out of My Mind
V/H/S/Beyond

Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

WINNER Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Cristin Milioti – The Penguin

Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer
Jodie Foster – True Detective: Night Country
Jessica Lange – The Great Lillian Hall
Phoebe-Rae Taylor – Out of My Mind
Naomi Watts – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

WINNER: Colin Farrell – The Penguin

Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer
Tom Hollander – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Kevin Kline – Disclaimer
Ewan McGregor – A Gentleman in Moscow
Andrew Scott – Ripley

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

WINNER Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer

Dakota Fanning – Ripley
Leila George – Disclaimer
Betty Gilpin – Three Women
Deirdre O’Connell – The Penguin
Kali Reis – True Detective: Night Country

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

WINNER Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Liev Schreiber – The Perfect Couple

Robert Downey Jr. – The Sympathizer
Hugh Grant – The Regime
Ron Cephas Jones – Genius: MLK/X
Logan Lerman – We Were the Lucky Ones
Treat Williams – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

Best Foreign Language Series

WINNER Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game

Acapulco
Citadel: Honey Bunny
La Máquina
The Law According to Lidia Poët
My Brilliant Friend
Pachinko
Senna

Best Animated Series

WINNER Best Animated Series: X-Men ’97

Batman: Caped Crusader
Bluey
Bob’s Burgers
Invincible
The Simpsons

Best Talk Show

WINNER Best Talk Show: John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.

Hot Ones
The Daily Show
The Graham Norton Show
The Kelly Clarkson Show
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Best Comedy Special

WINNER Best Comedy Special: Ali Wong: Single Lady

Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny
Kevin James: Irregardless
Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings

The Untold Story of Public Enemy’s S1Ws at PAFF

If hip-hop had an army, the S1Ws (Security of the First World) were its frontline soldiers. They weren’t just background figures in Public Enemy’s iconic performances—they were a movement, a force, and a statement. On Wednesday, February 12, PAFF is honored to present the Centerpiece Screening of And to My Rescue It Was the S1Ws: A Public Enemy Story at The Culver Theater, shining a long-overdue spotlight on the untold history of these unsung guardians of hip-hop.

A Story That Needed to Be Told

We all know Public Enemy—the beats, the bars, the unflinching social commentary. But behind the music was a disciplined, military-style brotherhood dedicated to protecting the group and embodying the message they preached. From the streets of New York to international stages, the S1Ws represented order, purpose, and power—a direct response to the chaos of systemic oppression.

Through rare footage and firsthand accounts from Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and the S1Ws themselves, along with hip-hop royalty like Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Ice Cube, Doug E. Fresh, and Ice-T, this documentary gives audiences an inside look at how hip-hop became more than music—it became a global revolution.

Why This Film Matters

The legacy of Public Enemy and the S1Ws isn’t just about music; it’s about resistance, resilience, and the fight for justice. This film isn’t a nostalgia trip—it’s a necessary reminder of hip-hop’s roots as a form of protest, empowerment, and truth-telling.

In today’s world, where hip-hop is often reduced to viral trends and industry politics, And to My Rescue It Was the S1Ws is a powerful reclamation of its revolutionary spirit. It’s about remembering the people who built this culture, the sacrifices they made, and the impact they had—not just in music, but in the world.

Be in the Room Where It Happens

If you love hip-hop, if you respect the culture, if you understand the power of storytelling—this screening is for you.

The Culver Theater
Wednesday, February 12

PAFF Centerpiece Screening

Tickets are available now here.

Don’t just hear about it after the fact. Be there.

GRAMMY WINNERS, A FULL LIST

Check out the winners of this year’s Grammy!

RECORD OF THE YEAR

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

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

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

BEST NEW ARTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST R&B ALBUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yemi Alade - "Tomorrow"

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

Antonio Rey - Historias de un Flamenco

Ciro Hurtado – Paisajes

Rema - Heis

Tems - Born in the Wild

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

WINNER: Hans Zimmer - Dune: Part Two

Kris Bowers - The Color Purple

Laura Karpman - American Fiction

Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross & Leopold Ross - Shōgun

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - Challengers

Best Song Written for Visual Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Responders Attended in Honor of Their Wildfire Relief Efforts

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Keith David attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Amber Rasberry attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA RaMell Ross attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA attends AAFCA’s Lynn Whitfield Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Karen Kramer attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA Taura Stinson attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA attends AAFCA’s 2025 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honoring Cinematic Excellence in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2nd

ABOUT AAFCA

Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premier body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment highlighting the Black experience in the US and throughout the rest of the African Diaspora. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com.