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WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL AAFCA TV HONORS PRESENTED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO GLYNN TURMAN, MICHELLE BUTEAU, NKECHI OKORO CARROLL, STARZ’S “POWER” UNIVERSE AND STREAMING PLATFORM TUBI

Recognizing outstanding achievements in television and streaming, winners and honorees will be celebrated at a special event on Aug. 24 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2024 -- The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced today the winners of the 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors for distinguished achievements in television and streaming, along with special achievement award honorees, who will be feted for their stand-out contributions to television at an invitation-only event on Aug. 24 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.

Winners in the competitive categories are:

BEST DOCUMENTARY - “Black Twitter: A People’s History”

BEST ENSEMBLE - "Masters of the Air"

BEST LIMITED SERIES/SPECIAL - “Genius: MLK/X”

BEST NEW SHOW - “Bookie”

BEST TV ACTING (Female) - Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear")

BEST TV ACTING (Male) - Wendell Pierce ("Elsbeth")

BEST TV COMEDY - “Unprisoned”

BEST TV DIRECTING - Channing Godfrey Peoples (“Genius: MLK/X” - Episode 401 "Graduation")

BEST TV DRAMA - “The Chi”

BEST WRITING - “The Bear”

BREAKOUT STAR - Josiah Cross ("Masters of the Air")

Special Achievement honorees are:

LEGACY AWARD - GLYNN TURMAN

This prolific American actor has been gracing the stage and screen for over six decades. Starting on Broadway at just 12 years old in the 1959 production of “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, this Emmy® winner has appeared in shows like “A Different World,” “The Treatment” “Black Cake” and “The Wire” and films such as “Cooley High,” “Rustin” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” for which he won a Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for Best Supporting Actor. Turman is also a director and writer with numerous credits, and a horseman who runs a camp for underprivileged children, further defining a legacy of the highest caliber.

TRAILBLAZING AWARD - MICHELLE BUTEAU

The busy actress and comedian, who recently became the first woman and woman of color to record a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall, is currently starring in “Survival of the Thickest.” The popular Netflix series is inspired by her acclaimed book of essays of the same name. She can also be seen on the big screen starring opposite Ilana Glazer in “Babes.”

SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD - NKECHI OKORO CARROLL

This versatile television producer, writer and creator currently has two hit shows on the air: The CW’s “All American” and NBC’s acclaimed drama “Found” starring Shanola Hampton, which centers on cases of marginalized missing persons.

IMPACT AWARD - STARZ’ “POWER” UNIVERSE

STARZ’s acclaimed “Power” franchise is currently celebrating a momentous 10-year anniversary of groundbreaking drama television. From the original “Power” series to its prequel and two spinoffs – “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and “Power Book IV: Force” – the “Power” Universe continues to influence the television landscape, particularly with its portrayal of complex and nuanced Black characters. 'Power’ broke ground by featuring a predominantly Black cast in a high-stakes drama and continues to pave the way for more diverse representation on television.

ALLY AWARD - TUBI

The free streaming service, Tubi, has become a destination for viewers seeking diverse content and boasts an impressive collection of Black cinema, featuring titles like “Friday,” “Barbershop,” “Madea’s Reunion,” and “House Party,” as well as many sequels from these popular series and numerous other titles that celebrate Black stories. Since launching Tubi Originals in 2021, the platform has prioritized projects that reflect a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Tubi’s commitment to diverse storytelling is further exemplified by their partnership with The Black List which specifically seeks out scripts from underrepresented storytellers.

The AAFCA TV Honors, introduced in 2019, celebrate outstanding achievements in television and streaming, with a special focus on entertainment representing the Black diaspora. The event will be presided over by AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson who said:
“The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors class is a powerful testament to the exceptional range of Black talent in television today. From the legendary Glynn Turman, whose six-decade career continues to inspire, to rising stars and innovative storytellers, this group exemplifies excellence across the board. We're honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. They make us all better.”

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.

Dawn Mikkelson’s, Extraordinary Sports Roller Derby Documentary “Minnesota Mean” Available Now on all TVOD/Digital Platforms Across North America

https://app.box.com/s/dok4elrf8a2ovuvpgw9apvpzz75ieooc

Director: Dawn Mikkelson
Starring: Brickyard, Hurtrude Stein, Smoka Hontas, Shiver Me Kimbers, Diamond Rough, Switch Please
Genre: Documentar
Run time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Produced and directed by Dawn Mikkelso, her documentary “Minnesota Mean” takes viewers into the thrilling world of roller derby, following the lives of six badass women, Brickyard, Hurtrude Stein, Smoka Hontas, Shiver Me Kimbers, Diamond Rough, and Switch Please as they chase after the ultimate prize, the Hydra. When the team's top player gets sidelined with an injury, the question looms large: can they still clinch the victory? This isn't a typical sports tale—it's a raw and real look at the tough, independent women at the core of roller derby. A triumphant tale of grit and determination that shows how fierce women navigate a sport that demands teamwork as they juggle the demands of roller derby without giving up on their personal dreams. It features a soundtrack with the majority indie hip-hop artist Dessa and host of the BBC podcast Deeply Human.

“Minnesota Mean”will be available to rent/own across all North American TVOD/digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting on July 2, 2024, through Freestyle Digital Media.

Rent or Buy the film: Amazon, iTunes/Apple TV, Xbox, Google Play, YouTube, etc. and the DVD will be available via Amazon.com and Walmart.com on July 16, 2024.

Release date: TVOD/digital HD internet, cable, satellite platforms, and DVD, on July 2, 2024.
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Director: Dawn Mikkelson
Starring: Starring: Brickyard, Hurtrude Stein, Smoka Hontas, Shiver Me Kimbers, Diamond Rough, Switch Please
It features a soundtrack with the majority indie hip-hop artist Dessa and host of the BBC podcast Deeply Human.

Lionsgate’s ‘CLEAR CUT’, Opens in Theaters, On Digital and On Demand on July 19, 2024 in United States and Canada: View New Trailer

Director: Brian Skiba
Writer: Joe Perruccio
Stars: Clive Standen, Jesse Metcalfe, Tom Welling, Stephen Dorff and Alec Baldwin
Rating: R
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Country: United States

Every moment is filled with danger for a man cutting timber in the Pacific Northwest, but Jack becomes the target of a brutal assault from more than the elements in this action-packed thriller. As Jack ventures deeper into the woods, he crosses paths with a criminal band of madmen from his past intent on killing him before he can fight his way back to civilization. Academy Award Nominee Alec Baldwin, Stephen Dorff and Tom Welling star in an electrifying drama about one man’s treacherous journey on the road to redemption.

Release date: July 19, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Distributor: Lionsgate
Director: Brian Skiba
Writer: Joe Perruccio
Stars: Clive Standen, Jesse Metcalfe, Tom Welling, Stephen Dorff and Alec Baldwin
Executive Producers: Eric Bromberg, Ram Getz, Greg Meyer, Nick Mao, Michael Mortensen, Jordan Wayne Nott, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Kirk Shaw, Stephanie Rennie

The names of the 2025 Walk of Fame honorees are announced, included is a posthumous star for Prince, Jane Fonda and more

The 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame class has been announced and the honorees includes big named celebrities like the one and only the late Prince, Jane Fonda, Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell and more.

The motion picture honorees are Glynn Turman, Bill Duke, Emilio Estevez, Collil Farrell, john Carpenter, Jessica Chastain, Jane Fonda, Nia Long, Lisa Lu and Toni Vaz.

Television honorees are Fran Drescher, Lauren Graham, Bill Nye, Molly Shannon, Sherri Shepherd, Courtney B. Vance, Chris Wallace and Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Recording artists are Fantasia, Depeche Mode, Los Bukis, The B-52s, Green Day, The Isley Brothers, Busta Rhymes, George Strait, Keith Urban, WAR and Prince.

Live theatre and live performance honorees are Misty Copeland and Alan Cumming. Sports entertainment honorees are David Beckham and Orel Hershiser and Adam Carolla as the only radio honoree.

Honorees have up to two years after they are chosen to set a date for their ceremonies. The Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors chose the selections in mid June, and they were announced by Niecy Nash, Joe Mantegna, Jimmy Jam and Steven Nissen, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president, on Monday.

“The Walk of Fame has made history again! As Chairman of the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, I am thrilled to announce the distinguished honorees who will grace the iconic Walk of Fame in the Class of 2025. Each honoree truly embodies the essence of excellence in their respective fields,” said Peter Roth in a statement. “The committee and I cannot wait to see our honorees becoming part of this world-famous walkway!”

Lionsgate’s BONEYARD- On VOD In United States and Canada on July 2nd and in Theaters July 5, 2024: View New Trailer “Back 9”

Director: Asif Akbar
Writers: Vincent E. Mcdaniel, Asif Akbar, Hank Byrd, Koji Steven Sakai
Cast: Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, Mel Gibson
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Run time: 1 hour 36 minutes

When the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.

Release date: On VOD In United States and Canada on July 2nd and in Theaters July 5, 2024
Distributor: Lionsgate
Director: Asif Akbar
Writers: Vincent E. Mcdaniel, Asif Akbar, Hank Byrd, Koji Steven Sakai
Cast: Brian Van Holt, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Michael Sirow, Mel Gibson
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Run time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Producer: Colin Bates

“UNSINKABLE” Flagship for Wondery+ ‘History Tellers’ Lineup Starring Brian Cox, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and More

Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release date: April 12, 2024
Director: Cody Hartman
Writers: Screenplay Brian Hartman and Cody Hartman
Writer: Stage play Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
Starring: Cotter Smith, Fiona Dourif, Jayne Wisener, and Karen Allen
Country: United States
Language: English

“UNSINKABLE” tells the true story of the British tanker, the San Demetrio - one of the most extraordinary tales of heroism, fortitude, and seamanship of WW2. When the ship is attacked thousands of miles from home in enemy infested seas, a raw young officer and a handful of desperate seamen fight to survive both against the elements and themselves.

What is an Audio Movie:
This is a movie for the ears; presented through the lens of the characters in an immersive Dolby Atmos mix. The 11-part series is flooded with action, drama, romance, comedy, and gripping tension that brings this epic event to life. It is NOT a radio play, audiobook, docudrama, or an ordinary podcast. There is no narration. This wholly immersive original audio movie series embraces the production style and values of cinematic feature films by creating an immersive narrative blockbuster experience through sound design and original orchestral score. The sound design has been led by Jimmy Boyle and his team (Band of Brothers, Casino Royale, Wonder Woman 1984, Harry Potter) and delivered in Dolby Atmos, mixed by Academy Award® Winner Ben Wilkins (Whiplash).

Production companies: Hawk Hill Pictures, PMI Films

Producers: Jackie Anderson co-producer, Steven Bittle co-producer, David Case executive producer, D.C. Cohen co-producer, Craig Cozza executive producer, Brian Hartman producer, James Helfrich co-producer, Jeffrey Stephan producer, Cory Tucek co-producer
Music: Scott Glasgow
Cinematography: Jeff Garton
Editor: Joshua Hamaker, Julia Hannan
Casting: Nancy Mosser
Production Design John O. Hartman

Review: ‘KINDS OF KINDNESS’ All Kindness is not Good for You

Photo: Yevette Renee

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Writers: Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou
Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer
Run time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Genre: Absurdist, dark comedy, anthology film
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English

Director’s Yorgos Lanthimos third movie with Emma Stone, KINDS OF KINDNESS, follows three stories that features Emma, esse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, and Mamoudou Athie in each of the stories.

The first story, "The Death of R.M.F," follows Robert (Jesse Plemons), a successful man who is determined to break free from his wealthy boss Raymond (Willem Dafoe), who controls all parts of his life. Telling him what and when to read, eat and have sex with his wife (Hong Chau) . Raymond showers him kindness and with all the material things imaginable. Emma Stone as Rita, Margaret Qualley as Vivian and Hong Chau as Sarah.

You have to ask yourself, is it worth giving up all that you are?

Photo: Searchlight

The second story, "R.M.F. is Flying," tells the story of police officer, Daniel (Jesse Plemons) , who suspects that his wife Liz (Emma Stone), who was reported missing after a shipwreck and is later found on an island. She returns home and Daniel believes she is pretending to be Liz. Willem Dafoe as George, Margaret Qualley as Martha, Joe Alwyn as collectibles appraiser, Mamoudou Athie as Will and Yorgos Stefanakos as R.M.F.

Is it necessary to prove yourself to someone. What are you willing to give-up in an attempt to satisfy someone’ insecurities?

Photo: Searchlight

The final story, "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich," is about Emily (Emma Stone) who is in a sex cult with Aka (Hong Chau) and Omi (Willem Dafoe), is charged with a finding a person that can resurrect the dead. All the while navigating her estrangement from her family.

Emma Stone as Emily, Jesse Plemons as Andrew, Willem Dafoe as Omi, Margaret Qualley as twins Ruth and Rebecca, Hong Chau as Aka, Joe Alwyn as Joseph, Mamoudou Athias the morgue nurse, Hunter Schafer as Anna. Yorgos Stefanakos as R.M.F. and Merah Benoit as Emily's daughter.

You go through life wanting to be valued and appreciated and at the same time not be consumed about the things giving to you but what you have to give -up accepting certain acts of kindness.

KINDS OF KINDNESS is so outside the box, bizarre, filled with a sick sense of humor that keeps you wondering, what in the heck is going to happen next and before you know it, 2 hours and 45 minutes has passed. Definitely a film to see

Release date: Friday, June 21, 2024:
Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Production Companies: Element Pictures, Film4, TSG Entertainment
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Writers: Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou
Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer
Executive producers: Daniel Battsek, Louise Lovegrove, Ollie Madden
Producers: Ed Guiney, Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrew Lowe, Kasia Malipan,
Music: Jerskin Fendrix
Director of Photography: Robbie Ryan
Editor: Yorgos Mavropsarid
Run time: 2 hours 45 minutes

“Wild Eyed and Wicked” Starring Molly Kunz, Michael X. Sommers, Stefanie Estes and Colleen Camp: Watch New Trailer

_Wild Eyed And Wicked_ Poster - 2000x3000 PX - CREEPYDUCK

Director and Writer: G.S. Foxwood
Starring Molly Kunz, Michael X. Sommers, Stefanie Estes, Colleen Camp
Genre: Fantasy, psychological horror
Run time: 1 hour 39 minutes

Wild Eyed and Wicked follows Lily Pierce (Kunz) in her attempt to strike back at the medieval creature that’s haunted her family for generations. She must reconnect with her estranged father, Gregory (Sommers), a disgraced history professor, and learn how to draw upon a time of steel and blade when armor-clad knights rode out and dueled monsters to the death.

Lily’s therapist (Camp) and girlfriend (Saunders) attempt to help Lily navigate the childhood loss of her mother, Silvia (Estes). They encourage Lily, on the anniversary of her mother’s death, to accept her father’s invitation to visit him on the farm where Lily grew up.

"Wild Eyed and Wicked" Website: www.wildeyedandwicked.com

"Wild Eyed and Wicked" Instagram: @wild_eyed_and_wicked

Distributor: Gravitas Ventures across North America on June 11, 2024 on TVOD/Digital and cable On Demand, with further details on the worldwide roll-out still to come.Director: G.S. Foxwood
Director and Writer: G.S. Foxwood
Starring Molly Kunz, Michael X. Sommers, Stefanie Estes, Colleen Camp
Genre: Fantasy, psychological horror
Run time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Producers: Big Bad Film’s Powell Robinson and Patrick R Young

Lionsgate’s BONEYARD- On VOD In United States and Canada on July 2nd and in Theaters July 5, 2024

Photo: Liongates

BONEYARD tells the story when the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert, an extensive investigation is launched. Inspired by true crime stories, this chilling crime-thriller follows Police Chief Carter (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) in a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer. As each of their agendas and methods clash, a tangled web of intrigue casts suspicion in all directions.

Lionsgate’s “BLACKWATER LANE” in Theaters and Digital/On Demand June 21, 2024: Check Out New Film Photos

Director: Jeff Celentano
Writer: Elizabeth Fowler, based on the New York Times bestselling book by B.A. Paris
Starring Minka Kelly, Maggie Grace, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Calton, and Natalie Simpson
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Run time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Minka Kelly, Dermot Mulroney and Maggie Grace star in Blackwater Lane, a supernatural thriller based on the wildly successful New York Times bestselling book by B.A. Paris. After witnessing a tragedy on a dangerous country road, Cass is visited by a ghostly presence and begins to question her sanity. As these otherworldly experiences intensify, Cass is driven closer to the brink until she begins to assemble the pieces of a horrific plot against her.