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ABFF Honors to Celebrate Dwayne Johnson with the Entertainment Icon Award

The American Black Film Festival Honors Will Celebrate the Actor and Producer for His Groundbreaking Achievements Across Film, Television, And Live Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 18, 2025) – The 8th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that actor and producer Dwayne Johnson will receive the Entertainment Icon Award. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 16 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The intimate, non-televised dinner will bring together ABFF honorees and festival partners.

The ABFF Honors Entertainment Icon Award is presented to a multitalented artist in recognition of groundbreaking commercial success in multiple entertainment disciplines including television, film, and live performance.

As previously announced, the evening will honor powerhouse talent Jennifer Hudson, host of The Jennifer Hudson Show with the Renaissance Award, trailblazing director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield with the Evolution Award, and critically acclaimed actor Damson Idris with the Horizon Award.

ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind the motion picture Sinners — the extraordinary cinematic achievement from acclaimed filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, starring Michael B. Jordan. The event will be hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award-winning comedian KevOnStage.

“Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “From his trailblazing career in sports entertainment to his extraordinary success in film and television, he has become one of the most influential and beloved figures in global culture. His journey embodies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and charisma — values that reflect the spirit of ABFF. We are thrilled to honor him with this year’s Entertainment Icon Award and to celebrate his incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.”

Dwayne Johnson is an actor, producer, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential global entertainers of the 21st century, with his films surpassing $14 billion at the worldwide box office. Through Seven Bucks Productions, he stars in and produced A24’s The Smashing Machine, and is currently filming the next installment of the Jumanji franchise and will soon be seen in Disney’s Moana Live Action. Up next, he’ll reunite with Benny Safdie for Lizard Music, and will star in and produce Martin Scorsese’s Hawaii-set crime drama with Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, drawn from a book Johnson is co-authoring about Wilford “Nappy” Pulawa, the first and only Hawaiian mob boss. Additional upcoming projects include A24 and Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Breakthrough. Johnson’s most celebrated roles include Luke Hobbs in the Fast & Furious franchise and Maui in Disney’s Moana and Moana 2, with the latter surpassing $1B globally.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Jeff Friday, Nicole Friday (NICE CROWD) and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment. Sponsors for the event to date include: Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Contributing).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com.

Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com

Media Contact:
[email protected]

Download 2026 ABFF Honoree Photos: HERE

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ABFF Honors 2026 to Celebrate the Creative Team Behind Sinners — Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler & Sev Ohanian and Honorees Jennifer Hudson, Damson Idris & Salli Richardson-Whitfield

The star-studded event, hosted by KevOnStage, returns February 16 to spotlight trailblazers shaping Black storytelling

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 28, 2025) – The 8th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 16 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award–winning comedian KevOnStage. The intimate, non-televised dinner will bring together ABFF honorees and festival partners.

This year, the ABFF Honors will pay special tribute to the creative team behind the motion picture Sinners — the extraordinary cinematic achievement from acclaimed filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, starring Michael B. Jordan. The film’s visionary team also includes Cinematographer Autumn Durald, Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, and Production Designer Hannah Beachler.

Additionally, the evening will honor powerhouse talent Jennifer Hudson, host of The Jennifer Hudson Show with the Renaissance Award, trailblazing director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield with the Evolution Award, and critically acclaimed actor Damson Idris with the Horizon Award.

The 2026 ABFF Honors recipients are:

  • Special Tribute to the Creative Team of Sinners – This year’s tribute honors the visionary filmmaking team behind Sinners, led by writer, producer, and director Ryan Coogler, whose bold storytelling continues to shape the landscape of American cinema, alongside producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. This creative collective has crafted a work that captures both the power and poetry of the Black experience, marking another landmark in contemporary film.
  • Renaissance Award – Jennifer Hudson – is an EGOT-winning artist and entertainment icon whose acclaimed talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, has earned multiple Emmy, NAACP, and GLAAD honors. Last year, she released her first holiday album, The Gift of Love, featuring world-class collaborations on both classics and original songs.The ABFF Honors Renaissance Award is presented to a trendsetting content creator whose exemplary work contributes to changing perceptions of people of color in the entertainment industry.
  • Evolution Award – Emmy-nominated director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield is a trailblazer behind acclaimed series including HBO’s Task and The Gilded Age. She made history as the first Black woman nominated for an Emmy for Best Director in a Drama Series for Winning Time for which she also executive produced and continues to inspire through her groundbreaking work in film and television. The ABFF Honors Evolution Award pays tribute to an exceptional talent whose creative journey reflects remarkable growth, having achieved success across multiple art forms, while expanding opportunities for others.
  • Horizon Award – British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris, best known for his career-defining lead role in FX’s Snowfall, stars opposite Brad Pitt in Apple’s blockbuster F1 and will next portray Miles Davis in Miles & Juliette. The ABFF Honors Horizon Award honors a formidable force in film and television, recognizing their recent achievements and future promise.

“This year’s honorees each represent the spirit of what ABFF stands for — creativity, excellence, and purpose,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian have redefined the power of collaboration and vision with Sinners, creating something that speaks to our shared humanity while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation. We’re honored to celebrate each of them — artists who remind us why we tell stories: to inspire, to uplift, and to move the culture forward.”

From filmmaker Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a genre-bending and multi-layered exploration of Black culture and the Blues music that is unique to it through the lens of a Southern Gothic epic. Set in 1932 Mississippi, Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who, after chasing success in the North, return to Clarksdale, MS to open a juke joint and revive the soul and spirit of their hometown. As music and dance meld in celebration of artistry, culture and history, an evil descends, threatening to devour the fabric and heart of the community – and all that Smoke and Stack have worked to achieve. Uniquely shot on both Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX, Sinners is a singular and emotionally resonant tale of cultural change that resonates still today.

Warner Bros. Pictures released Sinners theatrically in the United States on April 18, 2025 to critical acclaim and commercial success. Written, directed and produced by Ryan Coogler, the film is also produced by Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian under their production banner Proximity Media. The film features an original score by two-time Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson; cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw; costume design by two-time Oscar winner Ruth E. Carter; production design by Oscar winner Hannah Beachler; and casting by Francine Maisler.

Jennifer Hudson is a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winning artist and entertainment icon. Hudson’s nationally syndicated talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” is the recipient of thirteen Daytime Emmy Award nominations and two People’s Choice Awards nominations. The show, which continually features an impressive lineup of guests, earned her the AAFCA We See You Award, GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award, and multiple NAACP Image Awards for Best Talk Show Host and Outstanding Talk Series. Last October, Hudson released her highly anticipated first holiday album, The Gift of Love, which features genre-defying, world-class collaborations on classics and original songs.

Emmy-nominated director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield is one of the most accomplished and trailblazing filmmakers working in television today. She recently directed and executive produced HBO’s Task, created by Brad Ingelsby and starring Mark Ruffalo, and has been a driving creative force behind Julian Fellowes’ acclaimed series The Gilded Age, where she has directed and executive produced all three seasons. In 2024, she made history as the first Black woman nominated for an Emmy for Best Director in a Drama Series for HBO’s Winning Time, earning additional recognition as an executive producer nominee for The Gilded Age. A former leading actress turned celebrated filmmaker, Richardson-Whitfield’s directing credits span Wheel of Time, American Gods, Scandal, and Queen Sugar. A Chicago native now based in Los Angeles, she continues to inspire and break barriers both behind and in front of the camera.

Damson Idris is a British-Nigerian actor whose commanding performances and magnetic presence have established him as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic leading men. Following his breakout role in FX’s Snowfall, Idris stars in Apple’s record-breaking blockbuster F1 opposite Brad Pitt, and will next appear in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Children of Blood and Bone for Paramount and as Miles Davis in Miles & Juliette, continuing to showcase his remarkable range and depth on screen.

Kevin Fredericks (aka KevOnStage) is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur whose sharp, relatable humor has earned him a massive global following. As founder of KevOnStage Studios, he’s behind hit projects including BET’s Churchy, the upcoming series The Hospital, and the bestselling book Marriage Be Hard, co-written with his wife, Melissa. He also co-hosts the hit podcasts Here’s The Thing and The Bald Brothers, currently touring sold-out theaters nationwide. Known for his smart, consistently hilarious clean comedy, Fredericks continues to merge humor and culture, building one of the most influential comedic brands of his generation.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Jeff Friday, Nicole Friday (NICE CROWD) and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment. Sponsors for the event to date include: Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Contributing).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com.

Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com

Media Contact:
[email protected]

Download 2026 ABFF Honoree Photos: HERE

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Photos from the 7th American Black Film Festival Honors (ABFF Honors) at the SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills

Photos from the 7th American Black Film Festival Honors (ABFF Honors) at the SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills; Keke Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Aaron Pierre, Giancarlo Esposito, Marla Gibbs, Anthony Mackie, Regina King, Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Ava DuVernay, Aloe Blacc, Teyana Taylor & More

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE

L to R: Keke Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo EspositoMIDDLE: Giancarlo Esposito, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jeff Friday, Marla Gibbs, Nicole Friday; BOTTOM L to R: Aaron Pierre, Teyana Taylor & Aaron Pierre, Marla Gibbs & Angela Gibbs

(TOP L to R: Keke Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito;
MIDDLE: Giancarlo Esposito, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jeff Friday, Marla Gibbs, Nicole Friday;
BOTTOM L to R: Aaron Pierre, Teyana Taylor & Aaron Pierre, Marla Gibbs & Angela Gibbs)

WHEN:
Monday, February 17, 2025

WHERE:
SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills

WHO:

  • 2025 ABFF Honors Honorees:
    • Excellence in the Arts Award (Female)
      • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
    • Excellence in the Arts Award (Male)
      • Giancarlo Esposito
    • Renaissance Award
      • Keke Palmer
    • Hollywood Legacy Award
      • Marla Gibbs
    • Rising Star Award
      • Aaron Pierre
  • 2025 ABFF Honors Presenters:
    • Ava DuVernay (Presented to Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor)
    • Anthony Mackie (Presented to Giancarlo Esposito)
    • Boots Riley (Presented to Keke Palmer)
    • Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Presented to Aaron Pierre)
    • Regina King (Presented to Marla Gibbs)
  • Hosted By:
    • Actress and comedian, Zainab Johnson
  • ABFF Honors Executive Producers:
    • Jeff Friday, Founder and CEO, NICE CROWD
    • Nicole Friday, President, NICE CROWD
    • Suzanne de Passe, Co Chairman, de Passe Jones Entertainment Group
    • Rikki Hughes, Executive Producer, Magic Lemonade
  • ABFF Honors Guests:
    • Aloe Blacc
    • Boots Riley
    • Brandon T. Jackson
    • Charles D. King
    • Cory Hardrict
    • Dondré Whitfield
    • Elise Neal
    • Lance Gross
    • Larenz Tate
    • LisaRaye McCoy
    • Loretta Devine
    • Michael Jai White
    • Salli Richardson Whitfield
    • Teyana Taylor
    • Tika Sumpter
    • Vanessa Bell Calloway
    • Yvette Nicole Brown
    • Yvonne Orji

The ceremony also included a special tribute to the Altadena Black community, honoring its legacy, resilience, and rich cultural heritage with a special performance from Altadena supporter Aloe Blacc.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event include: Cadillac, Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fulton Films GA, Amazon MGM | Orion (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Industry) and California Film Commission (Contributing).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The company’s flagship event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

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American Black Film Festival Honors to Celebrate & Inspire Action for the Community of Altadena and Its Rich History of Black Culture

MARLA GIBBS TO RECEIVE HOLLYWOOD LEGACY AWARD; AARON PIERRE TO RECEIVE THE RISING STAR AWARD

Previously Announced Honorees Include Legendary Performers Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito and Keke Palmer; Actress and Comedian Zainab Johnson will host the event on February 17

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 21, 2025) – The 7th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that the upcoming ABFF Honors will celebrate and inspire action for the community of Altadena, paying tribute to its residents and their extraordinary contributions to Black history and culture. The ABFF HONORS also announced that Marla Gibbs will receive the Hollywood Legacy Award, and Aaron Pierre will receive the Rising Star Award at its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2025 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 17 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Previously announced honorees include Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito and Keke Palmer. The ceremony will be hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson.

“We are thrilled to honor the incomparable Marla Gibbs with the Hollywood Legacy Award, recognize the emerging talent of Aaron Pierre with the Rising Star Award, and celebrate the community of Altadena at this year’s ABFF Honors,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday. “Marla’s groundbreaking career has inspired countless aspiring actors and creatives, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her talent, grace, and dedication. We are equally delighted to recognize Aaron Pierre, a rising star whose powerful performances exemplify the next generation of storytelling excellence.”

The ceremony will include a special tribute to the Altadena Black community, honoring its legacy, resilience, and rich cultural heritage. It will spotlight trailblazers whose contributions have significantly influenced the arts, activism, education, business, and social landscape of the state of California and beyond.

“The community of Altadena embodies what we celebrate at the American Black Film Festival – strength, solidarity and commitment to excellence,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday. “By honoring the enduring spirit of this historic community, we aim to showcase Black achievement, inspire creativity, and foster unwavering support for a vibrant cultural future. This tribute is a testament to perseverance and collective effort, and we are proud to uplift Altadena’s story as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

Marla Gibbs, a Chicago native, is a celebrated actress known for her iconic portrayal of Florence on The Jeffersons. Her career blossomed with the NBC sitcom 227, which she co-created and executive produced, ensuring diverse representation both on and off-screen. A five-time Emmy nominee and eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Gibbs has received numerous accolades, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year. Beyond acting, she’s a dedicated activist and entrepreneur, having founded a theater and acting school. Her career has spanned film, television, and music, with notable roles in The Visit, Lily in Winter, and her own critically acclaimed album, It’s Never Too Late. Gibbs continues to inspire with her talent, activism, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Gibbs honed her acting skills at PASLA (Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles), the Mafundi Institute, and the Watts Writers Workshop, appearing in numerous stage productions before transitioning to film. Her voice work includes the animated series 101 Dalmatians, and she has graced countless television shows, including ER, Cold Case, and King of Queens. A passionate advocate for the arts, Gibbs revived the legendary Los Angeles jazz supper club, “Marla’s Memory Lane,” and co-founded Crossroads Theater and Acting School, nurturing the careers of countless aspiring artists.

Aaron Pierre is a versatile and charismatic actor known for his captivating performances across film and television. Recent credits include voicing the iconic Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King for Disney, and starring alongside Don Johnson in Jeremy Saulnier’s Netflix film Rebel Ridge. He will soon be seen in HBO Max’s Lanterns as John Stewart, and in Season 4 of Apple TV+’s The Morning Show.

Prior to these roles, Pierre starred in acclaimed projects such as National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X, Clement Virgo’s Brother, Garth Davis’ Foe, Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad, and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old. He has received critical acclaim for his work, including a TIFF Rising Star Award and an Ian Charleson Award nomination.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event to date include: Cadillac, Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fulton Films GA (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Industry) and California Film Commission (Contributing).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The company’s flagship event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

Download 2025 ABFF Honoree Photos: HERE

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces 2025 Honorees & Show Date of February 17

Hosted by Zainab Johnson, ABFF Honors Celebrates Legendary Performers Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito and Keke Palmer

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 11, 2024) – The 7th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2025 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 17 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson. The intimate, non-televised dinner will feature ABFF honorees and festival partners.

The 2025 ABFF Honors recipients are:

  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) – an Oscar-nominated actress, acclaimed for her portrayal of Oracene Price in King Richard, which earned her numerous awards and nominations, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor will soon star in the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Nickel Boys. This award recognizes a highly acclaimed artist for their body of work and distinguished career achievements
  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) – an Emmy-nominated and award-winning actor, director, and producer, celebrated for his iconic role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Giancarlo Esposito has earned multiple accolades including Critics’ Choice and NAACP Image Award. This award recognizes a highly acclaimed artist for their body of work and distinguished career achievement.
  • Renaissance Award – an Emmy award-winning multihyphenate entertainer, Keke Palmer (Nope, Turnt Up With the Taylors) is singer/songwriter, producer, author, television host, and passionate voice of the millennial generation. This award is presented to a trendsetting content creator in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the motion picture and television industry, through their work.

“For decades, these incredible ABFF honorees have captivated audiences and shaped the cultural landscape with their groundbreaking work,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday. “It’s a privilege to honor Aunjanue, Giancarlo and Keke for their extraordinary contributions to both the industry and our shared culture. This year is particularly special as we welcome Zainab Johnson as the host of the ABFF Honors, celebrating her inspiring journey from winning the 2013 ABFF Comedy Wings Competition to now leading this incredible celebration. We look forward to recognizing their remarkable achievements and coming together with our amazing ABFF community to honor their lasting impact.”

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is an Oscar-nominated actress, acclaimed for her portrayal of Oracene Price in King Richard, which earned her numerous awards and nominations, will soon star in the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Nickel Boys. She recently appeared in Exhibiting Forgiveness, The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat with Uzo Aduba and Sanaa Lathan, and Ava DuVernay’s Origin, earning praise for her role as Isabel Wilkerson. On television, she starred in Justified: City Primeval, earned Emmy nods for When They See Us and Lovecraft Country, and received accolades for The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Her celebrated body of work also includes If Beale Street Could Talk, The Birth of a Nation, The Help, and the award-winning miniseries The Book of Negroes.

Giancarlo Esposito, an Emmy-nominated and award-winning actor, director, and producer, is celebrated for his iconic role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, earning multiple accolades including Critics’ Choice and NAACP Image Awards. Known for his versatility, he stars as Moff Gideon in Disney+’s The Mandalorian, Stan Edgar in Amazon Prime’s The Boys, and has led projects like Netflix’s Kaleidoscope and AMC’s Parish. Esposito’s filmography includes The Usual Suspects, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, Beauty, and Megalopolis. Upcoming projects include Captain America: Brave New World, the Russo Brothers’ The Electric State, and Shonda Rhimes’ The Residence. He continues to captivate audiences across film, television, and streaming platforms with his powerful performances and remarkable range.

Keke Palmer is a multi- Emmy Award winning actress and television host, singer/songwriter, producer, NY Times best-selling author and a passionate voice of the millennial generation. She rose to fame at 12 with her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee and has since starred in over 25 films and 30 TV shows, including True Jackson, VP. Recently, Keke starred in Jordan Peele’s blockbuster Nope and hosted NBC’s Password with Jimmy Fallon, earning the 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show. In addition to releasing her new book, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, Palmer is set to star in the upcoming TriStar Pictures’ film One of Them Days. As CEO of KeyTV and Big Bosses Entertainment, she champions diverse creators and democratizes entertainment. Palmer has made history as the youngest SAG-nominated actress in a lead role, the first Black Cinderella on Broadway, and the youngest talk show host in history, continuing to break barriers across her remarkable career.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event to date include: Cadillac, Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fulton Films GA (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Industry).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The company’s flagship event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

Download 2025 ABFF Honoree Photos: HERE

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces Additional Honoree, Kelvin Harrison Jr., as the Recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award

Hosted by Tommy Davidson, ABFF Honors to Celebrate Legendary Performer Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, and Mara Brock Akil and Announce the ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 6, 2024) – The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X, Chevalier) is the recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award which is presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their recent success and future promise in the film and television industry. The 2024 ABFF Honors is presented by NICE CROWD and will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.

As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated, and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees, past and present, thrive in the industry; and as we move towards tomorrow, we want to spotlight the next generation of luminaries. We are thrilled to celebrate Kelvin Harrison Jr. as our Rising Star honoree alongside Garrett, Taraji, Jeffrey, and Mara,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. is known for bringing to life some of the most dynamic and diverse characters on screens both big and small. In the past couple of years, Kelvin has been recognized for his incredible talents as a SAG award winner along with the ensemble cast of 2020’s Oscar nominated The Trial Of The Chicago 7. In 2019 he captivated audiences in the drama Luce in which he leads as the title character opposite Octavia Spencer, Tim Roth and Naomi Watts. The film first premiered in competition at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and was released to great critical acclaim resulting in Independent Spirit Award and BAFTA nominations for both Harrison and the film. That same year, Kelvin starred in the A24 drama Waves which garnered early Oscar buzz coming out of the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals. Waves was his second film with director Trey Edward Shults and reviews singled out his performance as “brilliant”, “excellent” and a “knockout”, which earned him multiple nominations and awards. He is currently starring in Genius: MLK/X as Martin Luther King Jr.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. In addition to the individual honors, the ceremony includes a competitive award; the “Fan Favorite Movie of the Year” as determined by popular vote of the festival’s alumni.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event include: Cadillac (Presenting), Amazon MGM Studios (Premier), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting) and Fulton Films (Supporting).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 ABFF Honoree Photos please use this link: HERE

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces 2024 Honorees & 2024 Show Date of March 3rd

Hosted by Tommy Davidson, ABFF Honors to Celebrate Legendary Performer Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, and Mara Brock Akil and Announce the ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year

LOS ANGELES, (January 24, 2024) – The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2024 ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.

The ABFF Honors and recipients are:

  • Hollywood Legacy Award – actor, comedian, writer, singer, and first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, Garrett Morris (The Jamie Foxx Show, 2 Broke Girls, Martin); Presented to a trailblazing artist whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.
  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) – Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (Empire, Hidden Figures, The Color Purple); Honoring a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.
  • Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) – Emmy Award, Golden Globe, and Tony Award winner Jeffrey Wright (Basquiat, Westworld, American Fiction); Honoring a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.
  • Industry Visionary Award – screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane); Presented to a trendsetting content creator in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the motion picture and television industry, through their work.

ABFF FAN FAVORITE MOVIE OF THE YEAR

Presented in recognition of the year’s most outstanding narrative feature-length motion picture directed by a person of African descent. To be eligible, films must have a minimum running time of 72 minutes and a theatrical or streaming release date between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

The nominees and winner are determined by an online poll of the more than one hundred thousand (100,000) festival alumni. The winning film is revealed during the ABFF Honors ceremony.

2024 Nominees:

  • A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell (Sight Unseen Pictures, Hillman Grad, Makeready) – Focus Features
  • American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson (Orion Pictures, MRC, T-Street, Almost Infinite, 3 Arts Entertainment) – Amazon MGM Studios
  • Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, (ARRAY Filmworks) – Neon
  • The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule (Harpo Films, Amblin Entertainment) – Warner Bros.
  • They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor (Federal Films) – Netflix
  • The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Columbia Pictures) – Sony Pictures Entertainment

“For decades, these esteemed ABFF Honorees have elevated their projects, and brought joy to audiences across the world,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday. “It is our honor to recognize Garrett, Taraji, Jeffrey, and Mara for all their contributions to culture and the industry throughout their remarkable careers. We look forward to celebrating their many achievements and gathering with our fantastic ABFF partners.”

Garrett Morris is a TV legend to generations of loyal viewers. Having most recently been a series regular on CBS’ 2 Broke Girls, Garrett is beloved by generations of TV watchers as one of Saturday Night Live’s original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”. Born in New Orleans and raised by his Baptist Minister grandfather, he spent his childhood singing in the church choir and eventually trained at the Juilliard School of Music. His first professional break was performing with the Harry Belafonte Singers whom he remained with for ten years. Morris resides in Los Angeles where he owns and operates The LA Blues & Comedy Club. In 2007 Garrett was honored by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for his work and contributions to the black community.

Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated, and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist who quickly rose to fame after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Hustle & Flow. In 2020, Henson wrapped her iconic run as “Cookie Lyon” in Fox’s hit musical drama Empire, which has earned her three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards. Henson can most recently be seen starring in the Blitz Bazawule adaption of The Color Purple as “Shug Avery”, which was released on December 25, 2023. She stars opposite Fantasia and Danielle
Brooks, with Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones producing. Henson also starred as “Miss Hannigan” in NBC’s Annie Live! in December of 2021, for which she won an NAACP award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special.

Jeffrey Wright is a Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor who has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Wright was most recently seen in the critically acclaimed role of “Bernard Lowe” in HBO’s Westworld, for which he earned three Emmy nominations. He can currently be seen in the George C. Wolfe-directed Civil Rights pic, Rustin, portraying “Adam Clayton Powell”. Other recent projects include lead roles in Netflix’s All Day And A Night (May 2020), HBO’s O.G., which premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, where Wright won the award for Best Actor in a U.S. Narrative Feature Film and Netflix’s Hold the Dark (September 2018). Wright can currently be seen giving one of the best performances of his career in Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, written and directed by Cord Jefferson; for which Wright has received nominations from the Gotham Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Critics Choice Awards and the SAG Awards thus far for his wonderful performance as protagonist, “Thelonious Monk Ellison”.

Mara Brock Akil has written and produced over 400 episodes of television, leaving her mark on Hollywood. Her groundbreaking body of work includes the television series Girlfriends (2000), a witty and honest exploration of the multi-faceted nature of Black womanhood. During its eight seasons on-air, it was one of the highest-rated scripted shows among African-Americans ages 18 to 34. Beyond her work as a writer, producer and director, her peers have consistently recognized Brock Akil as a leader in the industry. In 2019, she was honored with the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award by NATPE for exhibiting extraordinary passion, leadership, independence, and vision through her contributions to television. Some of her prior accolades include Essence Magazine’s Visionary Award during their annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, being named to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Power Lists, as well as to The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Entertainment Power100” multiple times. In 2021, Mara expanded her passion for non-profit work and started her very own non-profit writing residency in Los Angeles, the Writers’ Colony. The Writers’ Colony is a launching pad for the next generation of Black screenwriters. It is a place for them to write, to belong, and to find their voice.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. In addition to the individual honors, the ceremony includes a competitive award; the “Fan Favorite Movie of the Year” as determined by popular vote of the festival’s alumni.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event include: Cadillac (Presenting), Amazon MGM Studios (Premier), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting) and Fulton Films (Supporting).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD, formerly ABFF Ventures, is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties in the arts, entertainment, lifestyle and wellness industries that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The Company’s tentpole event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997.

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.

Media Contact:
[email protected]

For 2024 ABFF Honoree Photos please use this link: HERE

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American Black Film Festival Honors Announces 2023 Honorees

Emmy® Award-Winning Producer, Director and Actor Kerry Washington; Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Actor Courtney B. Vance; Oscar® Nominee Charles D. King and Grammy-Nominated Artist and Actor Janelle Monáe

Classic Cinema Award Honoree: Eve’s Bayou

LOS ANGELES, (February 13, 2023) – The 5th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors today announced the honorees of its annual awards ceremony that recognize excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The awards and recipients are: Excellence in the Arts Award (Female) – Emmy-winning SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director and producer Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere, Scandal); Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) – two-time Emmy Award-winner Courtney B. Vance (People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, 61st Street); Industry Leadership Award, MACRO Founder and CEO Charles D. King; and Renaissance Award – eight-time GRAMMY nominated artist, producer and actor Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Hidden Figures). ABFF Honors 2023 Classic Cinema Award recipient is the 1997 drama Eve’s Bayou celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Presented by ABFF Ventures, 2023 ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 5 hosted by Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole (black-ish, Charleen’s Boy). Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner include ABFF honorees and festival partners.

“This year’s ABFF Honorees, Courtney, Kerry, Janelle and Charles are unquestionably amongst the best in our industry and it brings us a great deal of pleasure to illuminate their stellar careers said, Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures founder and CEO. “Kasi Lemmon’s Eve’s Bayou is a cinematic gem that deserves this recognition in its 25th anniversary year.

Excellence in the Arts (Female) honoree Kerry Washington has received high acclaim for her work in film, television, theater, digital media, advocacy and beyond. In her role as crisis manager Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama Scandal, Kerry is known for breaking barriers as the first Black woman since 1974 to headline a network TV drama. She earned two Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and two NAACP Image Awards for her role on the Peabody Award-winning series. Other accolades, include nominations for the SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and wins for the Primetime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. Her film credits include: The Prom, Cars 3, Django Unchained, Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Save the Last Dance, Lift, For Colored Girls, Night Catches Us, Peeples, The Details, Mother and Child, Life is Hot in Cracktown, Lakeview Terrace, Miracle at St. Anna, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver, I Think I Love My Wife, The Dead Girl, Fantastic Four, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Our Song. Projects from her Simpson Street production company include HBO’s Emmy, Critics’ Choice, and Writers Guild Award-nominated Confirmation, starring Kerry as Anita Hill. In 2020 the company released the Emmy-nominated series Little Fires Everywhere with Hulu. Washington starred alongside Reese Witherspoon and earned Emmy and SAG nominations for her performance. Other projects include Five Points, American Son, and the Emmy award-winning second edition of the ABC special Live in Front of a Studio Audience which re-imagined the classic sitcoms All in the Family and Good Times. Washington can most recently be seen in Netflix’s The School for Good and Evil. Next Kerry can be seen starring in Unprisoned, a comedy series for which she also serves as an executive producer and film, Shadow Force, which she both stars in and executive produces.

Excellence in the Arts (Male) honoree Courtney B. Vance is a Harvard scholar and Yale School of Drama-trained actor whose extraordinary career showcases his passion, talent, and intellect, from the theater to the silver screen. His stunning portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story earned him Emmy, Critics Choice, and NAACP Image awards, as well as SAG and Golden Globe nominations. His role in HBO’s critically acclaimed drama horror series Lovecraft Country, earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor Drama Series and a Hollywood Critics Association nomination. He also starred in Genius: Aretha in which he portrays Aretha Franklin’s father, earning him an NAACP Image Award, with nominations from the Hollywood Critics Association and Critics Choice Awards. Other projects include, AMC Network’s 61st Street, Heist 88, a feature film in which he stars and is under Bassett/Vance Productions, the production company he co-founded with his wife Angela Bassett, Universal/Will Packer romantic drama The Photograph with Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfied and Netflix Original Uncorked with Niecy Nash and Mamoudou Athie. For his stage work, Courtney received Tony Award nominations for Fences and his starring role in Six Degrees of Separation. He won a Tony Award for his stellar performance in Lucky Guy. Additionally, Courtney earned a GRAMMY nomination for his narration of Accessory to War.

In his role as founder and CEO of MACRO a multi-platform media company representing the voice and perspectives of Black, indigenous and people of color, Industry Leadership Award honoree and Oscar nominee Charles D. King casts the company’s overall vision, mission and strategic goals for its business verticals including MACRO Film Studios, MACRO Television Studios, M88, UNCMNN and MaC Venture Capital. Formerly a partner/senior agent a William Morris Endeavor, Charles was the first-ever Black partner in the company’s 100+ year history and the first Black partner at any major talent agency. Known industrywide for his innovative deal-making and strategic long-horizon thinking, his list of notable clients spans every sector of the entertainment industry. Charles also made history in 2021 when with the Best Picture Oscar nomination for the film Judas and the Black Messiah he was, along with Ryan Coogler and Shaka King, part of an unprecedented all-Black team of nominated producers for an Academy Award. The company’s film projects have garnered fifteen Oscar nominations and three wins. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science and the Television Academy. King is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Howard University School of Law.

Janelle Monáe is an eight-time GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, author, actor and ABFF Honors’ 2023 Renaissance Award honoree. She is known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound, which celebrates the spectrum of identity. Monáe’s album Dirty Computer was nominated for two Grammy awards in the categories of ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Music Video’. Janelle recently announced the release of the first single since her Grammy nominated album titled, “Float,” which will debut on February 16. She was recently honored as Critics Choice’s 2023 SeeHer Award honoree for her work on-screen and off. Last fall, The Trevor Project honored her as their Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year, she serves as a co-chair to Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote, and has established her own initiative, Fem the Future, which aims to create opportunities for young creatives. Her first novel, The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories from Dirty Computer, which is a collaborative effort between Janelle and other writers, debuted on the New York Times Best-Seller List. As an actor, she recently starred in Netflix’s Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery alongside Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, and Leslie Odom Jr. Other acting credits include Lionsgate’s Antebellum, Focus Feature’s biopic film Harriet, Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, the Academy Award-nominated Hidden Figures and Academy Award-winner Moonlight.

ABFF Honors’ Classic Cinema Award pays tribute to critically acclaimed Trimark Pictures’ Eve’s Bayou, written and directed by Kasi Lemmons (I Wanna Dance with Somebody) in her directorial debut and produced by Caldecot Chubb and Samuel L. Jackson. The story is told through the eyes of 10-year-old Eve Batiste over the course of a long, hot summer in Louisiana as she discovers her family existence is merely a façade. The drama stars Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Die Hard with a Vengeance), Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country) in the lead role, Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf) and Meagan Good (Harlem) in her first film role. Additional cast members include Debbi Morgan (Merry Liddle Christmas), Vondie Curtis-Hall (Harriet), Roger Guenveur Smith (Do the Right Thing) and the late Diahann Carroll (Claudine). The film won the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and received seven NAACP Image Award nominations, including Best Picture. Eve’s Bayou was recently selected for preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival. It is a unique awards event as there are no winners or losers. Acclaimed artists are honored alongside rising stars, creating a spirit of mutual appreciation amongst multigenerational talent in Hollywood. The first ABFF Honors was held in 2016, honoring Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Now in its fifth year, the ABFF Honors’ list of celebrated award recipients include, Denzel Washington, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, Ryan Coogler, Don Cheadle, Will Packer, Queen Latifah, Lena Waithe, Terrence Howard, F. Gary Gray, Billy Dee Williams, Issa Rae, Omari Hardwick, Louis Gossett, Jr., the late Diahann Carroll and the cast of classic films and television shows including Martin, The Wire, Hollywood Shuffle and Love Jones.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (ABFF Ventures) in association with Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) and de Passe Jones Entertainment.

2023 ABFF Honors sponsors to date include Cadillac, Amazon Studios (Presenting), Sony Pictures Entertainment, Comcast NBCUniversal, Andscape (Supporting). For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow on @ABFF on Twitter and @American Black Film Festival on Instagram and Facebook.

About ABFF Ventures LLC
ABFF Honors is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC, an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events and platforms that celebrate Black culture and achievement. The company’s flagship property, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of is kind showcasing Black storytelling. Dedicated to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, Friday conceived the festival as a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity. Embarking upon its 27th year, the festival has become a key proponent of diversity in Hollywood, providing a platform for emerging Black artists. For more information visit, www.abff.com

Media Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
ABFF Ventures LLC
[email protected]

For 2023 ABFF Honoree Photos please use this link:
https://www.abff.com/files/ABFF-Honors-Honoree-Photos.zip

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American Black Film Festival Honors Returns in 2023 to Celebrate Excellence in Hollywood

Gala Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Artists, Movie of the Year and Documentary of the Year Hosted, by Two-Time Emmy® Nominated Writer, Comedian and Actor Deon Cole

LOS ANGELES, (December 14, 2022) – ABFF Ventures LLC today announced American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 5, with two-time Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole returning as host. ABFF’s annual award season gala honors Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry, as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

The tributes will be presented in multiple categories, including Hollywood Legacy Award, Excellence in the Arts Award, Entertainment Icon Award, Rising Star Award and Industry Leadership Award. In addition, ABFF Honors presents competitive awards for Movie of the Year and Documentary of the Year. The nominees and winners for both categories are determined by the more than 100,000 alumni of the film festival.

“This has been a phenomenal year for Black artists, and we are thrilled to celebrate their many successes, milestones and breakout moments. I’m equally excited to have comedic genius Deon Cole hosting this inspiring ceremony,” said ABFF President Nicole Friday. “There is no better place to feel uplifted, encouraged and appreciated than in your own community. ABFF Honors provides that unique platform.”

Widely known as a regular on the ABC hit series black-ish, Deon Cole’s career features an extensive body of work in television, writing and comedy. On the acting front, he currently can be seen in Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall. He recently wrapped a role in Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill’s You People. Next up, he joins the cast of The Color Purple and will star in the drama series Average Joe. From the stand-up comedy stage, Deon recently released his one-hour special Charleen’s Boy. In 2019, his hilarious original comedy special Deon Cole: Cole Hearted ran on Netflix following the success of his appearance in The Standups. His earlier work includes his one-hour special Deon Cole: Cole Blooded Seminar and his stand-up documentary Workin’ it Out.

ABFF Honors’ celebrated list of former award recipients include, Denzel Washington, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, Ryan Coogler, Don Cheadle, Will Packer, Queen Latifah, Lena Waithe, Terrence Howard, F. Gary Gray, Billy Dee Williams, Issa Rae, Omari Hardwick, Louis Gossett, Jr., the late Diahann Carroll and the cast of classic films and television shows Martin, The Wire, Hollywood Shuffle and Love Jones.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (ABFF Ventures) in association with Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) and de Passe Jones Entertainment.

The 2023 ABFF Honors sponsors and partners to date are Cadillac (Presenting) and Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official). For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com.

About ABFF Ventures LLC
ABFF Ventures LLC is an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events and platforms that celebrate Black culture and achievement. The company’s flagship event, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of is kind showcasing Black storytelling. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity. For more information about the festival, including submission deadlines and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Media Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
ABFF Ventures LLC and Jeff Friday Media (JFM)
[email protected]

Deon Cole headshot credit: Deon Cole