The 6th AAFCA
The 6th Annual African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) presented one of its most impressive group of talented celebrities and executives in the film, television and new media inclination in the entertainment industry. The event was held at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California, as it celebrated the best in producing, acting, and screenwriting. In attendance were Ava DuVernay (Director of Selma), Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Amy Pascal (Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment) Alfre Woodard and Kathryn Bigelow.
The presenters and honorees included producer Stephanie Allain, recipient of the Legacy Award; producer Debra Martin Chase, accepted the Ashley Boone Award; J. K. Simmons, accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash and Chadwick Boseman, accepted the Best Ensemble award on behalf of the cast of Get On Up. Presenters were Mike Epps (Survivor’s Remorse), Khandi Alexander (Scandal), David Oyelowo winner of Best Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance in Selma; Tessa Thompson winning the Best Breakout Star in Dear White People and Effie Brown who was honored with the Best Independence Award for Producing Dear White People. Additional honorees and attendees were Roger Ebert award recipient Susan King (LA Times), Best Screenplay winner Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights), and husband writer Reggie Rock Bythewood; honoree and presenter Chaz Ebert; producer/director Will Packer; actor Dondre Whitfield; presenter Edwina Findley; actor Andre Royo; Disney Channel's Gary Marsh; actor/comedian Bill Bellamy; presenter Wendy Raquel Robinson; directors Julie Dash and Neema Barnette, among others. The Awards ceremony, produced by AAFCA Co-Founder, Gil Robertson, was hosted by Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight. Its opening included musical performances from Salli Richardson Whitfield and legend Lena Horne. The night was the finale of the Association's weekend of events which included a private invitation-only dinner and a business panel which stands as the premiere acknowledgement of the African-Americans contribution to this year's American cinema.
"We are so pleased that people have come away from watching Selma in tears," said Oprah Winfrey in her triumphant acceptance speech for the film's Best Film win. "We're honored to receive this award from AAFCA. We won best picture!"
"I have to thank my African-American sister, (Ava DuVernay) who told me that I could play the role of Martin Luther King Jr. when I didn't believe I could do it," said David Oyelowo in his acceptance speech as Best Actor in Selma. "And my African-American mother (Oprah Winfrey).....who after a day of shooting told me get off the phone and go to bed. There is so much LOVE here."
The energy of family and love was contagious in the standing-room-only kudos-fest, as attendees hugged and reconnected. J.K. Simmons noted how much he looked forward to meeting Tyler Perry and joked in his acceptance speech for Best Supporting actor, "Are you sure this wasn't a clerical error?"
“I couldn't be more thrilled by the opportunity to honor some of the year’s best performances, some of which have not been recognized by other major award shows," said Robertson. "The prevailing feeling in the room of gratitude, celebration and kinship of all in attendance will be looked at as a significant high point of this year's award season."
(Photo Credits - Arnold Turner)
