One of Black Hollywood’s biggest nights took place on Sunday, March 5, as the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors recognized major players in the industry — along with an iconic film that has stood the test of time.
Kerry Washington, Courtney B. Vance, Charles D. King, and Janelle Monáe were among the evening’s biggest honorees, celebrated for their outstanding contributions both in front of and behind the camera.
Washington received the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), while Vance was honored with the Excellence in the Arts Award (Male). King was recognized with the Industry Leadership Award, and Monáe received the Renaissance Award. The ABFF also paid tribute to the cast and director Kasi Lemmons for their work on Eve’s Bayou, presenting the film with the Classic Cinema Award in honor of its 25th anniversary.
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The American Black Film Festival — originally launched as the Acapulco Black Film Festival in 1997 by Jeff Friday — changed its name to the American Black Film Festival in 2002. Friday founded the event to serve as “a vehicle to strengthen the Black entertainment community by fostering resource sharing, education, and artistic collaboration.”
From the festival’s 27 years of service came the creation of the ABFF Honors, which over the past five years has celebrated icons like Denzel Washington, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, Ryan Coogler, Don Cheadle, Will Packer, Queen Latifah, and Lena Waithe, as well as beloved television shows and films such as Martin and Love Jones.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees!