The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced the honorees for its 2025 Special Achievement Awards and 16th Annual AAFCA Awards.
The 2025 Special Achievement Awards honorees are Lynn Whitfield for Legacy Award; Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse for Next Gen Award; Nickel Boys, Karen & Stanley Kramer will receive the Social Justice Award; and Amber Rasberry will receive the Horizon Award.
The 16th Annual AAFCA Awards honorees include Nicole Avant for Beacon Award; Malcolm Washington, for Emerging Director Award; Ray Fisher to receive the Breakout Performance Award; and RaMell Ross, for Spotlight Award.
“Our honorees set a high standard of discipline, talent, and hard work that inspires others to strive for greatness,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “In our present environment, it becomes more important than ever to acknowledge the examples that they’ve set. Their contributions reflect a level of excellence that propels our industry forward.
The Special Achievement Awards takes place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and the Annual AAFCA Awards on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Nicole Avant – BEACON AWARD
Producer and political activist, Nicole Avant, will receive the Beacon Award for producing, The Six Triple Eight, about the first all-black female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and The Black Godfather, a documentary about the legacy of her dad, Clarence Avant–a legendary music executive, entrepreneur, and filmmaker.
Malcolm Washington – EMERGING DIRECTOR AWARD
Malcolm Washington is being honored with The Emerging Director Award for his debut feature film, The Piano Lesson. This adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores the complex legacies and generational conflicts that shape American families.
Ray Fisher – BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE AWARD
Actor Ray Fisher will be honored with the Breakout Performance Award for his portrayal of Lymon in The Piano Lesson. Fisher’s growing resume as an actor includes his role as Cyborg in the DC Extended Universe.
RaMell Ross – SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Filmmaker RaMell Ross will receive the Spotlight Award for his visionary work as the director and co-screenwriter on Nickel Boys.
Lynn Whitfield – LEGACY AWARD
Lynn Whitfield’s legacy as an actress is built on iconic performances that span genres and generations. From Josephine Baker to Eve’s Bayou, and now, “Albany Road,” Whitfield has solidified her place as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse – GEN NEXT AWARD
With their roles in “Nickel Boys,” Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse demonstrate exceptional promise and creativity in their craft.
“Nickel Boys” – KAREN & STANLEY KRAMER SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD –
The feature film Nickel Boys will receive the Karen & Stanley Kramer Social Justice Award for spotlighting the abuse heaped upon generations of boys at the Dozier School for Boys. Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film chronicles the journey of two young African American men as they navigate the brutal realities of racism at the notorious Florida reform school.
Amber Rasberry – HORIZON AWARD
Amazon MGM Studios executive Amber Rasberry will receive the Horizon Award for her outstanding contributions to elevating Black stories in film. Throughout her career, Amber has been instrumental in championing projects that center on Black narratives.
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