The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) held its seventh annual television awards on Saturday at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, celebrating excellence and representation in television. Hosted by Jordin Sparks and Kym Whitley, the ceremony recognized a wide range of talent, from established stars to breakthrough newcomers.
Major Winners
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Best Drama: Paradise
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Best Actor: Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
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Best Actress: Kathy Bates (Matlock)
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Breakthrough Talent: Skye P. Marshall (Matlock)
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Best New Show: Forever
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Best Comedy: Harlem
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Best Limited Series: The Big Cigar
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Best Ensemble: Bel-Air
The Netflix teen drama Forever was the biggest winner of the night, taking home three awards — Best New Show, Best Writing, and Best Director (Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil, and Regina King).
Memorable Speeches
Kathy Bates, honored for Matlock, delivered one of the night’s most powerful speeches:
“Joan Mulholland, one of the white Freedom Riders, said, ‘Y’all means all.’ So, y’all, thanks for inviting me to your cookout.”
She thanked AAFCA’s nearly 200 critics and emphasized the importance of empathy in storytelling:
“Truth creates empathy, and empathy is the most powerful human resource we have.”
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Sterling K. Brown, who recently earned another Emmy nomination, spoke candidly about the weight of representation:
“Sometimes there’s a certain heaviness when you’re the face of things. But when folks come up and say, ‘Brother, thank you for representing us,’ it feeds me in ways you can never imagine.”
Skye P. Marshall, celebrated as Breakthrough Talent for Matlock, reflected emotionally on her journey:
“I quit industries multiple times, in order to believe that I could pursue this at 28. It feels deserving — I really did put in the work.”
Special Honors
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TV Vanguard Award: Keith Le Goy, Chairman, Sony Pictures Television
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Salute to Excellence Award: Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television
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Visionary Award: Tina Perry, President, OWN TV
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Legacy Award: Mara Brock Akil, Producer/Screenwriter
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Trailblazer Award: Michelle Buteau, Actress
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Horizon Award: Nneka Onuorah, Producer/Director
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TV Icon Award: Denise Nicholas, Actress
About AAFCA
Founded in 2003, the African American Film Critics Association is the largest collective of Black film critics in the world, highlighting film and television that reflects the Black experience across the U.S. and the African Diaspora.
