The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced the winners of the 14th annual AAFCA Awards, honoring outstanding achievement in film. Winners are voted on by AAFCA’s 100-plus members.
“AAFCA is deeply honored to recognize some of the most captivating films and performances of the year,” said AAFCA President & Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “These thought-provoking stories of strength, determination and courage lift us and entertain us. It’s an honor to recognize the incredible, visionary work both in front of and behind the camera of this year’s AAFCA Award winners.”
Henry Selicks’ Afropunk infused, supernatural stop-motion feat Wendell & Wild was awarded Best Animated Feature. Released by Netflix in October and produced by Netflix Animation, The Gotham Group and co-writer/producer/voice star Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, the film was also nominated for Best Picture.
The tender 2D piece New Moon — which centers on a boy and his mother as they sit outside listening to the radio in the moonlight, discussing their dreams — added the AAFCA’s Best Animated Short prize to its list of film festival accolades. Directed by Jérémie Balais, Jeff Le Bars and Raúl Domingo, the film is adapted from the play A Boy and His Soul by Colman Domingo, who adapted the piece for animation with his husband, Raúl.
Other top winners included historical drama The Woman King, which won Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, Till (Best Actress – Danielle Deadwyler, Emerging Face Award – Jalyn Hall; special achievement Impact Award) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Best Supporting Actress – Angela Bassett, Best Song – Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”; Building Change Award – prod. des. Hannah Beachler, Ashley Boone Award – prod. Nate Moore)
Winners and special honorees will be celebrated at the 14th Annual AAFCA Awards on March 1 at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
AAFCA, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 will be announcing additional special events and programming in the coming months.
