SANTA MONICA, CA — On a breezy yet sunny day on the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, many gathered together from the entertainment community to recognize and honor the talents of Delroy Lindo, director Malcolm D. Lee and the staff of ‘The Best Man: Final Chapters”, “Abbott Elementary”, Marla Gibbs and Jennifer Hudson.
Legendary actor Danny Glover presented Delroy Lindo with the “Legacy Award”. Lindo truly spoke from the heart as he held back tears. Many heard his emotional yet truthful speech throughout the room as each person listened intently to his every word. He also referred to Glover as his “good friend and soulmate.” Lindo continued, “Danny single-handedly showed me how to use celebrity in service of my fellow human beings.”
Lindo also explained how he had never won an Oscar and how special it was to be recognized by AAFCA (African-American Film Critics Association). He thanked everyone who attended the ceremony.
“So much wisdom has been articulated this morning. Us supporting us. Why we do what we do. The energy that we need to keep doing what we do in the face of others saying that we don’t quite have it. We’re not what’s needed,” he said. “But we know that we are what’s needed and that they would benefit from including us more, allowing us to tap into our gifts. And if we don’t get permission to tap into our gifts then guess what? We’re going to do it anyway.”
Singer, actress, talk show host, and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson received the “We See You” Award at the AAFCA TV Honors and moved the crowd to the front of the podium as she sang “Talk About a Child That Does Love Jesus.” Being recognized, Hudson also encouraged those who have the faith it takes to accomplish their dreams and visions.
“I always say you will always see me trying no matter what, and it’s nothing wrong with trying,” said Hudson. “Trying just means you believe in yourself, so don’t let no one discourage you from trying and believing in yourself.”
She also revealed to Nitecast Media that her AAFCA “We See You” Award will sit in the same place as her Grammy, Oscar, and other awards. Hudson also said how important it is to be recognized by your culture for the work she has accomplished and set out to do more than anything.
Other nominees were honored for their work in film and television, including Malcolm D. Lee and his team for their excellent work on The Best Man: The Final Chapters on Peacock. Apple T.V.’s Ted Lasso received the Inclusion Award for showcasing diversity in front of and behind the cameras. In contrast, the writers and producers received the Impact Award for the CBS hit drama S.W.A.T. regarding the importance of storytelling and experiences of a Black cop in charge of a critical unit starring Shemar Moore.
The biggest winners of the day were the cast and crew from Starz’s hit series P-Valley with Nicco Annan, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Brandee Evans for best TV drama, best ensemble, and best TV acting males.
“It’s a true gift to be a part of a body of work that really is art … to be a part of something that is culture shifting is amazing and it’s a blessing and I do not take it for granted,” said Annan. “We do not take it for granted.”
Some of the STARZ network executives were also in attendance to support the series, and with the strike ending, there is still no date for the start of Season 3 of P-Valley.
The rest of the winners included Shooting Stars on Peacock (SpringHill Entertainment), ABC’s Abbott Elementary received awards for best TV writing and best TV comedy, The Ms. Pat Show, Niecy Nash-Betts for her role in Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and the icon Marla Gibbs was also honored. Comedian and author Aida Rodriguez hosted the show.
The entire show and afternoon were excellent, as this year’s theme to be present was simply a vibe.
