The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has unveiled winners of its 2nd annual AAFCA TV Honors–with For Life (ABC) earning best drama distinction and Insecure (HBO) named best comedy.
Here’s a full rundown of 2020 AAFCA TV Honors and Award recipients:
- TV Icon – Kenya Barris
- Inclusion Award – MACRO Television Studios
- Best Actress – Viola Davis, How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)
- Best Actor – Sterling K. Brown, This is Us (NBC)
- Best Drama – For Life (ABC)
- Best Comedy – Insecure (HBO)
- Best TV Movie – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)
- Breakout Performers – Jeremy Pope / Laura Harrier, Hollywood (Netflix)
- Best YA – Never Have I Ever (Netflix)
- Best Animated – Central Park (Apple TV+)
- Best Documentary – Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (HBO) and The Last Dance (ESPN Films/Netflix)
- Best Short Form – I Promise (Quibi)
“In a time of such uncertainty, we have witnessed how powerful the medium of television and streaming is,” stated AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. “We couldn’t be more proud to honor shows and performances that uplift and inspire at a time when we all need entertainment the most. We are especially grateful to have partners like (presenting sponsor) Morgan Stanley as well as the ongoing support of the entertainment community at large helping us with our year-round activities that highlight not only film, television and journalism, but also diversity, inclusion and equality.”
Launched successfully last year, the AAFCA TV Honors competition was at the forefront of honoring Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us, including recognizing breakout star Jharrel Jerome’s performance. This time due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony will take the form of a private virtual celebration on Aug. 22.
In recognition of the devastating impact of the global pandemic, AAFCA will feature first responders, ranging from essential frontline workers like healthcare personnel and firefighters, to government leaders, alongside Hollywood stars, as AAFCA TV Honors presenters. “As an organization, with a passion for community awareness and outreach,” Robertson stated, “we could not ignore the heroic efforts of those in our larger community during this unprecedented time. This is just a small gesture to recognize them in some way and convey our tremendous gratitude.”
The AAFCA TV Honors will stream via invitation only at 11:30am PT on Saturday, August 22. The show will later live on The AAFCA Channel on YouTube for others to enjoy. A portion of the AAFCA TV Honors proceeds will be donated to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) COVID-19 Relief Fund. The event will be hosted by comedian/actress Aida Rodriguez.
