The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) unveiled its honorees for the 2025 Special Achievement Awards and the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards. The Special Achievement Awards take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The 2025 Special Achievement Awards honorees include:
–Lynn Whitfield, Legacy Award
–Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse, Next Gen Award
–“Nickel Boys,” Karen & Stanley Kramer Social Justice Award
–Amber Rasberry, Horizon Award
The 16th Annual AAFCA Awards honorees include:
–Nicole Avant, Beacon Award
–Malcolm Washington, Emerging Director Award
–Ray Fisher, Breakout Performance Award
–RaMell Ross, 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’s more important than ever to acknowledge the examples that they’ve set. Their contributions reflect a level of excellence that propels our industry forward.”
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 & ETHAN HERISSE – NEXT GEN AWARD
With their roles in “Nickel Boys,” Brandon Wilson and Ethan Herisse demonstrate exceptional promise and creativity in their craft.
KAREN & STANLEY KRAMER SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD – “NICKEL BOYS”
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.
The AAFCA Awards and the Special Achievement Awards Luncheon celebrate the transformative power of art and recognize visionary artists and organizations that boldly redefine the entertainment landscape. They provide a grand platform to pay tribute to the remarkable careers and contributions of trailblazers within the Diaspora, whose innovative spirits, creativity and perseverance continue to elevate the cultural narrative.
