An evening celebrating creativity, leadership, and influence in entertainment
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returns with its 8th Annual ABFF Honors, a star-studded celebration recognizing excellence in motion pictures and television while championing diversity in Hollywood. Hosted at the luxurious SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, the evening pays tribute to trailblazing artists whose work continues to shape the industry.
This year’s honorees reflect the breadth of Black talent both in front of and behind the camera. Dwayne Johnson will receive the Entertainment Icon Award, Angela Bassett is being celebrated with the Excellence in the Arts Award, and Jennifer Hudson will take home the Renaissance Award. Rising talent is also recognized, with Damson Idris honored with the Horizon Award and Salli Richardson-Whitfield receiving the Evolution Award. The evening includes a special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners, including Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian.
Comedian KevOnStage will bring warmth and levity to the gala as host, keeping the evening lively and engaging. The red carpet promises a dazzling array of talent, including Javicia Leslie, Jeffrey Wright, Jimmy Akingbola, Kenny Lattimore, Lance Gross, LisaRaye McCoy, Michael Jai White, Naturi Naughton, Tai Beauchamp, Terrence Howard, Terrence J, Tia Mowry, and Tika Sumpter, among others.
Executive producers Jeff and Nicole Friday of NICE CROWD, along with Rikki Hughes of Magic Lemonade and Suzanne de Passe of de Passe Jones Entertainment, have curated the evening to highlight the festival’s ongoing mission: supporting Black artists and amplifying their voices in Hollywood. Since its founding in 1997, ABFF has become a leading platform for Black storytelling, helping to launch and sustain the careers of many of today’s most prominent filmmakers and actors.
Sponsors including Ally Financial, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Andscape, Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, HBO Max, SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, and Variety help bring the event to life, underscoring the industry’s commitment to celebrating Black talent and creative leadership.
The 8th Annual ABFF Honors promises to be a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration—a moment for Hollywood to honor those shaping the present and future of entertainment.
For more information on ABFF Honors and upcoming initiatives, visit www.abffhonors.com and follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.