The 6th Annual African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) presented one of its most impressive group of talented celebrities and executives in the film, television and new media inclination in the entertainment industry. The event was held at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California, as it celebrated the best in producing, acting, and screenwriting. In attendance were Ava DuVernay (Director of Selma), Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Amy Pascal (Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment) Alfre Woodard and Kathryn Bigelow. The presenters and honorees included producer Stephanie Allain, recipient of the Legacy Award; producer Debra Martin Chase, accepted the Ashley Boone Award; J. K. Simmons, accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash and Chadwick Boseman, accepted the Best Ensemble award on behalf of the cast of Get On Up. Presenters were Mike Epps (Survivor’s Remorse), Khandi Alexander (Scandal), David Oyelowo winner of Best Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance in Selma; Tessa Thompson winning the Best
Breakout Star in Dear White People and Effie Brown who was honored with the Best Independence Award for Producing Dear White People. Additional honorees and attendees were Roger Ebert award recipient Susan King (LA Times), Best Screenplay winner Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights), and husband writer Reggie Rock Bythewood; honoree and presenter Chaz Ebert; producer/director Will Packer; actor Dondre Whitfield; presenter Edwina Findley; actor Andre Royo; Disney Channel's Gary Marsh; actor/comedian Bill Bellamy; presenter Wendy Raquel Robinson; directors Julie Dash and Neema Barnette, among others. The Awards ceremony, produced by AAFCA Co-Founder, Gil Robertson, was hosted by Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight. Its opening included musical performances from Salli Richardson Whitfield and legend Lena Horne. The night was the finale of the Association's weekend of events which included a private invitation-only dinner and a business panel which stands as the premiere acknowledgement of the African-Americans contribution to this year's American cinema.
The African American Film Critics Association