The American Black Film Festival Honors ceremony took place at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, recognizing achievements in Black cinema and entertainment. Ryan Coogler's film 'Sinners,' along with Dwayne Johnson, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Damson Idris, received salutes during the black-tie event. Honorees shared personal stories of perseverance and the importance of community in the industry.
The ABFF Honors ceremony, held on Monday night at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, celebrated key figures in Black entertainment. Ryan Coogler reflected on his early career boost from the festival in 2011, when his short film “Fig” won a competition with HBO, providing $40,000 that helped him secure an apartment and produce “Fruitvale Station.” “That was the first time that was a vote of confidence in me that came with some capital that enabled me to really focus and get ‘Fruitvale Station’ made,” Coogler said, expressing gratitude to ABFF co-founders Jeff and Nicole Friday.
Co-presenters Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku introduced Coogler, his wife Zinzi Coogler and Proximity Media co-founder Sev Ohanian. Zinzi Coogler discussed her family ties to the setting of “Sinners,” set in 1932 Mississippi, and thanked trailblazers like Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay. Ohanian highlighted allyship, sharing his Armenian heritage and experiences producing “Judas and the Black Messiah,” where he learned about Armenian American lawyer Charles Garry's support for the Black Panther Party.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield accepted the Evolution Award, noting her 30-year connection to ABFF since its start. “ABFF isn’t just a film festival. It’s history. It’s proof that Black stories matter and that Black artists endure,” she said. Damson Idris received the Horizon Award, recalling advice from the late John Singleton during a 2017 “Snowfall” screening.
Keke Palmer presented Angela Bassett with the Excellence in the Arts award, praising her guidance from their work on “Akeelah and the Bee.” Bassett's speech addressed industry challenges: “We are living in a moment where the language of inclusion and belonging is being challenged... our stories are not trends. They are truths.” She quoted Harriet Tubman on dreaming big.
Jennifer Hudson, receiving the Renaissance Award, brought her son to meet Coogler, emphasizing inspiration for youth. Dwayne Johnson concluded with the Entertainment Icon prize, introduced by Jon M. Chu, discussing resilience and his father's legacy as wrestler Rocky Johnson. “Just because something has never been done doesn’t mean that it can’t be done,” Johnson said.
