American Black Film Festival Honors 2024 Celebrates the Finest in Black Hollywood
ABFF Honors acknowledged Taraji P. Henson, Mara Brock Akil, and others for their significant contributions to the culture. We discuss it here!
Taraji P. Henson poses on the carpet for the 2024 American Black Film Festival.
Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
The sixth annual American Black Film Festival Honors recognized (Mar. 3rd) actress Taraji P. Henson, screenwriter Mara Brock Ali, and others for their on-screen excellence and importance to Black culture. A week before the Oscars, the intimate, invitation-only event was held in Los Angeles and hosted key festival stakeholders and celebrated artists.
One of Black Hollywood’s most prestigious events, was hosted by comedic legend Tommy Davidson and executively produced by ABFF founders Nicole and Jeff Friday.
Actors Taraji P. Henson and Jeffrey Wright received the Excellence in the Arts Award for their distinguished career achievements. Garrett Morris was presented with the Hollywood Legacy Award, which is presented to a trailblazing artist whose work has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.
American actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. took home the honor of this year’s Rising Star Award, while industry veteran Mara Brock Ali received the Industry Visionary Award for her outstanding work and commitment to championing diversity and equity in the film and television industry.
Cord Jefferson, the writer and director of “American Fiction”, was presented with the Movie of the Year Award. A category filled with stiff competition, other nominees included A.V. Rockwell’s “A Thousand And One”, Ava DuVernay’s “Origin”, Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple”, Juel Taylor’s “They Cloned Tyrone” and Antoine Fuqua’s “The Equalizer 3”.
Presenters included Tyrese, Wendell Pierce, Lamorne Morris, Leslie Jones, Issa Rae, Gina Prince-Bythewood and David Oyelowo.
“For decades, these esteemed ABFF Honorees have elevated their projects, and brought joy to audiences across the world. It is our honor to recognize Garrett, Taraji, Jeffrey, Mara [and Kelvin] for all their contributions to culture and the industry throughout their remarkable careers.”
The ABFF Honors started in 2016 and is apart of the American Black Film Festival which was founded by Jeff Friday in 1997. Since its inception, ABFF has been one of the leaders in spotlighting Black storytelling. This year’s festival will take place June 12th through the 16th.
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Garrett Morris to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in His Honor
Veteran actor Garrett Morris is finally set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his 87th birthday. We discuss it here!
Garrett Morris posing for a Netflix show.
Photo cred: Netflix | Strong Black Legends
By: Adonis Armstrong
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is set to honor the Black Hollywood treasure, Garrett Morris, with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Morris, a Juilliard-trained artist, showcased his talents with the Harry Belafonte Singers for a decade before diversifying into acting. His credits include performances in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals such as Porgy and Bess, Show Boat, Ain’t Supposed To Die A Natural Death, and The Great White Hope.
He gained recognition for his roles in The Wayans Bros., Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Jeffersons, Scandal, All Of Us, Grand Crew, Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker, and, most recently, 2 Broke Girls. Before Morris began his career in the '70s, securing leading roles in films like Cooley High and Who’s Your Caddy?, he gained significant recognition nearly two decades into the industry, following his time on Saturday Night Live.
Beyond his artistry, the New Orleans native is recognized as an activist who played a crucial role in desegregating the Actor’s Equity. He also contributed to the Black Arts Theater movement alongside poet-playwright Amiri Baraka.
Having transitioned to owning and operating the Los Angeles Blues and Comedy Club, Morris received recognition in 2007 from the former mayor of L.A., Antonio Villaraigosa, for his impactful work and contributions to the Black community.
The ceremony will take place on Feb. 1 at 11:30 a.m. PT, which also happens to be his 87th birthday. Additionally, Tichina Arnold will be in attendance as a guest speaker.
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