The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors was a night where Black excellence in television took center stage, and boy, did it deliver! Held at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) pulled out all the stops to recognize the outstanding achievements in television that represent the Black diaspora. It’s like the Oscars, but with more melanin and a lot more soul.
The night was a blend of celebrating new talent, honoring legendary figures, and acknowledging TV shows that have kept us on the edge of our seats (or, let’s be real, binge-watching on the couch). The AAFCA TV Honors have been doing their thing since 2019, and this year marked their sixth annual celebration, proving that Black talent in television isn’t just here to stay—it’s taking over.
The Stars of the Night
The evening kicked off with the announcement of the Top Ten TV Shows of the Year, a list that reads like a greatest hits album. Shows like Genius: MLK/X, Unprisoned, The Chi, and The Bear topped the list, representing the best in storytelling, acting, and production. These shows are not just entertainment; they’re cultural touchstones that reflect and shape the world we live in.
Glynn Turman, an actor with more decades in the game than some of us have been alive, was honored with the Legacy Award. Turman’s career spans over six decades, from his Broadway debut in A Raisin in the Sun to his recent work in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. His acceptance speech was a masterclass in humility and grace, reminding us why he’s been a fixture in the industry for so long.
The Salute to Excellence Award went to Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the powerhouse behind All American and Found. With these two shows under her belt, Carroll is redefining what it means to create television that resonates with audiences across the spectrum.
The Impact Award goes to Starz’s “Power” Universe, celebrating a decade of high-stakes drama and groundbreaking representation. If you haven’t been keeping up with Power, Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force, you’re missing out on some of the most intense storytelling on TV.
And let’s not forget Tubi, the free streaming service that’s become a go-to for Black cinema lovers, was honored with the Ally Award. Tubi’s commitment to diverse content is evident in its robust library of Black films and its partnership with The Black List, which seeks out underrepresented voices in filmmaking.
The Best of the Best
This year’s competitive categories were fierce, with standout performances and groundbreaking shows taking home the honors. Black Twitter: A People’s History snagged Best Documentary, while Masters of the Air took home Best Ensemble. Genius: MLK/X was crowned Best Limited Series/Special, proving that historical narratives still pack a punch when done right.
In the acting categories, Ayo Edebiri won Best TV Acting (Female) for her role in The Bear, and Wendell Pierce took home Best TV Acting (Male) for Elsbeth. These wins are a testament to the depth of talent and the power of performance in driving a story forward.
A Night to Remember
The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors was more than just an awards show; it was a celebration of the culture, creativity, and contributions of Black talent in television. From the groundbreaking work in series like The Chi to the legacy of industry veterans like Glynn Turman, the night is a reminder of why representation matters.
But beyond the awards and the accolades, the AAFCA TV Honors is a space where it’s a celebration of Black excellence. It’s a night where the Black diaspora comes together to uplift, inspire, and push the boundaries of storytelling. Here’s to the next year of groundbreaking television and the stories that will continue to shape our world.
