Posted by | Ray Cornelius
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced all of the winners for the 2017 AAFCA Awards on Monday and “Moonlight” walked away with the most honors. The film, which is based on Tarrell Alvin McCraney‘s play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, earned “Best Picture,” “Best Director” for Barry Jenkins, “Best Supporting Actor” for Mahershala Ali and “Best Breakout Performance” for Janelle Monáe.
August Wilson‘s “Fences” picked up three awards including “Best Actor” for Denzel Washington, “Best Supporting Actress” for Viola Davis and “Best Screenplay.” Other winners include “Hidden Figures” who grabbed “Best Ensemble,” Best Breakout Performance” for Janelle Monáe and “Best Song.” In addition to the films, TV shows “Queen Sugar,” “Atlanta” and “Underground” were also awarded for their hugely successful first seasons.
The AAFCA Awards takes place on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood and will feature a star studded tribute to screen legend Sidney Poitier. It will also recognize the 50th Anniversary of Poitier’s groundbreaking film, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
“2016 provided our membership with many great films to choose from,” said AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Every movie and TV show on our top 10 lists could have easily been No. 1. The number of incredible performances by black actors and actresses added to a very competitive field of performances and represents a step towards inclusion that our membership warmly embraces.”
See the complete list of winners below:
FILM
Best Picture
Moonlight
Best Director
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Best Actor
Denzel Washington, Fences
Best Actress
Ruth Negga, Loving
Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis, Fences
Best Ensemble
The cast of Hidden Figures
Breakout Performance 2017
Janelle Monae, Moonlight and Hidden Figures
Best Independent Film
Moonlight
Best Animation Film
Zootopia
Best Song
“Victory,” Hidden Figures
Best Documentary
13th
Best Foreign Film
Tanna
Best Screenplay
August Wilson, Fences
TELEVISION
Best TV Show, Drama
Queen Sugar
Best TV Show, Comedy
Atlanta
Best TV Show, Cable/New Media
Underground
Best TV Show, Special/Limited Series
Lemonade
AAFCA Top 10 Films of 2016 in Order of Distinction
1. Moonlight
2. Fences
3. Hidden Figures
4. Lion
5. La La Land
6. The Birth of a Nation
7. Loving
8. Manchester by the Sea
9. Hell or High Water
10. Queen of Katwe
AAFCA Top 10 TV Shows of 2016 in Order of Distinction
1. Queen Sugar
2. Underground
3. Atlanta
4. Insecure
5. Luke Cage
6. This Is Us
7. Black-ish
8. The Get Down
9. Westworld
10. Survivor’s Remorse
Photo Credit: RayCornelius.com
