The 10th annual ABFF Honors, hosted by award-winning comedian KevOnStage, took place on February 16 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. The star-studded evening celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television while spotlighting artists who continue to elevate Black storytelling in Hollywood.
Presented by the American Black Film Festival, ABFF Honors serves as the festival’s annual awards-season gala recognizing excellence across the motion picture and television industries. Established in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black creatives whose work has made a lasting cultural impact and to industry leaders who champion diversity and inclusion.
Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF has become the premier festival dedicated to showcasing Black storytelling. Built on the belief that Black artists deserve equal opportunities in mainstream entertainment, the festival has launched and supported the careers of many of today’s most accomplished filmmakers and actors. Over nearly three decades, ABFF has cemented its reputation as a standard-bearer for Black creative excellence in American cinema.
This year’s ceremony highlighted the creative forces behind the upcoming motion picture Sinners, including writer, director, and producer Ryan Coogler, producer Zinzi Coogler, and producer Sev Ohanian. The film’s acclaimed creative team also includes cinematographer Autumn Durald, Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, and Academy Award–winning production designer Hannah Beachler.
Additional honorees included EGOT-winning artist Jennifer Hudson, host of The Jennifer Hudson Show, who received the Renaissance Award; visionary director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield, presented with the Evolution Award; and acclaimed actor Damson Idris, honored with the Horizon Award.
In a joint statement, NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday praised the honorees, noting that each embodies the spirit of ABFF through creativity, excellence, and purpose. They commended the Sinners team for redefining collaboration and visionary storytelling, described Jennifer Hudson as a continuing source of inspiration, applauded Salli Richardson-Whitfield’s evolution into one of television’s most dynamic directors and executive producers, and recognized Damson Idris as a shining example of the next generation’s brilliance.
The evening’s first tribute celebrated the Sinners creative team, widely regarded as potential contenders for the Academy Awards. After an introduction by Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku, Zinzi Coogler accepted the honor on behalf of the cast and crew.
In her heartfelt remarks, she reflected on the film’s 1932 Jim Crow-era Mississippi setting and its personal resonance. Sharing that her father was born in 1931 in Chicago to parents who migrated from Mississippi, she explained how working on Sinners allowed her to explore her family’s history and imagine the lives her ancestors might have lived. She extended gratitude to the cast, crew, assistants, representatives, and collaborators who helped bring the powerful story to life.
The 10th ABFF Honors once again affirmed the festival’s enduring mission: to celebrate Black artistry, elevate meaningful storytelling, and move culture forward.
