AAFCA Announces Winners of 6th Annual TV Honors, Glynn Turman Receives Legacy Award

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has unveiled the winners of its 6th Annual TV Honors, celebrating excellence in television and streaming. This year’s awards feature a special highlight with 77-year-old Glynn Turman receiving the prestigious Legacy Award. Turman is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Black television media, notably for his iconic role in "Cooley High."

'The Bookie'Photo byMax Orginial

The AAFCA TV Honors began in 2019 to acknowledge outstanding achievements in television and streaming, with a particular emphasis on entertainment representing the Black diaspora. This year’s honorees will be celebrated on August 2 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson expressed his admiration for the honorees, stating, “From the legendary Glynn Turman, whose six-decade career continues to inspire, to rising stars and innovative storytellers, this group exemplifies excellence across the board. We’re honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. They make us all better.”

Alongside Turman, the AAFCA has recognized numerous other talents and productions for their exceptional contributions to television. Robertson emphasized, “The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors class is a powerful testament to the exceptional range of Black talent in television today.”

Here are the winners in the competitive categories:

• BEST DOCUMENTARY: Black Twitter: A People’s History
• BEST ENSEMBLE: Masters of the Air
• BEST LIMITED SERIES/SPECIAL: Genius: MLK/X
• BEST NEW SHOW: Bookie
• BEST TV ACTING (Female): Ayo Edebiri (The Bear)
• BEST TV ACTING (Male): Wendell Pierce (Elsbeth)
• BEST TV COMEDY: Unprisoned
• BEST TV DIRECTING: Channing Godfrey Peoples (Genius: MLK/X – Episode 401 “Graduation”)
• BEST TV DRAMA: The Chi
• BEST WRITING: The Bear
• BREAKOUT STAR: Josiah Cross (Masters of the Air)

In addition to these competitive categories, special achievement awards have been bestowed upon several distinguished individuals and entities:

• Legacy Award: Glynn Turman
• Trailblazing Award: Michelle Buteau
• Salute to Excellence Award: Nkechi Okoro Carroll
• Ally Award: Tubi (streaming service)
• Impact Award: Starz Power universe

The AAFCA TV Honors continue to shine a spotlight on the diverse and dynamic talent within the television industry, celebrating those who push the boundaries of storytelling and contribute to the rich tapestry of Black media representation.