6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors Celebrates Excellence in Black Television

The 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors took place on August 24, 2024, at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, hosted by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA). This year’s event was notable not only for its recognition of the top television shows of the year but also for the special achievement awards given to industry icons like Glynn Turman, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the Starz "Power" Universe, and the streaming platform Tubi.

(L-R) AAFCA co-founder Gil Robertson IV and honoree Glynn TurmanPhoto byPhoto Credit: Sheri Determan

Top Ten TV Shows of the Year

The AAFCA TV Honors revealed its list of the top ten television shows of the year, featuring an impressive lineup that included:

1. Genius: MLK/X
2. Unprisoned
3. Black Twitter: A People’s History
4. The Chi
5. The Big Cigar
6. The Bear
7. Abbott Elementary
8. SWAT
9. The Neighborhood
10. Them

Competitive Category Winners

The event also celebrated winners in various competitive categories, recognizing excellence in television and streaming. Some of the highlighted winners included:

• 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)

Special Achievement Awards

The evening’s special achievement awards were a highlight, honoring individuals and entities that have made significant contributions to television.

• Legacy Award: Glynn Turman, a legendary actor with a career spanning over six decades, was recognized for his enduring impact on stage and screen. Turman’s prolific career includes roles in A Raisin in the Sun, The Wire, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
• Salute to Excellence Award: Nkechi Okoro Carroll was celebrated for her work as a television producer, writer, and creator. Known for hit shows like All American and Found, Carroll’s influence continues to grow in the industry.
• Impact Award: The Power Universe from Starz was honored for its 10-year contribution to television, particularly for its portrayal of complex Black characters. The Power franchise, including its various spin-offs, has become a cultural touchstone.
• Ally Award: Tubi, the free streaming service, was recognized for its dedication to diverse content, including a vast collection of Black cinema and original projects that highlight underrepresented voices.

Reflections on the Event

The AAFCA TV Honors, established in 2019, have quickly become a significant event in the television industry, with a particular focus on celebrating entertainment that represents the Black diaspora. AAFCA President and co-founder Gil Robertson reflected on the significance of this year’s honorees, noting that their work not only pushes the boundaries of storytelling but also inspires future generations of creators.

As the television landscape continues to evolve, the AAFCA TV Honors serve as a reminder of the importance of diverse representation and the power of storytelling to influence culture. This year’s event, held at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, was a fitting tribute to the achievements of those who have made a lasting impact on television.