Queen Sono Closes Pan African Film Festival

Queen Sono, Netflix's six-episode TV thriller was the closing film at the Pan African Film Festival. The show stars South African Pearl Thusi as the eponymous secret agent.

Written and directed by Kagiso Lediga, an award-winning stand-up comedian in South Africa, Queen Sono is filmed in several locations across the continent.

Presented by Netflix, this action-packed series follows Queen Sono (Pearl Thusi), a highly trained top spy in a South African agency whose purpose is to better the lives of African citizens. While taking on her most dangerous mission yet, she must also face changing relationships in her personal life. Joining Pearl on this mission is a star-studded cast including the multi-talented Vuyo Dabula, Kate Liquorish, Chi Mhende, Khathu Ramabulana, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Loyiso Madinga, Rob Van Vuuren and Ma’ Abigail Kubeka. The series is directed by Kagiso Lediga and Tebogo Malope. Queen Sono premiered globally in 190 countries on Feb 28, 2020.

Thusi is quoted as saying that it is empowering for Africans to tell their own stories.

"Controlling the narrative is really important because we're tired of seeing, particularly, just struggle stories," said Thusi.

The drama centers on Queen Sono trying to uncover the truth behind the death of her mother, who was a hero of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle.

Reviews so far have been mixed, but most point to how refreshing it is to see a story that is set in modern-day Africa with a central character who is African.

Africa is most famous for its Nollywood film productions that come out of Nigeria - it is a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Experts say what Netflix offers storytellers in Africa is an opportunity to produce better-quality dramas.

In 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to Nigerian feature film Lionheart, directed by Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaja.

It became Nigeria's first-ever Oscar submission for best international feature film, but it was disqualified because most of it was in English. 

All six episodes of Queen Sono are now available on Netflix.

Three Female Filmmakers Win Pan African Film Festival's John Singleton Short Film Competition

Three female filmmakers announced as winners 

of the John Singleton Short Film Competition

by Los Angeles City Council President Emeritus Herb Wesson Jr.

Los Angeles City Councilman President Emeritus Herb Wesson announced the winners of the John Singleton Short Film Competition during a private reception at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF). The winners of the John Singleton Short Film Competition (l-r)  Filmmakers Mitchell Branden Rogers, Chelsea Hicks,  Brandon Hammond, Jennifer J. Scott, LA City Councilman President Emeritus Herb J. Wesson, Jr, Sherri G. Sneed (Project Director),  Kemiyondo Coutinho and York Walker. 

Los Angeles City Councilman President Emeritus Herb Wesson announced the winners of the John Singleton Short Film Competition during a private reception at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF). In conjunction with PAFF and the city’s embRACE LA initiative, the film competition pays tribute to the critically-acclaimed film director John Singleton. Singleton is known for such classic movies as BOYZ N THE HOOD, POETIC JUSTICE, and BABY BOY. For helming BOYZ N THE HOOD, he became the first African American and the youngest person to be nominated for Best Director in 1992.

The three winners were awarded $20,000 each for the production and completion of a live-action narrative short film. Under the leadership of President Emeritus Wesson Jr., the embRACE L.A. is an initiative aimed at unifying Angelenos and empowering communities through a citywide conversation about race and racism, challenging and changing inequities. Launched by Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell the initiative seeks to foster understanding, healing, and growth throughout L.A. 

ABOUT THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

In its 28th year, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is America's largest and most prestigious Black film festival. This year, it screened a record-breaking 225 films, representing 52 countries in 26 languages. PAFF holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live-action and animation short films.

PAFF is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in Pan African Affairs.  PAFF is dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art, and creative expression.

Pan African Film Festival Announces Winners

LOS ANGELES – The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) wrapped its 12-day marathon of offerings from around the Diaspora. It celebrated its 28^th anniversary in grand style with a string of highly-anticipated films, which included a comedy by the multi-hyphenated host and entertainer Nick Cannon; a feature, executive produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal; plus, a special screening of the action-packed series, “Queen Sono,” out of South Africa, presented by Netflix along with a wedding! The festival was held from February 11 – 23, 2020 at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles.

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the United States and the largest Black History Month cultural event in the nation. Here are the festival stats: PAFF has selected a record-breaking 225 film, representing 52 countries in 26 languages – that is, 86 feature films; 128 short films and 11 new media selection. Plus, ArtFest will feature more than 100 fine artists from around the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live-action and animation short films.

The festival has cemented its role as a hub for breakthrough and award-winning Black films and filmmakers from around the world. PAFF is dedicated to the cinematic promotion and cultural exploration of peoples of African descent. It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy negative stereotypes. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way.

The festival handed out a variety of juried prizes, including Best Narrative Feature, Best First Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Best Narrative Short as well as audience favorite awards during an awards ceremony at the close of the festival.

In honor of the late actress and co-founder Ja’Net Dubois, who unexpectedly passed away during the festival, prizes were re-named in her honor. Dubois was best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times.” For the official statement by co-founders award-winning Danny Glover and executive director Ayuko Babu on the death of Ja’Net Dubois, visit

https://pitchengine.com/wyllisa-bennett-publicist-du-jour/2020/02/20/co-founders-of-the-pan-african-film-festival/002518200791210254854

BELOW IS A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

·      Best Feature Narrative Award

The Mercy of the Jungle (Rwanda) Directed by Joël Karekezi

Honorable mention

Knuckle City (South Africa) Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka

·      Best First Feature Narrative Award

A Taste of Our Land (Uganda) Directed by Yuhi Amuli

Honorable Mention

Mr. Weekend (US) Directed by McKenzie Woodward

·      Best Documentary Award

One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal (US) Directed by Jodi Gomes

Honorable Mention

PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (US) Directed by Jacoba Atlas

·      Best Short Narrative Award

White Gold (South Africa) Directed by Luke Bradford

Honorable mention

My Father Belize (Belize) Directed by Leon Lozano

·      Programmers’ Best Narrative Feature

She Ball (US) Directed by Nick Cannon

·      Programmers’ Best Short Narrative

Sixteen Thousand Dollars (US) Directed by Symone Baptiste

·      Programmers’ Best Documentary Award

parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles (US) Directed by Micheal Rice

·      Programmers’ Best First Feature Narrative Award (Tie)

Coming From Insanity (Nigeria) Directed by Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo

Gonarezhou The Movie (Zimbabwe) Directed by Sydney Taivavashe

  

·      Special Programmers’ Award

The Cuban (Canada/Cuba) Directed by Sergio Navarretta

·      Ja’Net Feature Narrative Award

HERO - Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross (Canada/Trinidad and Tobago/Ghana/UK) Directed by Frances-Anne Solomon

·      Ja’Net Short Narrative Award

Code_Switch (US) Directed by Sigin Ojulu

·      Ja’Net Documentary Award

My Friend Fela (Brazil/Nigeria) Directed by Joel Zito Araújo

·      Ja’Net First Feature Narrative Award

Zulu Wedding (South Africa) Directed by Lineo Sekeleoane

·      Special Ja’Net Award

Foster Boy (US) Directed by Youssef Delara

SPONSORS

PAFF is sponsored by Los Angeles City Council President Emeritus Herb Wesson, Jr.; Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson (District 8); Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza; Cinemark 15; the Directors Guild of America (DGA); FilmLA; Sony Pictures; Brotherhood Crusade; as well as the City of Los Angeles; the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

Additional support of opening night festivities and the screening of “Hero” made possible by Trinidad and Tobago, Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; Imagine Media; CaribbeanTales; and California Pictures.

ABOUT THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is America's largest and most prestigious Black film festival. Each year, it screens more than 150 films made by and/or about people of African descent from around the world. PAFF holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live-action and animation short films.

PAFF is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in Pan African Affairs.  PAFF is dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art, and creative expression.

For the official statement by co-founders award-winning Danny Glover and executive director Ayuko Babu on the death of Ja’Net Dubois, visit:

https://pitchengine.com/wyllisa-bennett-publicist-du-jour/2020/02/20/co-founders-of-the-pan-african-film-festival/002518200791210254854

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way while at the same time, serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

Actress and Transgender Advocate Angelica Ross To Be Honored At Truth Awards

Angelica Ross

Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) in association with award-winning actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and her non-profit organization, The DIVA Foundation, are excited to announce that critically-acclaimed actress and transgender advocate Angelica Ross is among this year’s impressive list of award-winning honorees for the sixth annual Truth Awards.

The Truth Awards will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex, located at 1201 Vine Street in Los Angeles. The private and ticketed festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. with red carpet arrivals and VIP reception. One of the most successful dance club artists in the history of US Hot Dance/Club Play Charts, CeCe Peniston will serve as the evening’s musical guest. She scored five major hit number one hits within a three-year span, including her signature dance hit, “Finally.”

The black-tie affair will honor trailblazing LGBTQ+ African-Americans whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Also, BBLA will dole out scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth, pursuing vocational training and higher education.  The Truth Awards embody the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies who embrace and live their truth should be celebrated and honored. 

Best known for her beloved breakthrough role of Candy Ferocity, co-founder of the House of Ferocity on the popular FX show, “Pose,” Angelica Ross will be feted with the Arts & Culture Award. A trendsetter and a trailblazer, she is the face of the new Louis Vuitton ad campaign. Plus, Ross is the first female transgender actress to land two series regular roles on television – that is, FX’s “Pose” and the current season of “American Horror Story: 1984,” both shows, helmed by the prolific creator/writer/producer Ryan Murphy.

Since studying theater at Florida Atlantic University, Ross has been featured in film, television, and live theatre. In addition to “Pose” and “American Horror Story,” her tv and film credits include the Emmy-winning series, “Her Story,” “Transparent,” and the short film,  “Missed Connections.”

Her starring role in the Emmy-winning short-form series “Her Story,” received Special Recognition at the GLAAD Media Awards, and her segment on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Talk Show Episode. Ross also works behind the camera. She executive produced and starred in the short film “Missed Connections,” which went on to be an official selection at Outfest, the La Femme International Film Festival and the Baltimore International Black Film Festival in 2017. Ross will continue to combine her passion for acting and her skills as a producer in her newest endeavor as executive producer for the “King Ester,” a short-form web series with filmmakers Dui Jarrod and Caralene Robinson.

Ross is also president of Miss Ross, Inc. and the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a program that helps people lift themselves out of poverty through technical training, digital work creating a social impact and bringing economic empowerment to marginalized communities.

From the boardroom to tv and film sets to the Obama White House, Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for trans and racial equality. Named the “1^st Food Soldier of the Year” in 2015 by social/political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry, and one of the Top10 LGBT+ Executives by Financial Times, Ross is dedicated to empowering trans and gender-nonconforming people through TransTech.

In season 2 of “Pose,” Ross’ character dies, shedding a light on the violent plight of trans women, especially women of color. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HNC), 2019 saw at least 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means.  And the murder rate of transgender women continues to escalate.

Alongside Ross, the Truth Awards will honor celebrity stylist and interior designer power couple Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis, stars of Netflix’s “Styling Hollywood,” and owners of JSN Studio with a Business Leadership Award; producer/director Cheryl Dunye of OWN’s “Queen Sugar” with a Media & Arts Award; CNN political commentator and New York Times best-selling author Keith Boykin with the Advocate Award; Dr. Shaun Harper, director of USC Race & Equity Center, with the Excellence in Education Award, and finally, Jeffrey Wallace, president and CEO of  LeadersUp with the Passing the Torch Award.

The DIVA Foundation and its founder Sheryl Lee Ralph are especially pleased to continue their partnership with Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) on this effort. Both organizations believe a healthy Black community – one where individuals are allowed to live their truth, free of shame and stigma, and are recognized as equal and rightful members of the community – is a critical piece in the fight to also end HIV/AIDS. This year’s honorees were picked from various fields, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, business, finance, and media.

“Times are certainly changing!” said Ralph. “In this current political environment, it’s important that we continue to support our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community, and make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” She added, “Our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community will encourage, inspire and motivate others to live their truth, unapologetically. 

Past honorees include Emmy-winning actress Loretta Devine, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning director/producer Anthony Hemingway; Emmy-winning culture expert Karamo Brown of Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” award-winning actor Rockmond Dunbar, the first female NBA referee Violet Palmer, celebrated makeup artist Sam Fine, author/writer James Earl Hardy, transgender model Tracey “Africa” Norman, transgender reality star and activist Chandi Moore, Grammy-nominated producer/singer/songwriter B. Slade, advertising executive Aaron Walton of Walton Isaacson (WI), and activist and night club owner Jewel Thais-Williams – just to name a few.

Nate Parker Foundation Presents HBCU Storytellers Project at Pan African Film Festival

Nate Parker

By Darlene Donloe

The Nate Parker 4^th Annual HBCU Storytellers Project was held during the 28^th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF).

The HBCU Storytellers Project is a unique partnership between the Nate Parker Foundation, Inc. and the Kellogg Foundation. The partnership provides students the opportunity to learn the art of filmmaking while receiving a culturally enriching educational experience that prepares them to use film as a vehicle for racial healing and reconciliation. Student participants from Hampton University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Norfolk State University engaged in an 18-month process that empowered them to create 4 documentaries over the course of their tenure.

This year two films were screened followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.

Parker, who launched his foundation in 2015, watched from the sidelines as Brian Favors, Nate Parker Foundation co-founder and program director introduced the films and the student filmmakers.

This year’s short films were Culture Shot and 400 Years Later…Free-ish.

(l-r) Brian Favors, Elijah J. McNutt, and Nate Parker 

In Culture Shot, a popular basketball player who must decide whether to play a game where he will be seen by several pro scouts, or stand with his fellow students who are protesting for their rights at their college.  It’s a film about self-reflection, understanding, and unity.

Culture Shot, directed by Elijah J. McNutt, is an original screenplay by McNutt, Kennedy Williams, Laronn Marzett, Lee Jackson, Mason Bleu, Ryan Dickerson and Tissan Young.

400 Years Later...Free-ish

400 Years Later…Free-ish is a four-part docuseries that explores the 400-year commemoration of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia in late August 1619. The films capture this epic milestone through the journey of fifteen HBCU students as they explore past and present race relations in the birthplace of American slavery. The documentaries follow the students in their efforts to promote racial healing and reconciliation as they grapple with Virginia’s contentious history and the racial issues the confederate statues present.

Through the cinematic arts, the Nate Parker Foundation empowers young voices of African descent to advance social justice and revolutionize culture.

Both film presentations were a hit with the PAFF audience.

28th PAFF Arts Festival A Hit With Festival-Goers

By Darlene Donloe

The 28^th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) was a huge success. It came to an end on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the United States and the largest Black History Month cultural event in the nation with approximately 150 Black films and 100 fine artists from around the world.

The festival was held February 11 – 23, 2020 at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. 

This year’s theme was “20/20 Vision,” which kicked off the decade with a fresh lens and solidified its commitment to telling diverse stories with a global, luminous view.

PAFF is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), recently deceased Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in Pan African Affairs.  PAFF is dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression.

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way while at the same time, serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

While the diverse films were a huge draw, so, too was the Art Festival with its wide-ranging offerings.  There was everything from chapeaus, to jewelry, to body butter to both men's and women's clothing. 

Below are pictures of some of the vendors that were part of the 28^th Pan African Film & Arts Festival.

African Treasures & Black Art Gallery

Body Butter Lady

Body Butter Lady

MOA Fine Art

Art by Ardena

Damola Adepoju

SPEARS

Malik Books

One of A Kind Denims by Arnetta Robinson

Hair Sox by Annie

Lipshats.com

boldlookheadwraps.com

SPONSORS

PAFF was sponsored by Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson Jr.; Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson (District 8); Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza; Cinemark 15; the Directors Guild of America (DGA); FilmLA; Sony Pictures; Brotherhood Crusade; as well as the City of Los Angeles; the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

2020 NAACP Image Awards Winners Announced

Courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment 

The 2020 NAACP Image Awards aired live on BET last night. Below is a complete list of winners.

Outstanding Album

Homecoming: The Live Album, Beyoncé

Outstanding New Artist
Lil Nas X

Outstanding Male Artist
Bruno Mars 

Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé

Outstanding Song – Traditional
“SPIRIT,"  Beyoncé

Outstanding Song – Contemporary
“Before I Let Go," Beyoncé

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
“Brown Skin Girl," Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, Beyoncé & WizKiD

Outstanding Jazz Album
Love & Liberation, Jazzmeia Horn

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song (Traditional or Contemporary)
“Love Theory," Kirk Franklin

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
Juice, Lizzo

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
The Lion King: The Gift, Beyoncé with Various Artists

Outstanding Comedy Series
black-ish

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, black-ish

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Deon Cole, black-ish

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Marsai Martin, black-ish

Outstanding Drama Series
Greenleaf

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Omari Hardwick, Power

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Harold Perrineau, Claws

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Lynn Whitfield, Greenleaf

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
When They See Us

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Niecy Nash, When They See Us

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
Unsung

Outstanding Talk Series
Red Table Talk

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series/Game Show
Rhythm + Flow

Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

Outstanding Children’s Program
Family Reunion

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Marsai Martin, black-ish

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Jada Pinkett Smith, Red Table Talk

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Steve Harvey, Celebrity Family Feud

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series
Kelly Rowland, American Soul

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
The Revisioners, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations, Toni Morrison

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer, Hal Banfield (Author), Javier Vasquez (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say), Elaine Welteroth

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, And Opportunity For Black Women In America, Karen Arrington (Author), Joanna Price (Illustrator), Sheryl Taylor (Forward)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
Felon: Poems, Reginald Dwayne Betts

Outstanding Literary Work – Children
Sulwe, Lupita Nyong’o (Author), Vashti Harrison (Illustrator), (Simon & Schuster, BFYR)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
Around Harvard Square, C.J. Farley (Akashic Books)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Marsai Martin, Little

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
Just Mercy

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Dolemite is My Name

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Film)
James Earl Jones, The Lion King

Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Outstanding Documentary (Television – Series or Special)
Hitsville: The Making of Motown

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Cord Jefferson, The Good Place, "Tinker, Tailor, Demon, Spy"

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Nichelle Tramble Spellman, Truth Be Told, "Monster"

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Television)
Suzan-Lori Parks, Native Son

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)
Jordan Peele, Us

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Anya Adams, GLOW, "Outward Bound"

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Power, "Forgot About Dre"

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television)
Rashid Johnson, Native Son

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)
Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind