Los Angeles, CA - December 2010 -- The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) honored the special achievements of iconic filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, film legend Lena Horne and veteran film journalist Roger Ebert at the 2010 AAFCA Awards at the legendary Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles. AAFCA is the film industry's premier African-American film critics group.
Melvin Van Peebles, who received the 2010 Cinema Vanguard Award, is widely credited as the "Godfather of Modern, African-American Cinema." Best known for his seminal film, "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," his artistic contributions and independent spirit, have elevated the craft of filmmaking and assured the presence of African Americans in all aspects of feature film.
Similarly, actress Lena Horne, who died earlier this year, captivated audiences worldwide with her breakthrough roles in classic films such as "Cabin in the Sky" and "Stormy Weather." As the 2010 Legacy Award honoree, Ms. Horne's diverse body of work in film, theatre and music, paved the way for African-American actresses in all three genres. Moreover, Ms. Horne's tireless support of civil rights emboldened other celebrities to leverage their notoriety for worthy causes.
Lastly, film critic Roger Ebert, internationally-known for his wildly popular TV show, "At the Movies..." and break-through catch phrase "Two Thumbs Up!" achieved both critical acclaim and cultural relevance for his contributions to film criticism. As the recipient of the 2010 Horizon Award, Ebert, who was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize, continues to serve as the ambassador for film critics around the world.
Gil Robertson, executive producer of the 2010 AAFCA AWARDS, has assembled an A-list production team including versatile director, Jonathan X (NAACP Image Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Wanda Sykes Show) and veteran entertainment journalist Kevin Frazier (Entertainment Tonight) show host. In addition to the special achievement awards, the ceremony also revealed AAFCA's Top Ten List, as celeb presenters hand out awards in several categories, including Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
As for the awards:
"The Social Network" continues to be the major contender this awards season. The David Fincher-directed drama about the founding of Facebook added yet another best picture win to its trophy case on Monday -- this time coming in at first place on the African-American Film Critics Assn.'s top 10 film list for 2010.
Best actress honors went to Halle Berry for her turn as a woman with multiple personalities in "Frankie and Alice," and Mark Wahlberg was voted best actor as boxer "Irish" Micky Ward in "The Fighter."
Supporting actress went to Kimberly Elise in "For Colored Girls," while her costar Michael Ealy won for supporting actor. Christopher Nolan took home best director honors for "Inception," and screenplay went to Tanya Hamilton for "Night Catches Us."
Best documentary went to Davis Guggenheim's "Waiting for 'Superman,' " and Nina Simone won the best song award for "Four Women" from "For Colored Girls."
Rounding out the AAFCA's top 10 films for 2010 are "The King's Speech," "Inception," "Black Swan," "Night Catches Us," "The Fighter," "Frankie and Alice," " "Blood Done Sign My Name," "Get Low" and "For Colored Girls."
"Cinema is the visual landscape of our past, present and future," Robertson said. "So it's truly an honor to produce a project that not only rewards quality in filmmaking in general, but also recognizes the valuable contributions made by African Americans to the art form."
AAFCA comprises respected journalists, academic scholars and industry professionals, who screen, review and provide commentary on film at-large, but who also highlight films that are inclusive of the black experience in America -- in-front of and behind-the-camera. Professionally, AAFCA presents bi-monthly media and professional development seminars and lends its voice to film festivals and college campuses across the country.
Bader TV Los Angeles Bureau was on site for the awards and has more...
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Top 40 Greatest African American Actorsby UniqueMonique5138,946 views
@JoeyBootsNYC
Actually Social network won best picture. Christopher Nolan won best director and mark wahlberg won best actor.
AKenjiB 9 months ago
hope rosewood came 1st
decus69 11 months ago
Lemme guess, Tyler Perry won all the awards?
JoeyBootsNYC 1 year ago