Jeymes Samuel’s “The Harder They Fall” and Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “King Richard”They have won the AAFCA Awards, which were given out each year by the African American Film Critics Association. On Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day the AAFCA announced the winners.
“The Harder They Fall,” a Western with a largely Black cast, film was named 2021’s best film, and also picked up awards for its director, ensemble cast and music. “King Richard,” which is considered a stronger contender for Oscars and other awards, won honors for Will Smith, who stars as Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard; Aunjanue Ellis, who plays their mother, Oracene; Saniyya Sidney, who plays the young Venus; and Green in the Emerging Director category.
Jennifer Hudson and Corey Hawkins were also winners. “Respect”And “The Tragedy of Macbeth,”respective; the documentaries “Summer of Soul”And “Who We Are” as best documentary and best independent feature; and Adam McKay’s screenplay to “Don’t Look Up”Best screenplay
Past winners of the AAFCA’s top award include “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Us,” “Black Panther,” “Get Out,” “Moonlight”And “Straight Outta Compton.” Four AAFCA winners – “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” “Crash,” “12 Years a Slave”And “Moonlight” – have gone on to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
The AAFCA was established in 2003 and is composed of more than 90 black film critics. Its 2022 awards ceremony, which will take place on March 2, at the SLS Hotel Los Angeles, is limited-capacity and in-person.
The winners
Best Picture: “The Harder They Fall”
Best DirectorJeymes Samuel“The Harder They Fall”)
Best Screenplay: “Don’t Look Up” (Adam McKay)
Best ActorWill Smith (“King Richard”)
Best ActressJennifer Hudson (“Respect”)
Best supporting actorCorey Hawkins“The Tragedy of Macbeth”)
Best Supporting ActressAunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”)
Breakout Actor: Saniyya Sidney (“King Richard”)
Best Ensemble: “The Harder They Fall”
Emerging Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”)
Best Music: “The Harder They Fall”(Jeymes Samuel Kid Cudi Jay-Z
Best Independent Feature: “Who We Are”
Best Documentary: “Summer of Soul”