“Our Special Achievement honorees represent leadership, vision, and courage at every level of the industry,” said Gil Robertson, president and co-founder of AAFCA. “From creative executives and advocates behind the scenes to institutions that have amplified bold and socially relevant storytelling, these honorees embody the values AAFCA was founded to celebrate.”
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) previously announced its 2026 class of Special Achievement honorees who will be celebrated at AAFCA’s Annual Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on Sunday, March 1, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Special attendees and presenters include Jurnee Smollett, Ava DuVernay, Nina Shaw, Michelle Satter, Charmaine DeGrate, Lorrie Bartlett, Nikkole Denson-Randolph and Karen Kramer.
Presented by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), this signature event will honor industry leaders, innovators, and institutions whose work continues to shape film, culture, and opportunity across the global entertainment landscape.
AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon Honorees:
NIKKOLE DENSON-RANDOLPH – SPOTLIGHT AWARD: Nikkole Denson-Randolph is a senior creative executive and serves as SVP & Chief Content Officer at AMC Theatres, where she oversees programming, acquisitions, and content strategy across the exhibitor’s national network. Known for her keen creative instincts and commitment to authentic storytelling, she has helped shape critically acclaimed and commercially successful film and television projects, elevating diverse voices and narratives that resonate with audiences nationwide.
LORRIE BARTLETT – SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD: Lorrie Bartlett is a trailblazing talent agent whose career has shaped the work of acclaimed actors and major film and television projects. She was one of the first African American board members at a major Hollywood talent agency and is a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bartlett’s leadership has amplified culturally impactful projects and advanced the visibility of artists across the industry.
MICHELLE SATTER – FILM ADVOCATE AWARD: Michelle Satter is the founding senior director of artist programs at the Sundance Institute and a cornerstone of independent film advocacy. Through the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Labs, she has mentored generations of filmmakers, providing creative support that has shaped the careers of many of today’s most influential directors and writers. Her commitment to artistic freedom and creative risk-taking has left an indelible mark on global independent cinema.
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS – KAREN AND STANLEY KRAMER SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD: Sony Pictures Classics is one of the most influential distributors of independent and international film in the world. For more than three decades, the company has championed bold, socially conscious storytelling and brought acclaimed films to global audiences. Its dedication to filmmaker driven narratives and cultural relevance exemplifies the spirit of the Karen and Stanley Kramer Award.
NINA SHAW – LEGACY AWARD: Nina Shaw is a founding partner of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano and one of the entertainment industry’s most influential attorneys, representing leading voices across film, television, and live stage. Shaw has built a career defined by advocacy, equity, and an unwavering commitment to amplifying artists seeking a voice. Through her leadership, dedication to justice, and enduring impact on the cultural landscape, Shaw’s legacy reflects the essence of the AAFCA Special Achievement Legacy Award.
17th Annual AAFCA Awards Winners:
BEST ACTOR – Michael B. Jordan, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
BEST ACTRESS – Tessa Thompson, Hedda (Amazon MGM)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Dansom Idris, F1 (Apple/Warner Bros.)
BEST DOCUMENTARY – The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
BEST DIRECTOR – Ryan Coogler, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
BEST WRITING – Ryan Coogler, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
EMERGING FACE (ACTOR) – Miles Caton, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
EMERGING FACE (ACTRESS) – Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another (Warner Bros.)
BEST INDEPENDENT FEATURE – Hedda (Amazon MGM)
BEST ENSEMBLE – Sinners (Warner Bros.)
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT – The Rebel Girls
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT – Hoops, Hopes & Dreams
BEST ANIMATED SHORT – Black Man, Black Man
BEST MUSIC – Ludwig Göransson, Sinners (Warner Bros.)
About AAFCA: The AAFCA Film Awards honor achievements in cinema through a lens of Black excellence and cultural relevance. It is one of the most respected award shows highlighting Black creatives in the industry. The event brings together actors, filmmakers, critics, and rising stars for a powerful night of celebration.
“From bold new visions to unforgettable performances, these winners represent storytellers who are pushing the art form forward while speaking to the moment we are living in. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact their work continues to have on audiences worldwide.”
