Selected by a committee on the basis of their achievements over the course of their career, the AAFCA chooses nominees both behind and in-front-of the camera.
In its sixth AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 8 at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, the African American Film Critics Association will honour producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing, Apple Worldwide Video and Apple TV+ communications and publicity head Rita Cooper Lee, TriStar Television’s executive vice president Jennifer Turner and Hallmark Media’s president and CEO Wonya Lucas.
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premiere body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment that includes the Black experience and storytellers from the African Diaspora.
Honourees are chosen by a committee and selected based on their achievements throughout their careers.
The event will honour Sherry Lansing with the Legacy Award for her prolific contributions to the industry as well as for her philanthropic endeavours; Jennifer Turner will receive the Salute to Excellence Award for her leadership and commitment to quality programming with an eye on inclusive casts and storylines; Media Wonya Lucas will receive the TV Vanguard Award for her vision and leadership in guiding the influential media brand into the future; and Rita Cooper Lee will receive the inaugural Rosalind Stevenson Award for Excellence in Publicity.
In addition to industry veterans honourees, the organisation will also recognise the documentary A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, which follows the devastating 2021 shooting and shines light on the hate and violence that plagues American, with the Stanley & Karen Kramer Award.
Speaking about the honorees, Gil Robertson, President and co-founder of AAFCA, said: “Trailblazers and titans abound in this year’s selection of special achievement honorees. Recognising their incredible achievements gives us a moment to reflect on the progress that’s been made as our industry continues to evolve and gives each of us the inspiration needed to tackle our next challenges. AAFCA looks forward to celebrating them.”
