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THE 2018 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL HONORS ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR MOVIE AND TELEVISION SHOWS (DRAMA & COMEDY) OF THE YEAR
ACTOR & COMEDIAN CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER TO HOST THE ANNUAL EVENT
ABFF Ventures has announced the 2018 ABFF Honors television and movie nominees. The show will return to the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 25, with actor and comedian Cedric The Entertainer as host.
The awards show celebrates individuals of African descent who have made distinguished contributions to American culture through their work, and salutes the year’s best movies and television shows. ABFF Honors was created by American Black Film Festival founder Jeff Friday, to promote camaraderie and a spirit of mutual appreciation among multicultural artists in Hollywood.
This year’s “Movie of the Year” nominees touch on historical figures and subject matters, social and economic issues and women’s empowerment, mixed with a girl’s adventure. Included, is a biopic about Thurgood Marshall and one of his greatest challenges he faced while working as a lawyer for the NAACP; another nominee is an American horror film, which follows an interracial couple and the series of increasingly disturbing discoveries each character faces. Our next nominee takes us on a wild all-girls adventure to New Orleans, during Essence Festival, and along the way they rekindle their sisterhood and rediscover their wild side. Our final nominee highlights two families battling the prejudice of the Jim Crow South and how their lives collide in a dramatic way.
Nominees for “Movie of the Year” are:
- DETROIT (Annapurna)
- GET OUT (Universal Pictures)
- GIRLS TRIP (Universal Pictures)
- MARSHALL (Open Road Films)
- MUDBOUND (Netflix)
The “Television Show of the Year” (Drama) nominees are powerful, smart, loyal and authentic. From a powerful criminal attorney who tests everyone’s limits and reveal dark truths, to a night club owner leading a double life as a drug kingpin and an inside look into the world at Georgia A&M, where the newly elected president has her hands full managing personal and professional scandal and drama, to a family struggling to gain a sense of cultural identity, a complicated story of three siblings who inherited a sugarcane farm and finally we take a journey to 1983 for a history lesson on the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles – television over the past year has been captivating, genuine and provocative.
Nominees for “Television Show of the Year” (Drama) are:
- HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER (ABC)
- POWER (STARZ)
- THE QUAD (BET)
- QUEEN SUGAR (OWN)
- SNOWFALL (FX)
The “Television Show of the Year” (Comedy) nominees made us laugh every night, while pushing the envelope on subjects of sex, crime, race and politics. From an awkward Black girl who navigates the racy tribulations of modern-day love and friendships and a man who questions cultural assimilation for his family, who lives in an upper-class neighborhood, to five diverse, hardworking manicurists who try to make ends meet in an unstable economy in Central, Florida and a film adaptation, which follows a group of students of color at Winchester University who are faced with a landscape of cultural bias, to a show whose main character struggles to define herself and divide her time amongst her friends, job and her three lovers. Television comedies took risks and entertained us all season.
Nominees for “Television Show of the Year” (Comedy) are:
- BLACK-ish (ABC)
- CLAWS (TNT)
- DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (Netflix)
- INSECURE (HBO)
- SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT (Netflix)
The winners of all three categories will be determined by the 2018 ABFF Honors Awards Committee, comprised of films critics and entertainment editors who vote for the nominees and winner in each competitive award category. In addition to the jury vote, the general public is invited to vote for their favorite television show and movie, online, via www.ABFFHonors.com, from December 20, 2017 through January 22, 2018.
To qualify for “Movie of the Year,” narrative feature films must have been directed by and/or feature a lead actor of African descent and have had a U.S. theatrical release, or broadcast premiere on a cable television or streaming platform during the 2017 calendar year.
To qualify for “Television Show of the Year,” the scripted television series (comedy or drama) must be created by and/or feature a lead actor of African descent and have had a U.S. television premiere on broadcast, basic or premium cable, digital delivery and pay-per-view cable or pay-per-view digital delivery, during the 2017 calendar year. For full details on the 2018 ABFF Honors eligibility and consideration rules, visit www.ABFFHonors.com.
This year, The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors is proud to present legendary actor, singer and writer Billy Dee Williams with the “Hollywood Legacy Award;” actor Omari Hardwick with the “Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award;” actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish with the “Rising Star Award” and director Ava DuVernaywith the “Industry Visionary Award.”
The 2018 honorees will join an illustrious list of past ABFF Honors celebrants, including actors Denzel Washington, Regina King, Don Cheadle, Diahann Carroll, Queen Latifah, Issa Rae, Terrence Howard and filmmakers and producers Ryan Coogler, F. Gary Gray and Will Packer.
The event is executive produced by ABFF Ventures founder Jeff Friday and presented in association with de Passe Jones Entertainment.
For media inquiries, apply for media credentials and additional information about the 2018 ABFF Honors, please log on to www.ABFFHonors.com.
Also, follow us on our social media platforms:
- Twitter: @ABFFHonors
- Facebook: American Black Film Festival
- Instagram: @AmericanBlackFilmFestival
- YouTube: American Black Film Festival
- Hashtag: #ABFFHonors
The last decade has seen an explosion in the creative industry. While navigating the rapidly changing landscape, many creatives have to adapt to the gig economy; freelancing. Creatives are always doing something, going somewhere, or connecting with their audience. The cliche, “your network equals your net-worth”, is important when identifying the rooms and spaces that generate exciting authentic connections. Especially in the city that never sleeps.
Meet Tyla Jones: CEO of LLX Collective
What is LLX Collective and what service do you provide?
“LLX is a premier event marketing, talent management and experiential agency specializing in creating transformative, luxury-driven experiences while remaining the intersection between culture, luxury, passion and purpose. We provide end-to-end services, including strategy, ideation, event production, and brand partnerships, tailored to elevate our clients’ visions. At LLX, we pride ourselves on blending creativity and innovation with a bespoke approach that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful and memorable ways. By way of creating the foundation to how culture shows up to the people, we birthed the LLX Collection. The LLX Collection is our suite of staple events that exude our founding pillars and echoes our mission within our communities.”
Tyla’s luxurious venture into the event curation space started with her putting a “luxe touch” at wedding receptions. She has since expanded her reach and her outlook on how she wants to leave a lasting expression on her specialty guest. Whether aligning herself with the local hottest spots in the city of choice, working with brands such as Tres Generaciones Tequila and partnering with cultures top influencers and makers like DJ Drewski, making her events feel like a family reunion.
Where does the inspiration come from for your collective series ?
“The inspiration for our The LLX Collection stems from a deep passion for culture, storytelling, purpose and connection. I’ve always been fascinated by the combo of culture, art, and community, and I wanted to create spaces that spark conversation and collaboration while amplifying the voices of the culture in authentic ways. Each series draws from diverse influences—whether it’s the vibrancy of the cities we host in, the trailblazers we feature, or the stories we aim to celebrate. It’s about curating moments that inspire, support one’s passion and purpose, indulge the senses, and leave a lasting impression.”
What do you hope to accomplish through the series ?
“Through the LLX Collection, I hope to create a platform that fosters genuine connections while amplifying the voices and artistry of talented individuals who are the main characters of the culture. It’s about more than just hosting events—it’s about cultivating spaces where culture, creativity, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether it’s elevating a brand, celebrating an individual’s achievements, or connecting communities, the ultimate goal is to leave people feeling inspired and enriched by the experience while creating a network of individuals to convene and grow upward together.”
What draws you to partner with a place like Saint Lounge NYC?
“Saint Lounge perfectly embodies the sophistication and energy that aligns with the vision of LLX. Its intimate yet dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for the kind of high-quality, engaging experiences we strive to deliver. Partnering with Saint for the 1st installment of Indulge NYC, allowed us to merge our collective creativity with their impeccable vibe, amazing food and cocktails, creating a backdrop that feels exclusive, immersive, and perfectly tailored to our audience.”
How can people get on your radar for an invite?
“We’re always looking for passionate, creative individuals who bring unique energy to our events. Staying connected on social media is a great first step—follow Founder of LLX, Tyla on IG & on LLX socials at @LuxeMonroeLLX or on our website www.LuxeMonroe.com/LLX for updates and announcements. We also keep an eye out for those who are making an impact in their fields, from creatives and entrepreneurs to cultural influencers. If you’re aligned with our values and want to engage with our community, reaching out directly is always welcomed!”
What’s next for the INDULGE series and how can people get invited or partner with the Collective?
“The INDULGE series is just getting started, and we’re excited to continue elevating the concept with even more dynamic conversations, immersive experiences, and unexpected collaborations. What’s next includes taking the series to new cities and curating events that explore untold stories, highlight emerging talent, and celebrate culture in innovative ways.”
For an invite, staying engaged with LLX on social media is key. We often share updates and sneak peeks about upcoming events. For partnerships, we’re always open to working with individuals and brands that share our passion for storytelling, culture, and community. Whether it’s sponsoring an event, collaborating on activation’s, or bringing unique ideas to life, reaching out to us through our website, social channels or email Info@LuxeMonroe.com is the best way to start the conversation.
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