Sharon S Gordon 
The 2025 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors will spotlight the accomplishments of Black creatives in film and television at its seventh annual awards ceremony on Monday, February 17. Presented by NICE CROWD, the intimate, non-televised dinner will be held at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, with actress and comedian Zainab Johnson hosting the evening.
This year’s honorees include:
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Excellence in the Arts Award – Female): An Oscar-nominated actress acclaimed for her role in King Richard, Ellis-Taylor will soon star in Nickel Boys and has been celebrated for her work in Lovecraft Country and If Beale Street Could Talk.
- Giancarlo Esposito (Excellence in the Arts Award – Male): Known for his iconic portrayal of Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Esposito has an extensive filmography, including Do the Right Thing and The Mandalorian. He continues to inspire with his versatile performances.
- Keke Palmer (Renaissance Award): A multitalented Emmy-winning actress, producer, author, and advocate, Palmer’s career spans from Akeelah and the Bee to the hit film Nope. She also leads efforts in championing diverse creators through her ventures like KeyTV.
NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday highlighted the honorees’ groundbreaking contributions, stating, “It’s a privilege to honor their extraordinary achievements that have shaped our cultural landscape.”
The ABFF Honors, established in 2016, celebrates Black artists’ contributions to entertainment and advocates for diversity in Hollywood. It is an extension of the American Black Film Festival, which has amplified Black storytelling since 1997.
For more information, visit abffhonors.com or follow ABFF on social media.
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