Be Your Own Dad (BYOD): The African American Film Critics Association

Sunday, February 21, 2016

The African American Film Critics Association

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Presented their 7^th Annual Awards on February 11, 2016 at Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California. The AAFCA awards celebrated 2015’s best films such as “Straight Outta Compton”, “Creed”, “Chi-Raq”, “Dope”, “Carol”, and “Concussion” just to name a few.

The AAFCA is the premiere organization of African-American film media professionals. The organization honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the black experience and those produced written, directed and starring performers of African descent. The awards were given as follows:

Best Actress was given to Teyhonah Parris for her performance in “Chi-Raq”

Best Picture & Best Ensemble awarded to the Straight Outta Compton trio: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Aldis Hodge, and Neil Brown Jr

Best Screen Play: Ric Famuyiwa

Best Director: Ryan Coogler

Best TV Comedy: Kenya Barris creator of “Black-ish”

With all the recent Oscar talk about the lack of minorities being awarded for their work EUR web’s correspondent Jimmy V was able to ask the opinions of the winners and presenters. Many actors and actresses stressed that we as a culture do not need the Oscars approval of our work. There was a shared understanding that events like the AAFCA allow producers, actors, and actresses to be recognized for their work. There was a great energy in the air and sense of pride as the different winners and presenters’ mingled with one another.

There was also a shared excitement for the new FX show “American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson” which is based on the historical OJ Simpson trial of the early 90s. Two cast members from the show Dale Godboldo and Angel Parker shared with EurWeb “the cast is crazy, exciting, and going to shock you this season”.