“AAFCA TV Honors” Announced: Check Out List Of Winners and Special Honorees For 7th Annual Show
“Forever,” “Paradise,” and “Matlock” Take Home Multiple Awards as AAFCA Celebrates a Breakthrough Year in Television
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has officially revealed the winners and special honorees for its 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors, an event that continues to spotlight excellence, innovation, and diversity across television and streaming platforms. The awards ceremony will take place on August 23, 2025, at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Among this year’s big winners are “Forever” (Netflix), “Paradise” (Hulu), and “Matlock” (CBS), each earning multiple accolades for their standout storytelling, performances, and production. “Paradise”, which airs on Hulu, was named Best Drama, while its star, Sterling K. Brown, took home the award for Best Actor.
“Forever”, a Netflix original, won both Best Writing and Best New Show and had its directors—Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil, and Regina King—collectively honored with the Best Director award. CBS’s “Matlock” earned recognition for Kathy Bates, who was named Best Actress, and Skye P. Marshall, who received the Breakthrough Talent award.
Other notable winners include “Harlem” (Amazon Prime), which was awarded Best Comedy, and Bel-Air (Peacock), which received the Best Ensemble honor. “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+) was recognized as Best Limited Series, while Number One on the Callsheet (Apple TV+) won Best Documentary. Hulu’s “The Supremes” at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat was selected as Best TV Movie, and BET+’s “Gen Zone” took home Best Reality.
Reflecting a dynamic and diverse television landscape, AAFCA’s Top Ten Television Programs of 2025 features a mix of streaming and network hits. The list includes “Forever” (Netflix), “Paradise” (Hulu), “Cross” (Amazon Prime), “Harlem” (Amazon Prime), “Bel-Air” (Peacock), Power Book: Raising Kanan (Starz), “Dope Thief” (Apple TV+), “The Bear” (Hulu), “The Chi” (Paramount+ with Showtime), and “Abbott Elementary” (ABC).
“Do not miss the winning programs and performances and AAFCA’s Top 10 TV shows of the year,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “We look forward to celebrating a banner year for television, with our winners and Top 10 list reflecting incredible creativity, compelling narratives, and the powerful resonance of diverse storytelling across all platforms.”
In addition to recognizing the year’s top programming and performances, AAFCA will honor an accomplished class of Special Achievement recipients at this year’s ceremony. These honorees were selected by the AAFCA TV Honors awards committee and represent a powerful cross-section of leaders, visionaries, and pioneers shaping the television industry.
Michelle Buteau, known for her fearless comedy and roles in The Circle, Welcome to Buteaupia, and the Netflix adaptation of her memoir “Survival of the Thickest”, will receive the Trailblazer Award. Emmy-winning director and producer Nneka Onuorah will be recognized with the 2025 Horizon Award for her bold, socially resonant work, including Lizzo’s “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” and “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words”.
Finally, Denise Nicholas will be honored with the 2025 TV Icon Award. A respected actress and author, Nicholas is known for her groundbreaking work in “Room 222”, “In the Heat of the Night”, and her critically acclaimed novel “Freshwater Road”. Her career began with the Free Southern Theater during the Civil Rights Movement, laying the foundation for a lifelong legacy in the arts.
“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” said Robertson. “As the entertainment world finds its footing again post-COVID, post-strikes, and amid a shifting political and cultural landscape, this year’s class of honorees exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”
Now in its seventh year, the AAFCA TV Honors has evolved into a significant benchmark for excellence in television and streaming, celebrating both creative vision and cultural impact. The 2025 ceremony promises to be a standout celebration of the boldest voices and brightest talents shaping television today.
“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” added Robertson. “This year’s class exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”
The 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors promises to be a landmark event, recognizing the outstanding television that continues to shape culture and inspire audiences around the globe.
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