Sixth Annual AAFCA TV Honors: Winners include ‘The Bear,’ ‘The Chi,’ Ayo Edebiri, Wendell Pierce…

“The Bear,” “The Chi,” Ayo Edebiri and Wendell Pierce are among the winners announced Monday for the Sixth Annual AAFCA TV Honors recognizing distinguished achievement in television and streaming, with a special focus on the Black diaspora. Presented by the African American Film Critics Association. The honors also celebrate individuals and their standout contributions to television. The AAFCA Honors ceremony will take place August 24 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.

Winners in the competitive categories are:

BEST DOCUMENTARY – “Black Twitter: A People’s History”

BEST ENSEMBLE – “Masters of the Air”

BEST LIMITED SERIES/SPECIAL – “Genius: MLK/X”

BEST NEW SHOW – “Bookie”

BEST TV ACTING (Female) – Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”)

BEST TV ACTING (Male) – Wendell Pierce (“Elsbeth”)

BEST TV COMEDY – “Unprisoned”

BEST TV DIRECTING – Channing Godfrey Peoples (“Genius: MLK/X – Episode 401 ‘Graduation'”)

BEST TV DRAMA – “The Chi”

BEST WRITING – “The Bear”

BREAKOUT STAR – Josiah Cross (“Masters of the Air”)

Special Achievement honorees are:

Legacy Award – Glynn Turman: Starting on Broadway at just 12 years old in the 1959 production of “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, this Emmy winner has appeared in shows including “A Different World,” “The Treatment,” “Black Cake” and “The Wire” and films including “Cooley High,” “Rustin” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Trailblazing Award – Michelle Buteau: The actress and comedian, who recently became the first African American woman to record a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall, is currently starring in “Survival of the Thickest.” She can also be seen on the big screen starring opposite Ilana Glazer in “Babes.”

Salute to Excellence Award – Nkechi Okoro Carroll: The television producer, writer and creator currently has a pair of shows on the air” The CW’s “All American” and NBC’s “Found.”

Impact Award – Starz “Power Universe”: The franchise is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary of dramatic television.

Ally Award – Tubi: The free streaming service has become a destination for viewers seeking diverse content and boasts an impressive collection of Black cinema titles, including “Friday,” “Barbershop,” Madea’s Return” and “House Party.”

AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson said, “The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors class is a powerful testament to the exceptional range of Black talent in television today. From the legendary Glynn Turman, whose six-decade career continues to inspire, to  rising stars and innovative storytellers, this group exemplifies excellence across the board. We’re honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. They make us all better.”