2023 AAFCA Award Winners – Complete List

January 16, 2023

The 2023 AAFCA Awards will give special honors to “Emancipation” director Antoine Fuqua and star Will Smith at the March 1 ceremony.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the winners and honorees of the 14th annual AAFCA Awards, with “The Woman King” taking home Best Picture of 2022, along with Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood.

In the acting categories, breakout stars Jeremy Pope (“The Inspection”) and Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) won best actor and best actress, while Brian Tyree Henry (“Causeway”) won best supporting actor and best actor became a supporting female character. Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”).

Several films won multiple awards, with Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” winning Best Writing and Best Ensemble, “Till” also winning the Emerging Face Award for star Jalyn Hall and a special Impact Award, as well as in the movie “Wakanda Forever”. notably Best Song for Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” and two special honors: the Building Change Award for production designer Hannah Beachler and the Ashley Boone Award for producer Nate Moore.

Speaking of notable special honors, the Beacon Award goes to Antoine Fuqua’s “Emancipation,” starring Will Smith (the first major award to go to a Best Actor winner since “The Slap” debacle at last year’s Oscars).

The winners were announced by AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, who said in a statement that “AAFCA is honored to recognize some of the year’s most impressive films and performances.” She added: “We are uplifted and entertained by thought-provoking stories of strength, determination and bravery. It is an honor to recognize the incredible visionary work of this year’s AAFCA award winners, both in front of and behind the camera.” The winners are voted on by more than 100 AAFCA members.

Winners and honorees will be celebrated at the 14th Annual AAFCA Awards on March 1 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles.

See the full list of 2023 AAFCA Award winners and special honorees below.

WINNERS | 14TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS

the best picture: “The King of Women”

Best Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Woman King”)

Best Actor: Jeremy Pope (“The Inspection”)

Best Actress: Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”)

Best Supporting Actor: Brian Tyree Henry (“Causeway”)

Best Supporting Actress: Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)

Rising face: Jalyn Hall (“Till” and “Bruiser”)

Up-and-coming filmmaker: Carey Williams (“Emergency”)

The best standalone feature: “Nanny”