StaffThe 7th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors took center stage on February 17, 2025, at the SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Beverly Hills, bringing together Hollywood’s most celebrated Black creatives for an evening dedicated to excellence, legacy, and representation in film and television.
The event, presented by NICE CROWD, is a highlight of awards season, recognizing the achievements of Black actors, filmmakers, and industry pioneers. This exclusive, non-televised gala has grown into a must-attend event, drawing top-tier talent and power players across entertainment.
American Black Film Festival Honors
This year, the ABFF Honors paid tribute to three powerhouse figures in Hollywood: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito, and Keke Palmer, each receiving prestigious awards for their contributions to the industry
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, best known for her Oscar-nominated performance as Oracene Price in King Richard, received the Excellence in the Arts Award. Her impressive body of work spans television and film, including When They See Us, Lovecraft Country, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, and Ava DuVernay’s Origin. Up next, she stars in the adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Nickel Boys.
Giancarlo Esposito, the legendary actor behind Gus Fring from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, was also honored with the Excellence in the Arts Award. With a career spanning decades, his impact extends to The Mandalorian, The Boys, and upcoming roles in Captain America: Brave New World and The Electric State.
Keke Palmer, a true multihyphenate talent—actress, producer, singer, and best-selling author—received the Renaissance Award, which honors a “trendsetting content creator” making waves in entertainment. Having starred in Nope, True Jackson, VP, and hosted Password alongside Jimmy Fallon, Palmer continues to shatter ceilings as the CEO of KeyTV and Big Boss Entertainment.
Who Attended ABFF 2025?
The guest list at ABFF Honors 2025 read like a who’s who of Black Hollywood, with top actors, filmmakers, and industry executives gracing the red carpet.
Among the notable attendees, Michael B. Jordan, fresh off his Creed IV announcement, arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton suit, exuding effortless charisma. Regina King, who recently directed Shirley, turned heads in a sleek Valentino gown, embracing the classic Hollywood aesthetic. Ava DuVernay, always a standout, donned a flowing Stella McCartney ensemble, making a statement about sustainability in fashion. Zendaya, known for her daring style, stole the show in a vintage Thierry Mugler design, alongside rumored Dune 3 co-star John David Washington. Daniel Kaluuya, fresh from the success of The Kitchen, kept it sharp in a custom Dior tux, proving why he’s a modern-day style icon. Other attendees included Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Jonathan Majors, Letitia Wright, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, all there to celebrate Black excellence in film and television.
The other prominent guests included LisaRaye McCoy, Trell Thomas, Keke Palmer, Vanessa Spencer, Chris Spencer, Larenz Tate, Tomasina Parrott, Nicole Friday, Jeff Friday, Zainab Johnson, Gia Peppers, Anthony Mackie, Giancarlo Esposito, Anthony Davis, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tai Beauchamp, Suzanne de Passe, Cory Hardrict, Aaron Pierre, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Dondré Whitfield, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Dawn Limerick, Dan Limerick, Boots Riley, Debra L. Lee, Marla Gibbs, Angela E. Gibbs, Rikki Hughes, Quin Walters, Tony T. Roberts, Yvonne Orji, Erica Hughes.
ABFF: A Celebration of Culture and Legacy
The ABFF Honors is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a testament to the impact of Black storytelling in Hollywood. Founded by Jeff and Nicole Friday, the American Black Film Festival has been a beacon for Black creatives since 1997, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and emerging filmmakers With sponsorships from Cadillac, Ally, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Fulton Films GA, the 2025 ceremony delivered a night of elegance, empowerment, and celebration. The evening was hosted by comedian and actress Zainab Johnson, who brought her signature wit and energy to the stage.
One of the standout moments came when Ava DuVernay presented Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor with her award, calling her “one of the most transformative actresses of our time.” Meanwhile, Denzel Washington made a surprise video appearance to honor Giancarlo Esposito, praising his “ability to turn any role into something unforgettable.”
The night ended on a high note with Keke Palmer delivering a powerful speech, where she spoke about her journey from child star to media mogul, leaving the audience inspired. The 7th Annual ABFF Honors was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, legacy, and Black excellence in entertainment. With the film and television landscape evolving, events like these serve as a vital celebration of the achievements and contributions of Black artists. As Hollywood continues to push for diversity and inclusion, the ABFF Honors remains a beacon for future generations of Black creatives, ensuring that their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.
