*On Saturday (04-08-23), the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) honored five innovators and icons representing the best of the entertainment industry at the organization’s 6th Annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, CA.
The intimate, invitation-only affair was overseen by AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson and featured moving tribute reels from colleagues and friends recognizing each honoree for their prolific contributions to the entertainment industry.
THE 6th ANNUAL AAFCA SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS HONOREES INCLUDED:
Sherry Lansing – Legacy Award
Producer and Studio Executive
The trailblazing producer and studio executive was awarded the Legacy Award for her prolific contributions to the industry as well as for her philanthropic endeavors.
Rita Cooper Lee – Rosalind Stevenson Award for Excellence in Publicity
Head of Communications and Publicity, Apple Worldwide Video and Apple TV+.
As a founding member of the team that launched the award-winning streaming service, Apple TV+, Cooper Lee has contributed to making history on multiple fronts since its debut with culture-defining, innovative campaigns. The Inaugural Rosalind Stevenson Award for Excellence in Publicity is named after Stevenson’s long and respected career as a motion picture publicist, during which time she created career opportunities for journalists as well as above- and below-the-line film talent.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Sherry Lansing, Rita Cooper Lee and Others to be Honored at 6th Annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards
Dr. Jennifer Turner – Salute to Excellence Award
Executive Vice President of TriStar Television
of TriStar Television received the Salute to Excellence Award for her leadership and commitment to quality programming with an eye on inclusive casts and storylines.
Wonya Lucas – TV Vanguard Award
President and CEO of Hallmark Media
President and CEO of Hallmark Media, Lucas received the TV Vanguard Award for her vision and leadership in guiding the influential media brand into the future.
A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting – Stanley & Karen Kramer Award
The documentary was honored with the Stanley & Karen Kramer Award for shining a light on the 2021 shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, exploring the undercurrent of hate that threatens to destroy America.
(Photos by Sheri Determan)
ABOUT AAFCA
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premiere body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment that includes the Black experience and storytellers from the African Diaspora. The organization’s primary mission is to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and advancement of the contributions of African-descended talent to cinematic and television culture – from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined breakthroughs of future generations. AAFCA members are a geographically diverse cross-section of journalists, covering all genres of the cinematic arts, while representing multiple mediums – including print, TV, radio broadcast, and online.
Collectively, they reach a worldwide audience in excess of 150 million. AAFCA is committed to numerous educational and philanthropic efforts, particularly those that foster and celebrate diversity and inclusion. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com.
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