As TV One and the NAACP Image Awards say goodbye to another year of celebrations of black culture (over the weekend), ABFF and BET have announced that they have teamed up to produce the “ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood,” which will be hosted by Mike Epps, and will premiere on BET and Centric on Tuesday, February 23rd at 8 p.m. ET/PT, following a taping on Sunday, February 21st at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The ABFF Awards will celebrate black performers, movies and television shows of the past year that have had a significant impact on American entertainment, as well as the people who have been proponents in championing diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
In addition to recognizing the top television shows and films of the year, the awards will pay tribute to film legends, and industry leaders of tomorrow, like actress Diahann Carroll who will be presented with the Hollywood Legacy Award, and television and film producer Will Packer, who will receive the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award.
Other honorees include the Excellence in the Arts Award (male and female), which will go to Don Cheadle and Regina King. The Rising Star Award honoree is Ryan Coogler.
“Twenty years ago, I created the American Black Film Festival to spotlight the rich diversity of talent and achievement. It was born out of my love for film and desire to ensure that Black people gained opportunity and equity in every arena of Hollywood. I am truly honored to partner with BET to showcase the work of our most talented artists,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO.
“It’s clear that there’s a need for this show. BET is very excited topartner with Jeff and ABFF to present A Celebration of Hollywood. We will unabashedly acknowledge performances and achievements of African-Americans on screen from this past year and give special honor and recognition to artists that have thrilled us during their highly-acclaimed careers. 2015 was ripe with tremendous and inspiring performances by African-Americans and we are beyond thrilled to be the ones to recognize them with class and admiration,” added Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks.
“The ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood,” presented by the American Black Film Festival and BET Networks, will be one of the highlights of the Hollywood Awards season and Black HistoryMonth. The event is an ABFF Ventures production and is executive produced by show creator Jeff Friday, Debra Lee, Stephen Hill, Jesse Collins, Suzanne de Passe and Connie Orlando.
For more information on the American Black Film Festival and the ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood, go to www.ABFF.com, www.ABFF.com/
Source: Shadow & Act
