Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry made a special trip to Los Angeles to present his friend Nicole Avant with the Beacon Award at the 16th annual African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards on February 19. The event, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, brought together a host of industry talent and critics to honor Black storytellers in film and television.
Perry, who joked about working as if he was “still broke,” made a roundtrip journey to attend the ceremony. Despite the quick turnaround, he felt it was crucial to be there in support of AAFCA’s mission to uplift Black voices in the industry. “Especially in this climate when there’s so many attacks on who we are, what our stories are,” Perry said. His presence underscored his belief in the power of Black storytellers and their resilience amid challenging times.
Nicole Avant, the daughter of late philanthropist Jacqueline Avant and music executive Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant, shared an emotional moment on the red carpet, reflecting on her parents’ legacy. “I’m sure they are beaming down,” Avant said. “My mom would always tell me to go out in the world and be the light. Choose which side you’re on, and then play ball.”
On stage, Avant dedicated her Beacon Award to her parents and other influential figures in her life, including her godfather Quincy Jones and cultural icons such as Don Cornelius, Cicely Tyson, and Muhammad Ali. She spoke about growing up in “Hollywood royalty” and how these figures fueled her determination and resilience. “These giants just happened to be some of my parents’ very best friends,” Avant told the audience. “They each asked me, in their own way, to take their survival energy, and transmute it into a new energy, and that energy would thrive.”
Her speech resonated with the evening’s theme of encouraging Black artists to continue capturing the Black experience through their art. Other honorees included actors Colman Domingo and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as well as filmmakers Malcolm Washington and RaMell Ross, who were celebrated for their work that highlights Black history and subjectivity.
AAFCA president Gil Robertson also emphasized the significance of Black storytellers, noting the powerful impact of their work despite representing just 15% of the U.S. population. “Black folks have changed the game, have redefined, have rescripted, have transformed,” Robertson said, pointing out how the organization has continued to support and uplift Black creatives in the industry.
As the ceremony took place during Black History Month, it was a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure Black stories are told and celebrated. AAFCA’s commitment to honoring and respecting the contributions of Black filmmakers and artists continues to shine a light on the importance of their work in shaping the cultural landscape