The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced a slate of influential television creatives, executives and storytellers who will be recognized at the 8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors on Aug. 8 in Los Angeles.
This year’s ceremony, taking place at City Club LA in Downtown Los Angeles, will celebrate actor and comedian Tracy Morgan, STARZ executive Kathryn Busby, writer-producers Celeste Hughey and Felicia Pride, and Sony Pictures Television executive Lamar Chase for their contributions to television and culture.
The event will also introduce a new honor: the inaugural Flip Wilson Award, named after the legendary comedian and television pioneer whose groundbreaking variety series, “The Flip Wilson Show,” helped transform representation for Black entertainers on television during the 1970s.
Morgan will become the first recipient of the award.
Known for his work on “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock,” stand-up comedy specials and numerous film roles, Morgan is being recognized for a career that has blended comedy, cultural commentary and resilience. He currently stars in NBC’s “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” a comedy series centered on family, fame and identity.
“Tracy Morgan embodies the spirit of the award,” AAFCA officials said, citing his lasting impact on comedy and television.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at STARZ, will receive the TV Vanguard Award. Throughout her career, Busby has championed diverse voices and inclusive storytelling while helping shape programming strategies at several major media companies, including Sony Pictures Television, TriStar Television and Turner Broadcasting.
The Impact Award will be presented to Celeste Hughey, creator and executive producer of Peacock’s “The ’Burbs,” a reimagining of the cult classic film that stars Keke Palmer as the lone Black resident in a mysterious suburban neighborhood. Hughey has also worked on acclaimed projects including “Palm Royale” and “Dead to Me.”
Lamar Chase will receive the Horizon Award, recognizing emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of television. As Senior Vice President of Current Programming at Sony Pictures Television, Chase has built a reputation for championing fresh voices and culturally relevant stories.
Writer and producer Felicia Pride will receive the Salute to Excellence Award for her work creating nuanced portrayals of Black life, ambition and relationships across television, film and digital media. Pride has long been recognized for elevating authentic Black stories while mentoring the next generation of creatives.
The special achievement honorees will be celebrated alongside winners in 13 competitive television categories. Those winners will be announced on July 1.
The TV Honors are part of AAFCA’s broader year-round mission to spotlight excellence in entertainment and expand opportunities for diverse talent. The organization’s summer programming also includes AAFCA Black Music Spotlight, AAFCA Spotlights PRIDE, AAFCA Next Gen with SAG-AFTRA and AAFCA Highlights Below the Line.
Founded in 2003, AAFCA remains one of the entertainment industry’s leading organizations dedicated to recognizing achievement in film and television while promoting inclusion both on-screen and behind the scenes.