The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the winners of its eighth annual AAFCA TV Honors, recognizing the year’s most outstanding achievements in television and streaming while celebrating the artists and storytellers shaping today’s entertainment landscape.
The invitation-only awards ceremony will take place Aug. 8 at the City Club Los Angeles, where winners will be honored alongside a distinguished group of special achievement recipients.
Leading this year’s winners was Paradise, which earned Best Drama, while Apple TV+’s Shrinking took home Best Comedy. FX/Hulu’s Love Story was recognized as Best Limited Series, further highlighting a year filled with critically acclaimed programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.
Sterling K. Brown won Best Actor for his performance in Paradise, while Jurnee Smollett was named Best Actress for Smoke. Erika Alexander received Best Supporting Actress honors for The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, and Lamorne Morris captured Best Supporting Actor for Spider-Noir.
Abbott Elementary continued its impressive awards streak by winning both Best Ensemble and Best Writing, cementing its reputation as one of television’s most celebrated comedies. Anthony Hemingway earned Best Directing (Comedy) for All’s Fair, while Crystle Roberson Dorsey received Best Directing (Drama) honors for Love Story.
Other winners included Aaron Moten, who was recognized for Breakout Performance in Fallout, and acclaimed composer Kris Bowers, who received Best Music for Spider-Noir. Netflix’s Sean Combs: The Reckoning won Best Documentary.
This year also marked the debut of two new competitive categories recognizing the evolving entertainment landscape. OWN’s Love & Marriage: Huntsville captured the inaugural Best Reality Series award, while All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson earned honors as Best Podcast.
AAFCA also released its annual Top 10 Television Programs list, spotlighting standout series including Paradise, The Pitt, Shrinking, The Madison, Abbott Elementary, The Chi, Matlock, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Beef, and The ‘Burbs.
In addition to the competitive awards, AAFCA will honor several industry leaders with Special Achievement Awards. This year’s recipients include comedian Tracy Morgan, who will receive the Flip Wilson Award, Kathryn Busby with the TV Vanguard Award, Celeste Hughey with the Impact Award, Lamar Chase with the Horizon Award, and Felicia Pride with the Salute to Excellence Award.
“The best television doesn’t simply entertain; it forces us to talk to one another and look closely at the world outside our own living rooms,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “This year’s winners represent the incredible depth and creative ambition driving our industry forward.”
Founded in 2003, AAFCA is the world’s largest association of Black film critics and continues to champion excellence in film and television while amplifying diverse voices throughout the entertainment industry.