
The 7th American Black Film Festival Honors announced it will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Altadena’s Black community during the upcoming ABFFH awards ceremony. The event will take place on February 17 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills and recognize both local pioneers and entertainment industry achievements.
“The community of Altadena embodies what we celebrate at the American Black Film Festival – strength, solidarity and commitment to excellence,” said awards production company NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday.
“By honoring the enduring spirit of this historic community, we aim to showcase Black achievement, inspire creativity, and foster unwavering support for a vibrant cultural future. This tribute is a testament to perseverance and collective effort, and we are proud to uplift Altadena’s story as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
Five-time Emmy nominee and eight-time National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Award winner Marla Gibbs will receive the Hollywood Legacy Award. Known for her iconic portrayal of Florence on The Jeffersons, Gibbs later co-created and executive produced the NBC sitcom 227. She honed her craft at several Los Angeles institutions, including Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles, the Mafundi Institute, and the Watts Writers Workshop. Her contributions extend beyond acting to include reviving the legendary Los Angeles jazz supper club, “Marla’s Memory Lane,” and co-founding Crossroads Theater and Acting School.
Rising star Aaron Pierre will receive the Rising Star Award. His recent credits include voicing Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King, starring in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge alongside Don Johnson, and upcoming roles in HBO Max’s Lanterns as John Stewart and Apple TV+’s The Morning Show Season 4. Previously, he appeared in acclaimed projects such as National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X and Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad.
The ceremony will also honor previously announced recipients Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito, and Keke Palmer, with actress and comedian Zainab Johnson hosting. The event is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes.
Founded in 2016, ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival, established by Jeff Friday in 1997 as the leading festival showcasing Black storytelling. The organization remains dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts.
Event sponsors include Cadillac and Ally (Presenting), Sony Pictures Entertainment and Fulton Films GA (Supporting), SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills (Industry), and California Film Commission (Contributing). For more information, visit www.abffhonors.com or follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.