December 17, 2009

BY DARLENE DONLOE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The African American Film Critics Association held its first ever live awards ceremony Dec. 14 at the Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles.

The African American Film Critics Awards, hosted by Tanika Ray, formerly of the television show, “Extra,” honored the year’s best in film.

“When I first got into the industry, my passion was film,” Ray said. “This is a full-blown slam dunk. I love celebrating what black people are doing in film.”

AAFCA recognized winners in eight categories, including Best Picture of 2009, the Lee Daniels’ drama, “Precious,” starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Sherri Shepherd and others.

The film, about an overweight, illiterate and abused teen, took three other honors including, Best Supporting Actress (Mo’Nique) and Best Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher), which tied with “The Princess & The Frog,” (Disney) written by Ron Clements, Rob Edwards and John Musker.

“I’m honored and humbled by the recognition,” said Rob Edwards, who is African American. “It’s nice to be recognized for your work. I’m loving that everyone is getting behind this film.

“It’s good to know that if you create movies that have been cast with wonderful, beautiful characters that are intelligent and hard working, if you show great fathers and families and show true African American values, that it will be profitable.”

Edwards, who has been a writer for 20 years, said he hopes people will go out and make more and more of “these types of movies.”

Daniels won Best Director for “Precious.” Paula Patton, who starred in the film as a special education instructor, accepted the award on Daniels’ behalf.

Morgan Freeman, who was not in attendance, received the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in “Invictus.” Nicole Beharie, who also was not in attendance, took home the Best Actress award for “American Violet.”

The Best Supporting Actor award went to Anthony Mackie for his role in the war drama, “The Hurt Locker.”

A Special Achievement award was given posthumously to Michael Jackson.

AAFCA’s top 10 films of 2009 are:

• “Precious”

• “The Princess and The Frog”

•  “Up in the Air”

• “The Hurt Locker”

• “This Is It”

• “American Violet”

• “Goodbye Solo”

• “Medicine for Melancholy”

• “Good Hair”

• “Up”

“We need events like this because we as black film critics are recognizing those who may not be recognized by everybody else,” association President Wilson Morales said.

A host of celebrities were on hand for the awards show, including presenters R&B singers Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton, Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Moesha”), and Brian White (“Men of a Certain Age”), who accepted the Best Supporting Actor award for Anthony Mackie.

“It’s nice to have events like this where we celebrate each other,” said White, best known for his role in “Stomp The Yard.” “It’s even greater when good actors and good projects are recognized.”

Founded in 2003, the association reviews “the quality and standards of cinema overall, with a particular emphasis on films about the black experience,” its Web site states.

For more information on the association, visit http://www.aafca.com