The 2018 American Black Film Festival Honors celebrated all of our black artists who keep up entertained on a daily. Go inside to honor this year’s winners…
The American Black Film Festival Awards is always a #BlackExcellence event as it honors some of the hottest YBF folks in the game, past and present, sponsored by BET Networks, AT&T and Cadillac. This year’s ceremony went down at the Beverly Hilton in L.A., bringing out tons of celebs to pay tribute to this year’s honorees.
Martin Lawrence and the entire “Martin” cast were honored with the Classic Television Award. And do we really need to explain why? Nope. We all used to tune in to the sitcom to see what trouble Martin, his girl Gina and his crew were going to get into. Oh, and we LIVED for the Martin impersonations, especially when he would act up when playing Sheneneh.
Of course, the comedian/actor’s wife Shamicka Gibbs and his daughters, Iyanna and Amara, came out to celebrate with him on his big night.
As Martin walked up to the mic to accept the award after it was presented by Snoop Dogg, he turned around and was surprised to see his former co-star Tisha Campbell Martin behind him. These two had a huge falling out many years ago, which resulted in the demise of the show, but these days they seem to have buried the hatchet and are back to being friends.
A few weeks ago, Martin, Tisha and Tichina Arnold were spotted out for lunch together, sparking reboot rumors. Not only that, Martin's wife teased at a reboot via her Instagram page. They still haven’t confirmed whether a reboot is in the works or not. But, this 2nd reunion during the awards show seems promising.
During the acceptance speech, the cast made sure to give a shoutout to their late co-star Thomas “Tommy” Ford, who passed away in October 2016.
Peep a clip of their acceptance speech below:
Backstage...
Snoop Dogg nabbed a photo-op with the ageless Angela Bassett, who looked amazing in a colorful dress byMangishi Doll.
By the way, you can see her saving lives on her new series "9-1-1."
Girls Trip breakout star Tiffany Haddish just keeps on winning. The YBF comedienne, who’s starring in Tracy Morgan’s “The Last O.G.,” was awarded the Rising Star award, presented by Tichina Arnold.
Tiffany, above snapping it up with ABFF Ventures president & CEO Jeff Friday, has been putting in that work, releasing her memoir, gearing up for a comedy tour, starting production onTWO movies that she’s going to lead, bringing the funny in a new comedy series, her history making “SNL” hosting gig and being the spokesperson for Groupon. So yeah, we definitely weren’t surprised she copped the Rising Star Award.
HBO's "Insecure" copped the Television Show of the Year (Comedy) Award, presented by "Insecure" guest-star Lil Rel Howery. By the way, "Insecure" shared the award with ABC's "Black-ish." Stars Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji and Jay Ellis snapped it up together with the award.
So FREAKIN' gorge!
“The Chi” creator Lena Waithe presented the wonderful Ava DuVernay with the Industry Visionary Award. The directress has been making press rounds for her upcoming adaptation for Disney titled, A Wrinkle In Time. It hits theaters March 9th.
"Power" star Omari Hardwick was awarded Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award.
Black love! "She's Gotta Have It" star Dewanda Wise and hubby "Underground" Alano Miller should frame this photo and put it on their wall in their home.
On the carpet...
Tiffany Haddish struck a pose in a sparkly, plunging neckline Michael Costello gown. She'll make her debut on "The Last O.G." when it premieres April 3rd at 10:30pm EST on TBS.
"black-ish" actress Tracee Ellis Ross worked this gold and blue color-blocked dress by Prabal Gurung that she paired with Giannico heels. She was on the scene to accept the Television Show of the Year (Comedy) Award.
Issa Rae was also decked out in gold and blue, but she stepped into a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown.
Yvonne Orji had us green with envy (in a good way) in this strapless Rita Vinieris couture gown.
Before copping his award, winner Omari Hardwick hit the carpet with his wife Jennifer Pfautch, ABFF Ventures president & CEO Jeff Friday and "The Quad" actress Anika Noni Rose.
Actress Regina Hall, who guest-starred in "Insecure" last season, is still out here looking like she's in her 20s.
Girlfriends Getaway star Malinda Williams was also looking very youthful while glowing on the carpet.
We don't see Elise Neal often, but she made an appearance for the award show, rocking a printed Esé Azénabor jumpsuit.
The "Queen Sugar" cast had plenty to celebrate as they won the coveted Television Show of the Year (Drama) award for the 2nd year in a row. Woot!
Get Out star Lil Rel Howery stood out in a fuchsia suit, snapping it up alongside his wife/makeup artist Verina Howery on the carpet.
"black-ish"/"Grown-ish" star Deon Cole served up this interesting look on the carpet. We feelin' it?
"People vs. OJ" star Keesha Sharp sexed up the carpe in a black sheer gown.
Laz Alonso pulled up looking like royalty.
Director John Singleton and "Snowfall" actor Damson Idris were on the scene.
Aww! LisaRaye McCoy brought her granddaughter along as her date. Adorbs.
The winner's circle.
Looking dapper there Jay.
Get Out director Jordan Peele and Get Out star Lil Rel Howery accepted the Movie of the Year award. And rightfully so!
"Power" star Larenz Tate was all smiles with his wife Tomasina Parrott in the audience.
BET CEO Debra Lee was also in the mix. Fab times!
Photos: Startraks/Backgrid/Getty
