‘Forever,’ ‘Paradise’ Among This Year’s African American Film Critics Association TV Honors Winners

Netflix’s “Forever” and Hulu’s “Paradise” led the list of winners as the African American Film Critics Association revealed its annual AAFCA TV Honors, in addition to its TV top ten list and its 2025 special achievement honorees.

At the 7th annual AAFCA TV Honors, which will be held August 23 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, “Paradise” will be awarded best drama and best actor (Sterling K. Brown), while “Forever” will be recognized for best new show, best writing and best director.

Also at the event, Sony Pictures TV chairman Keith Le Goy will recieve the TV Vanguard Award; Disney Branded TV prexy Ayo Davis will receive the Salute to Excellence Award; OWN TV president Tina Perry will receive the Visionary Award; writer/producer Mara Brock Akil, who also helmed “Forever,” will be given the Legacy Award; actress/comedian Michelle Buteau will get the Trailblazer Award; producer/director Nneka Onuorah will get the 2025 Horizon Award; and actress and author Denise Nicholas will be handed the 2025 TV Icon Award.

“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” said Gil Robertson, AAFCA co-founder and president. “As the entertainment world finds its footing again post-COVID, post-strikes, and amid a shifting political and cultural landscape, this year’s class of honorees exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”

As voted by AAFCA members, here are this year’s winners:

Best Drama – “Paradise” (Hulu)
Best Comedy – “Harlem” (Amazon Prime)
Best Actor – Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” (Hulu)
Best Actress – Kathy Bates, “Matlock” (CBS)
Best Writing – “Forever” (Netflix)
Best Director – Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil and Regina King, “Forever” (Netflix)
Breakthrough Talent – Skye P. Marshall, “Matlock” (CBS)
Best Documentary – “Number One on the Callsheet” (Apple TV+)
Best Reality – “Gen Zone” (BET+)
Best Limited Series – “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+)
Best TV Movie – “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu)
Best Ensemble – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
Best New Show – “Forever” (Netflix)

And here is the org’s top 10 TV programs list:

“Forever” (Netflix)
“Paradise” (Hulu)
“Cross” (Amazon Prime)
“Harlem” (Amazon Prime)
“Bel-Air” (Peacock)
“Power Book: Raising Kanan” (Starz)
“Dope Thief” (Apple TV+)
“The Bear” (“Hulu”)
“The Chi” (Paramount+ with Showtime)
“Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

“Do not miss the winning programs and performances and AAFCA’s Top 10 TV shows of the year,” added Robertson. “We look forward to celebrating a banner year for television, with our winners and Top 10 list reflecting incredible creativity, compelling narratives, and the powerful resonance of diverse storytelling across all platforms.”