The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) just dropped its winners list for the 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors—and it’s a full-on celebration of excellence in Black storytelling. The awards will be handed out at a glam ceremony on August 23, 2025, at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
This year’s winners include smash hits like “Forever” (Netflix), “Paradise” (Hulu), and “Matlock” (CBS), with all three shows scooping multiple honors. Among the big acting wins: Sterling K. Brown for his role in “Paradise” and Kathy Bates for her standout performance in “Matlock.”
“Forever” emerged as a major winner, taking home Best New Show, Best Writing, and Best Director for a powerhouse team that includes Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil, and Regina King. The show’s deeply emotional storytelling has struck a chord with viewers and critics alike.
“Paradise” won Best Drama and Best Actor for Sterling K. Brown, while “Matlock” picked up Best Actress (Kathy Bates) and Breakthrough Talent (Skye P. Marshall).
Other winners include “Harlem” (Best Comedy), “Bel-Air” (Best Ensemble), and “The Big Cigar” (Best Limited Series).
As AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson put it: “This year’s honorees exemplify the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”
Here’s the full winners list:
- 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)
AAFCA also revealed its annual Top 10 TV Programs list—featuring a diverse mix of streaming hits and broadcast favorites:
- “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)
Beyond the wins, the AAFCA TV Honors also celebrated trailblazers and icons in the industry. This year’s Special Achievement Honorees include:
- Keith Le Goy, Sony Pictures TV Chairman – TV Vanguard Award
- Ayo Davis, Disney Branded TV President – Salute to Excellence
- Tina Perry, OWN TV President – Visionary Award
- Mara Brock Akil, Creator of “Girlfriends” and “Forever” – Legacy Award
- Michelle Buteau, comedian and actress – Trailblazer Award
- Nneka Onuorah, Emmy-winning director – Horizon Award
- Denise Nicholas, actress and author – TV Icon Award
Since its launch, the AAFCA TV Honors has grown into a must-watch event celebrating the evolving face of television. With this year’s winners and honorees, AAFCA proves once again that diverse voices are not only vital—but they’re leading the way in storytelling, innovation, and impact.
For more information, visit www.aafca.com.