A new award show that honors African Americans in film will debut soon. The American Black Film Festival and BET plan on launching and televising the first annual "ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood."
BET announced that the award show will air on their network and Centric on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Comedian Mike Epps, will host the taped event Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
President of Programming, BET Networks, Stephen Hill stated, "It's clear that there's a need for this show. BET is very excited to partner with Jeff and ABFF to present 'A Celebration of Hollywood.' We will unabashedly acknowledge performances and achievements of African-Americans on screen from this past year and give special honor and recognition to artists that have thrilled us during their highly acclaimed careers. 2015 was ripe with tremendous and inspiring performances by African-Americans and we are beyond thrilled to be the ones to recognize them with class and admiration."
The show will honor actresses, actors, directors and producers such as, Diahann Carroll, Will Packer, Don Cheadle, Regina King, and Ryan Coogler. ABFF Founder and CEO, Jeff Friday stated, Friday said, "Twenty years ago, I created the American Black Film Festival to spotlight the rich diversity of talent and achievement. It was born out of my love for film and desire to ensure that Black people gained opportunity and equity in every arena of Hollywood. I am truly honored to partner with BET to showcase the work of our most talented artists."
The award show comes just in time after this years Oscar Awards created an uproar when no black actors and actresses were nominated.
Source: Variety
