According to Variety, BET will air the American Black Film Awards, and the network is getting a lot of support from Black Hollywood.
The publication writes:
BET Networks will partner with the American Black Film Festival to produce and televise the “ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood,” the network announced Monday.
The ceremony will be hosted by actor Mike Epps and air Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. on BET and Centric.
The show will celebrate black culture and honor individuals, movies and television shows of the past year that have had a significant impact on American entertainment, as well as the people who have been proponents in championing diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. This year’s event will be taped Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Actress Diahann Carroll will be presented with the Hollywood Legacy Award, and television and film producer Will Packer will receive the Distinguished ABFF Alumni Award. The Excellence in the Arts Awards will go to actors/directors Don Cheadle and Regina King, while the ABFF Awards will honor “Creed” director Ryan Coogler with the Rising Star prize.
“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,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO, in a statement.
It’s about time BET actually stepped up to the plate.
I am still going to give them the side eye though.
I’m watching.
Good. We need to stop looking for the white establishment’s acceptance. We can have our own.
Color me surprised.