by
Samantha Ofole-Prince
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “The Tree of Life” as the Best Picture of 2011. Directed by Terrence Malick, the Fox Searchlight release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation.
Woody Harrelson was selected as Best Actor for “Rampart.” Viola Davis earned AAFCA’ Best Actress award while her co-star Octavia Spencer was selected as Best Supporting Actress. Other award recipients include Albert Brooks, who earned a Best Supporting Actor accolade for his performance in “Drive.” British director Steve McQueen was named Best Director for “Shame,” and “I Will Follow” by Ava DuVernay was selected for Best Screenplay. “Pariah” was named Best Independent Film, with “Kinyarwanda” named Best Foreign Film. Actress Adepero Oduye was honored for Break-Out Performance for “Pariah.”
“Displays of the fragile nature of humanity are on big display among the film titles that
we selected for 2011,” says Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA, President and Founder. “If you closely examine the films that AAFCA has selected this year, you will find stories about people who are wrestling with their own humanity in all its forms. From the loss of a cherished loved one, to sexual addiction and social corruption, our selections this year individually and collectively make a strong statement on life’s challenges that all of us may face.”
AAFCA’s Special Achievement Awards for career achievement went to Richard Roundtree, Hattie Winston, George Lucas and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The organization will formally present this year’s honors during a private dinner on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Light Space Studio at the historic Helms Bakery.
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