2025 ABFF Honors to celebrate Aaron Pierre, Marla Gibbs, Keke Palmer, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Altadena

The 7th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2025 Honors has announced the honorees of its annual awards ceremony recognizing trailblazers in the motion picture and television industry.

Honoring Altadena’s Black community resiliency

Alongside the honorees, the ceremony will include a special tribute to the Altadena Black community, honoring its legacy, resilience, and rich cultural heritage. It will spotlight trailblazers whose contributions have significantly influenced the arts, activism, education, business, and social landscape of the state of California and beyond.

“The community of Altadena embodies what we celebrate at the American Black Film Festival – strength, solidarity and commitment to excellence,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday.

“By honoring the enduring spirit of this historic community, we aim to showcase Black achievement, inspire creativity, and foster unwavering support for a vibrant cultural future. This tribute is a testament to perseverance and collective effort, and we are proud to uplift Altadena’s story as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

About the 2025 ABFF Honors

Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2025 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 17 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson.

Zainab Johnson. Credit: NICE CROWD

ABFF 2025 Honorees

This year’s ABFF HONORS honorees are Marla Gibbs, who will receive the Hollywood Legacy Award, Aaron Pierre, to receive the Rising Star Award, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, to receive the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), Giancarlo Esposito to receive the Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) and Keke Palmer, to receive the Renaissance Award.

ABFF 2025 Honors honorees Aaron Pierre, Keke Palmer, Giancarlo Esposito, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Marla Gibbs. Credit: NICE CROWD

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“For decades, these incredible ABFF honorees have captivated audiences and shaped the cultural landscape with their groundbreaking work,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole. “

About ABFF

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com.

Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.