Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills for the 2025 ABFF Honors, a night dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in film and television. The annual event, hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson, recognized some of the most influential and promising Black artists in the industry, with honorees including Aaron Pierre, Giancarlo Esposito, Keke Palmer, Marla Gibbs, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
The red carpet was filled with some of the most recognizable names in entertainment with Anthony Mackie, Teyana Taylor, Lance Gross, Larenz Tate, Loretta Devine, Tika Sumpter, Regina King, and Yvonne Orji among the many stars in attendance. The evening honored trailblazers and rising talents who have made a significant impact in film and television, continuing ABFF’s legacy of recognizing Black excellence.
British actor Pierre won the Rising Star Award, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. As he took the stage, the crowd erupted into a joyful singalong of the viral anthem, “Aaron. Pierre. That’s Mufasaaaa,” originally created by The Jennifer Hudson Show crew for his Spirit Tunnel entrance last December. Fully embracing the moment, Pierre delighted the audience with a suave two-step, a spin, and a few high-fives before accepting his award.
Pierre has been making waves in the industry with a slate of projects. He starred as Mufasa in Disney’s prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, which grossed $686.2 million at the box office. He also played a former Marine confronting corruption in a small town in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge and delivered a standout performance as Malcolm X in Genius: MLK/X.
The legendary Giancarlo Esposito received the Excellence in the Arts Award (Male). Ellis-Taylor’s heartfelt speech highlighted his impact on the industry, and she credited Esposito with inspiring her journey as an actress.
“I was born an agitator, probably. But there was no definition to it until I saw you. I was given words to what was churning inside of me,” Ellis-Taylor said, reflecting on Esposito’s groundbreaking performance in Do the Right Thing.
Esposito has long been revered for his ability to bring depth, intensity, and complexity to his roles. Whether portraying the ruthless Gus Fring or stepping into new thrilling projects like the villain in Captain America: Brave New World, he remains a powerful figure in Hollywood.
The Hollywood Legacy Award was presented to the iconic Marla Gibbs, celebrating her remarkable career and contributions to Black television and film. At 93 years old, Gibbs remains an enduring figure in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning decades, including her legendary role as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons. At her beautiful age, she still wants to work, even asking on the red carpet if anyone had any projects for her.
The Renaissance Award went to multi-hyphenate talent Keke Palmer, recognizing her success across acting, music, and production. Palmer has been a formidable force in Hollywood, from her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee to her recent standout performances in One of Them Days and Nope. She continues to push the boundaries for Black women in entertainment.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor took home the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), honoring her decades-long career in film and television. With powerful performances in King Richard, The Color Purple, and When They See Us, Ellis-Taylor has established herself as one of the industry’s most respected and dynamic performers.
Since its inception in 2016, the ABFF Honors has been dedicated to celebrating Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry. The ceremony not only spotlights those making waves in Hollywood but also recognizes figures championing diversity, inclusion, and representation.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that Aaron Pierre, Giancarlo Esposito, and the rest of the honorees were paving the way for future generations of Black artists.
Check out more images from the night.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of ABFF
