The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), an organization I only recently became very aware of, but which seems to be doing a lot to raise its profile lately, recently hosted its Special Achievement Honors in Marina Del Ray. 

On the heels of the organization’s 2013 AAFCA Awards a few weeks ago, this event honored Cicely Tyson, Screen Gems, the Pan African Film Festival, and Rainforest Films for their overall achievements in film. 

Find details in the press release below, along with a few photos from the event. 

The African-American Film Critics Association
(AAFCA) honored the special achievements of iconic actress Cicely Tyson,
vanguard film studio Screen Gems and the
renowned Pan African Film Festival. During this year’s ceremony, the
organization also introduced its Ashley Boone Award, named for the
pioneering former president at Fox Studios, which will be presented to Will
Packer and Rob Hardy of Rainforest Films. The awards were presented during a private luncheon on Friday at the
California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, CA.

A former secretary turned actress, Cicely Tyson received AAFCA’s “Legacy Award” for her work in cinema over five decades. The venerable Pan
African Film Festival was recognized for its 25-year history of providing
support to emerging African-American filmmakers and Screen Gems and Rainforest
Films jointly received the group’s “Cinema Vanguard Award” for their exemplary
commitment for diversity in film. The founders of Rainforest Films, Will Packer
and Rob Hardy individually, were also the recipients of the organization’s
inaugural Ashley Boone Award. 

“It is a privilege and an honor to bestow AAFCA’s Special
Achievement Awards to these great individuals and organizations,” said AAFCA
founder and president, Gil Robertson IV. “Each of our special honorees has
added significant value to their respective crafts while also paving the way for
emerging talent in this business.”