2005 FAAAF/Black Reel Awards Honors Outstanding Film and Television Performances in 24 Categories at the Nation's Capitol

2005 FAAAF/Black Reel Awards Honors Outstanding Film and Television Performances in 24 Categories at the Nation's Capitol

Jamie Foxx Accepts Vanguard Award During FAAAF/BRA Festivities

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film (FAAAF) hosted the Sixth Annual Black Reel Awards, presented by JetBlue Airways. Omarosa Stallworth-Manigault hosted the evening ceremony filled with a room of veteran actors, directors, producers, dignitaries and media on Saturday, February 19 at La Maison Francaise (The French Embassy) in Washington, D.C.

The honorees were selected by a group of nationally recognized film reviewers, critics and writers.

Jamie Foxx was presented the Vanguard Award for Entertainer of the Year by the governing body of FAAAF. In light of his absence, Foxx sent a video acceptance. During 2004, Foxx wowed audiences with stellar performances in three films, "Redemption: The Stan 'Tookie' Williams Story," "Collateral" and "Ray." Foxx is the first actor to receive the award and was honored by a video montage and musical tribute by Grammy(R) award-winning, writer/producer, Gordon Chambers. Not since Sidney Poitier in 1967 ("To Sir With Love," "In the Heat of the Night" and "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner") has an actor of color had such an impact on American Cinema during one calendar year. The Vanguard Award is the third Special Achievement Award presented by the organization in its six-year history. Previous Special Achievement Award recipients include "City of God" (Best Foreign Film) and "Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony" (Best Foreign Documentary), both presented during the 2004 Black Reel Awards.

A who's who list of presenters included eight-year old C.J. Sanders ("Ray") who delivered a poignant speech on his preparation for the role of "Young Ray." Gordon Chambers, veteran actress Suzzanne Douglas ("Sounder," "The Parenthood," "Inkwell"), producer/scribe Gregory Allen Howard ("Remember the Titans," "Ali"), acclaimed director, Michael Schultz ("Woman Thou Art Loosed") and producer, G. Marq Roswell ("Baadasssss!") were some of the presenters for this year's awards. Clayton LeBouef ("Something the Lord Made"/HBO) received the Supporting Actor television award. With a rousing speech he honored his wife, children and took a moment to pay homage to his deceased parents and the memory of medical genius, Vivien Thomas. At the close of his acceptance he introduced surprise guest Katie McCabe as she received a standing ovation from the audience. McCabe compiled 18 years of research and wrote the first magazine article, "Like Something The Lord Made," on which the HBO television movie was based and starred Mos Def, Alan Rickman and Gabrielle Union.

"2004 was an exciting year in film with African-American actors leading the way in critically acclaimed performances. With movies 'Ray,' 'Hotel Rwanda,' 'Baadasssss!' and the crossover success of other major films, 'I, Robot' and 'Barbershop 2: Back in Business' the year will long be noted as one of the best in the history of black cinema. This year's awards show was one of our finest and we are moving fast forward with planning for 2006. We eagerly anticipate this year's movie and television projects and hope to see a wide range of daring, provocative and thoughtful pieces of art. The bar has been raised much higher for black films in 2005," said Tim Gordon, Executive Director and FAAAF/Black Reel Awards Founder.

This year's theme, "Celebrating 100 Years of African-Americans in Film," paid tribute to the stellar achievements of African-Americans in cinema over the last century. As a kick-off event, actress Kimberly Elise hosted a benefit screening of Lions Gate Films' "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" at the Avalon Theatre. The screening was followed by a 20-minute question and answer session moderated by Gordon. Elise sat before a crowd of over 400 and fielded questions about the movie and ended with a standing ovation. ("Diary" hits theaters nationwide on Friday, February 25.) FAAAF hosted its first dessert and champagne reception with sponsors Veuve Clicquot and Catered Cakes inside the luxurious St. Gregory Hotel ballroom.

Founded in 2000, The FAAAF/Black Reel Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of African-Americans in feature, independent and television films from their character portrayals onscreen, to their technical artistry behind the scenes. The FAAAF/Black Reel Awards benefit The Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film (FAAAF), a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide educational opportunities to the next generation of minority film executives. Through the FAAAF "Producer's Institute," scholarships are awarded to graduate students pursuing a business career in the movie and television industries.

For the complete list of award recipients, photos and additional information on FAAAF and the 2005 Black Reel Awards, please contact the FAAAF offices at 202-263-1937 or visit: http://www.faaaf.org/.

Awards

Source: Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film/Black Reel

CONTACT: Media Relations Office of The Foundation for the Advancement
of African Americans in Film-Black Reel Awards, +1-202-263-1939, or
Blackreelawards2005@yahoo.com

Web site: http://www.faaaf.org/

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