The 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards, presented by idobi, featured twelve live awards, five honorees and tributes to key films in the history of Black cinema. Jeymes Samuel’s western “The Harder They Fall” earned the most accolades with a total of six, while Reinaldo Marcus Green’s sports drama, “King Richard,” and Rebecca Hall’s exquisite adaptation, “Passing,” each earned three prizes. Among the evening’s presenters were filmmaker Matthew Cherry, actors Colman Domingo and Anthony Mackie, actress Patina Miller, comedian Robin Thede, songwriter Diane Warren and sound mixer Russell Williams. Entertainment luminaries honored with Special Achievement Awards included Vanguard Award winners Halle Berry and Nate Moore, Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award winner Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award winner Chaz Ebert, and Oscar Micheaux Memorial Award winner Suzanne de Passe. “It is fitting that as we close Black History Month, this year’s Black Reel Awards continues to spotlight individuals who make cinematic strides,” said Black Reels CEO/Founder, Tim Gordon. “As opportunities increase, both above and below the line, we remain dedicated to shining a light on Black film creatives, while amplifying their voices throughout the industry. I’m also proud of our partnership with idobi Network. In working with their team and CMO Sherin Nicole, we will continue to expand our brand, both on traditional as well as non-traditional viewing platforms.” You can find the full list of winners below, along with the full embedded virtual awards ceremony… Outstanding Film | King RichardWill Smith, Tim White & Trevor White, producers Outstanding DirectorJeymes Samuel | The Harder They Fall Outstanding ActorWill Smith | King Richard Outstanding ActressTessa Thompson | Passing Outstanding Supporting ActorColman Domingo | Zola Outstanding Supporting ActressAunjanue Ellis | King Richard Outstanding ScreenplayPassing | Rebecca Hall Outstanding DocumentarySummer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, director Outstanding Foreign-Language FilmAfrican America (South Africa) | Muzi Mthembu, director Outstanding EnsembleThe Harder They Fall | Victoria Thomas, casting director Outstanding Voice PerformanceMaya Rudolph | The Mitchells vs. The Machines Outstanding ScoreThe Harder They Fall | Jeymes Samuel, composer Outstanding Original Song“Automatic Woman” (Bruised)H.E.R., performer; H.E.R, Van Hunt & Brittany Hazzard, writers Outstanding Independent FilmZola | Janicza Bravo, director Outstanding Short FilmCoffee | Jordan Pitt, director Outstanding Independent Documentary100 Years from Mississippi | Tarabu Betserai Kirkland, director Outstanding Emerging DirectorJeymes Samuel | The Harder They Fall Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, MaleAnthony Ramos | In the Heights Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, FemaleAriana DeBose | West Side Story Outstanding First ScreenplayPassing | Rebecca Hall Outstanding CinematographyThe Tragedy of Macbeth | Bruno Delbonnel, cinematographer Outstanding Costume DesignThe Harder They Fall | Antoinette Messam, costume designer Outstanding EditingThe Harder They Fall | Tom Eagles, editor Outstanding Production DesignThe Tragedy of Macbeth | Stefan Dechant, production designer For more information, visit the official site of the Black Reel Awards.
