Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson Win African American Film Critics Awards

Will Smith and Jennifer Hudson pick up awards for the 2022 African American Film Critics Awards.

Will Smith and Jennifer Hudson grabbed the top acting honors from the 13th Annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.

The critics group released the winners list Monday in a press release.

Smith received the best actor award for his role as tennis dad Richard Williams in King Richard. Hudson won the best actress award for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Respect.

The cast and crew of King Richard and The Harder They Fall won multiple awards including King Richard’s team for best supporting actress (Aunjanue Ellis), breakout actor (Saniyya Sidney) and emerging director (Reinaldo Marcus Green).

Related Story: SAG Awards Nominations: Will Smith, Jennifer Hudson, Denzel Washington Score Nods

The Harder They Fall was previously announced as the association’s top film of 2021.

“It’s been a fantastic year for film,” AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson said in a statement. “Just having passed the two-year mark of a global pandemic, great entertainment means more to all of us than ever before. This year’s AAFCA winners not only entertained us, but educated and inspired us and we’re looking forward to celebrating them at the AAFCA Awards.”

The awards will be handed out during an in-person ceremony on March 2 at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles. Read the full winners list below:

Best Picture: The Harder They Fall
Best Director: Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall)
Best Screenplay: Don’t Look Up (Adam McKay)
Best Actor: Will Smith (King Richard)
Best Actress: Jennifer Hudson (Respect)
Best Supporting Actor: Corey Hawkins (The Tragedy of Macbeth)
Best Supporting Actress: Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)
Breakout Actor: Saniyya Sidney (King Richard)
Best Ensemble: The Harder They Fall
Emerging Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard)
Best Music: The Harder They Fall (Jeymes Samuel, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z)
Best Independent Feature: Who We Are
Best Documentary: Summer of Soul