‘Forever’ Among African American Film Critics’ Top Shows of 2025

The Netflix coming-of-age drama Forever, the Hulu thriller Paradise, and the Apple TV+ crime drama Dope Thief are among the television shows being recognized this year by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA).

The group announced the winners of its 7th annual AAFCA TV Honors on Thursday, May 29. This year’s winners as voted on by AAFCA members are:

Best Drama – “Paradise” (Hulu)

Best Comedy – “Harlem” (Amazon Prime)

Best Actor – Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” (Hulu)

Best Actress – Kathy Bates, “Matlock” (CBS)

Best Writing – “Forever” (Netflix)

Breakthrough Talent – Skye P. Marshall, “Matlock” (CBS)

Best Documentary – “Number One on the Callsheet” (Apple TV+)

Best Reality – “Gen Zone” (BET+)

Best Limited Series – “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+)

Best TV Movie – “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu)

Best Ensemble – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)

Best New Show- “Forever” (Netflix)

Best Director – Anthony Hemingway, Thembi Banks, Mara Brock Akil and Regina King, “Forever” (Netflix)

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AAFCA also announced its Top 10 shows of the year, with streaming programs dominating the list.

1. “Forever” (Netflix)
2. “Paradise” (Hulu)
3. “Cross” (Amazon Prime)
4. “Harlem” (Amazon Prime)
5. “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
6. “Power Book: Raising Kanan” (Starz)
7. “Dope Thief” (Apple TV+)
8. “The Bear” (“Hulu”)
9. “The Chi” (Paramount+ with Showtime)
10. “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

“Our honorees are the heartbeat of the television industry,” said Gil Robertson, AAFCA co-founder and president. “As the entertainment world finds its footing again post-COVID, post-strikes, and amid a shifting political and cultural landscape, this year’s class of honorees exemplifies the solid, innovative leadership that is essential to moving the industry forward.”

The organization will additionally recognize several industry leaders at its 7th Annual AAFCA TV Honors. The ceremony takes place on Aug. 23, 2025, in Hollywood. This year’s special honorees are listed below:

Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television – TV Vanguard Award
Le Goy is chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), one of the television industry’s leading content providers. He is responsible for all television production operations, of one of the TV industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform.

Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television – Salute to Excellence Award
As president of Disney Branded Television, Davis is responsible for producing premium original content for kids and families across Disney+ and Disney Junior. Under her leadership, the network has launched favorites like “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” hit animated series “Bluey,” Disney Jr.’s “Ariel” starring Amber Riley and Taye Diggs, and “Descendants: The Rise of Red” starring Brandy and Rita Ora. Having spent over two decades at Disney—starting in casting before moving into content—Davis has made her mark.

Tina Perry, President of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network – Visionary Award
Perry has served as President of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network since 2019, overseeing all creative and operational aspects of the network, reporting directly to OWN Chairwoman and CEO Oprah Winfrey and Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks Chairwoman and CEO Channing Dungey. Under her leadership, OWN has solidified its role as a leading destination for Black audiences. The network continues to dominate Friday and Saturday nights among African American viewers.

Mara Brock Akil, Producer/Screenwriter – Legacy Award
A groundbreaking television writer and producer, Akil’s work has shaped modern Black storytelling on TV. Her work includes writing for “South Central,” and becoming the youngest African-American showrunner at 30 with her hit series “Girlfriends.” Additional projects include “The Game,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Black Lightning.” Brock Akil’s most current series, “Forever,” just debuted on Netflix.

Michelle Buteau, Actress/Comedian – Trailblazer Award
Comedian, actress, producer, and podcast host, Buteau is known for her bold humor. She began stand-up in 2001 after working as a TV news producer in New York. Her big break came five years later on Comedy Central. Named one of Esquire’s “comedians to watch” in 2017, she went on to host the “Late Night Whenever!” podcast and Netflix’s “The Circle.” Her comedy special, “Welcome to Buteaupia,” earned a 2021 Critics’ Choice Award. In 2020, she published “Survival of the Thickest,” later adapted into a Netflix series. She starred in the 2024 film “Babes.”

Nneka Onuorah, Producer/Director – Horizon Award
Onuorah is an Emmy-winning film director and producer known for bold, socially resonant storytelling. The winner of a Primetime Emmy for directing “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” her most recent Prime Video project, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words” spotlights the superstar rapper’s rise to fame.

Denise Nicholas – TV Icon Award
Denise Nicholas is a renowned actress and author, best known for her roles in films like “Let’s Do it Again” (1975) and “Capricorn One” (1977) as well as her TV roles on “In the Heat of the Night” and “Room 222.” She is also the author of the novel “Freshwater Road” and has received several accolades for her writing, including the Best First Novel Award from the American Library Association’s Black Caucus. She got her start on stage touring with the Free Southern Theater through the rural South during the Civil Rights Movement.