ABFF Honors To Celebrate, Inspire Action For Community Of Altadena

The 7th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that the upcoming ABFF Honors will celebrate and inspire action for the community of Altadena, paying tribute to its residents and their extraordinary contributions to Black history and culture. The ABFF HONORS also announced that Marla Gibbs will receive the Hollywood Legacy Award, and Aaron Pierre will receive the Rising Star Award at its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2025 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 17 at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Previously announced honorees include Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Giancarlo Esposito and Keke Palmer. The ceremony will be hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson.

“We are thrilled to honor the incomparable Marla Gibbs with the Hollywood Legacy Award, recognize the emerging talent of Aaron Pierre with the Rising Star Award, and celebrate the community of Altadena at this year’s ABFF Honors,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff and Nicole Friday. “Marla’s groundbreaking career has  inspired countless aspiring actors and creatives, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her talent, grace, and dedication.  We are equally delighted to recognize Aaron Pierre, a rising star whose powerful performances exemplify the next generation of storytelling excellence.”

The ceremony will include a special tribute to the Altadena Black community, honoring its legacy, resilience, and rich cultural heritage. It will spotlight trailblazers whose contributions have significantly influenced the arts, activism, education, business, and social landscape of the state of California and beyond.

“The community of Altadena embodies what we celebrate at the American Black Film Festival – strength, solidarity and commitment to excellence,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday. “By honoring the enduring spirit of this historic community, we aim to showcase Black achievement, inspire creativity, and foster unwavering support for a vibrant cultural future. This tribute is a testament to perseverance and collective effort, and we are proud to uplift Altadena’s story as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

Marla Gibbs, a Chicago native, is a celebrated actress known for her iconic portrayal of Florence on The Jeffersons. Her career blossomed with the NBC sitcom 227, which she co-created and executive produced, ensuring diverse representation both on and off-screen. A five-time Emmy nominee and eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Gibbs has received numerous accolades, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year. Beyond acting, she’s a dedicated activist and entrepreneur, having founded a theater and acting school. Her career has spanned film, television, and music, with notable roles in The Visit, Lily in Winter, and her own critically acclaimed album, It’s Never Too Late. Gibbs continues to inspire with her talent, activism, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Gibbs honed her acting skills at PASLA (Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles), the Mafundi Institute, and the Watts Writers Workshop, appearing in numerous stage productions before transitioning to film. Her voice work includes the animated series 101 Dalmatians, and she has graced countless television shows, including ER, Cold Case, and King of Queens. A passionate advocate for the arts, Gibbs revived the legendary Los Angeles jazz supper club, “Marla’s Memory Lane,” and co-founded Crossroads Theater and Acting School, nurturing the careers of countless aspiring artists.

Aaron Pierre is a versatile and charismatic actor known for his captivating performances across film and television. Recent credits include voicing the iconic Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’Mufasa: The Lion King for Disney, and starring alongside Don Johnson in Jeremy Saulnier’s Netflix film Rebel Ridge. He will soon be seen in HBO Max’s Lanterns as John Stewart, and in Season 4 of Apple TV+’s The Morning Show.

Prior to these roles, Pierre starred in acclaimed projects such as National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X, Clement Virgo’s Brother, Garth Davis’ Foe, Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad, and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old. He has received critical acclaim for his work, including a TIFF Rising Star Award and an Ian Charleson Award nomination.

ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s annual awards season gala dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016, the ceremony pays tribute to Black artists who have made significant contributions to American entertainment through their work as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

ABFF Honors stems from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black storytelling. Since its inception, the ABFF has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (NICE CROWD) in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment and Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade). Sponsors for the event to date include: Cadillac, Ally (Presenting), and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Fulton Films GA (Supporting), and SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills(Industry) and California Film Commission (Contributing).

For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com. Follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

About NICE CROWD

NICE CROWD is a Los Angeles-based live events company that develops and produces properties that showcase BIPOC culture and talent. The company’s flagship event is the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997. 

To learn more about NICE CROWD events, visit www.nicecrowd.com.