The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) today announced the winners of the eighth annual AAFCA TV Honors, along with its annual AAFCA TV Top 10 list, celebrating the year’s most outstanding achievements in television and streaming. This year’s awards also introduce two new competitive categories, Best Reality Series and Best Podcast, to recognize the expanding landscape of entertainment storytelling.
The invitation-only celebration will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at the City Club Los Angeles in downtown Los Angeles, where this year’s winners will be recognized alongside AAFCA’s previously announced Special Achievement honorees.
“The best television doesn’t simply entertain; it forces us to talk to one another and look closely at the world outside our own living rooms,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “This year’s winners represent the incredible depth and creative ambition driving our industry forward. Across every genre, these artists are telling bold, culturally rich stories that completely redefine what the medium can do. We are proud to celebrate the visionaries who are not only captivating audiences but making sure our communities are seen, heard, and remembered.”
This year’s WINNERS, as voted on by the AAFCA membership, are as follows:
Best Drama – “Paradise” (Hulu)
Best Comedy – “Shrinking” (Apple TV)
Best Limited Series – “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” (FX/Hulu)
Best Actor – Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” (Hulu)
Best Actress – Jurnee Smollett, “Smoke” (Apple TV)
Best Supporting Actress – Erika Alexander, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” (NBC)
Best Supporting Actor – Lamorne Morris, “Spider-Noir” (MGM+)
Best Ensemble – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Best Directing (Drama) – Crystle Roberson Dorsey, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” (FX/Hulu)
Best Directing (Comedy) – Anthony Hemingway, “All’s Fair” (Hulu)
Best Documentary – “Sean Combs: The Reckoning” (Netflix)
Best Writing – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Best Music – Kris Bowers, “Spider-Noir” (MGM+)
Best Breakout Performance – Aaron Moten, “Fallout” (Prime Video)
Best Reality Series – “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” (OWN)
Best Podcast – “All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson”
AAFCA’s selections for the 2026 Top 10 Television Programs include:
1. “Paradise” (Hulu)
2. “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
3. “Shrinking” (Apple TV)
4. “The Madison” (Paramount+)
5. “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
6. “The Chi” (Paramount+ with Showtime)
7. “Matlock” (CBS)
8. “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” (NBC)
9. “Beef” (Netflix)
10. “The ’Burbs” (Peacock)
Previously announced 2026 AAFCA TV Honors Special Achievement honorees include:
Flip Wilson Award: Tracy Morgan
TV Vanguard Award: Kathryn Busby
Impact Award: Celeste Hughey
Horizon Award: Lamar Chase
Salute to Excellence Award: Felicia Pride
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