‘Sinners’ Leads AAFCA Awards 2026 Winners List

In addition to the Ryan Coogler film coming in first on the African American Film Critics Association's top films of the year list, “Sinners” also won Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and more.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the winners of its 17th annual AAFCA Awards, meant to recognize outstanding contributions to cinema, along with its selections for the top ten films of the year.

Taking the top prize was “Sinners,” which was both the organization’s favorite film of the year and the winner of several categories including Best Actor to Michael B. Jordan, Best Supporting Actress to Wunmi Mosaku, Emerging Face (Actor) to Miles Caton, Best Music to composer Ludwig Göransson, Best Director and Best Writing to Ryan Coogler, and Best Ensemble.

The announcement was made by AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson, who said, “The cinematic voices recognized this year remind us of the power of film to challenge, inspire, and unite.” He added, “From bold new visions to unforgettable performances, these winners represent storytellers who are pushing the art form forward while speaking to the moment we are living in. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the impact their work continues to have on audiences worldwide.”

Winners were selected by AAFCA’s more than 100+ members and will be celebrated at this year’s ceremony at the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards on February 8 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills. Special achievement honorees will be announced at a later date.

See AAFCA’s Top 10 Films list, plus the list of the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards winners below.

AAFCA’S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR

1. “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
2. “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
3. “Hedda” (Amazon MGM) 
4. “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
5. “Hamnet” (Focus Features) 
6. “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures) 
7. “F1” (Apple/Warner Bros.) 
8. “One of Them Days” (Sony Pictures Releasing) 
9. “The Knife” (Relativity Media) 
10. “The Smashing Machine” (A24)

WINNERS | 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Best Actress: Tessa Thompson, “Hedda” (Amazon MGM)
Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Best Supporting Actor: Damson Idris, F1 (Apple/Warner Bros.)
Best Documentary: “The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix)
Best Animated Feature: “KPop Demon Hunters” (Netflix)
Best Director: Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Best Writing: Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Emerging Face (Actor): Miles Caton “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Emerging Face (Actress): Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.)
Best Independent Feature: “Hedda” (Amazon MGM)
Best Ensemble: “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Best Live Action Short: “The Rebel Girls”
Best Documentary Short: “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams”
Best Animated Short: “Black Man, Black Man”
Best Music: Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)