Delroy Lindo, DeVon Franklin, Sony Pictures Classics and More Among AAFCA Special Achievement Honorees (EXCLUSIVE)

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) announced the recipients of their special achievement honors – “Sinners” star Delroy Lindo (Beacon Award), DeVon Franklin (Ashley Boone Award), Erick Peyton (Game Changer Award), Jason Aidoo (Vanguard Award), Lawrence Lamont (Breakthrough Director) and Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group (Impact Award).

Sony Pictures Motion Group will be awarded the Impact Award. Led by Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, SPMPG has delivered major franchises including “Spider-Man,” “Venom” and “Jumanji” while championing diverse and culturally resonant stories that reach global audiences.

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The 2026 Special Achievement Awards luncheon honorees include: Nikkole Denson-Randolph (Spotlight Award), Lorrie Bartlet (Salute to Excellence), Michelle Satter (Film Advocate Award) and Sony Pictures Classics (Stanley and Karen Kramer Award).

Satter, the founding senior director of artist programs at the Sundance Institute, will be honored with the film advocate award. Through the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Labs, she has mentored generations of filmmakers, providing creative support that has shaped the careers of many of today’s most influential directors and writers. Her commitment to artistic freedom and creative risk-taking has left an indelible mark on global independent cinema.

Sony Pictures Classics will receive AAFCA’s Stanley & Karen Kramer Award. As one of the most influential distributors of independent and international film in the world, the company has championed bold, socially conscious storytelling and brought acclaimed films to global audiences.  Its dedication to filmmaker driven narratives and cultural relevance exemplifies the spirit of the Karen and Stanley Kramer Award.

The first group will be honored at the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards on Feb. 8, 2026, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, while additional recipients will be celebrated at AAFCA’s Annual Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 1, 2026, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

The two signature events will honor industry leaders, innovators, and institutions whose work continues to shape film, culture, and opportunity across the global entertainment landscape.

Gil Robertson, president and co-founder of AAFCA said, “Our Special Achievement honorees represent leadership, vision, and courage at every level of the industry.” He added, “From creative executives and advocates behind the scenes to institutions that have amplified bold and socially relevant storytelling, these honorees embody the values AAFCA was founded to celebrate.”

As previously announced, “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan was named best actor. “Hedda” star  Tessa Thompson was named best actress, and Ryan Coogler earned best director and best writing for “Sinners. “KPop Demon Hunters” was named AAFCA’s best animated feature.

The winners will be also be celebrated at the AAFCA Awards ceremony on Feb. 8, 2026 at The Maybourne in Beverly Hills, Calif.