Jamie Foxx shares remarks after receiving the AAFCA Producers Award.  Looking on are presenters Courtney Vance and Nia Long. (Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content for AAFCA)

The prestigious African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) recently held its 2024 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, paying tribute to outstanding cinematic excellence. This exclusive event, which took place on March 3, spotlighted the diverse and influential voices that continue to shape the film industry. With its annual invitation-only format, the ceremony recognized remarkable individuals for their significant contributions to entertainment.

Attendees included honorees Foxxhole Productions, Jamie Foxx’s production company, Fatima Robinson, Michael Latt, Deon Taylor, Delta Air Lines, and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Presenters and special guests included Courtney B. Vance, Nia Long, Hilary Swank, Jurnee Smollett, Tyrese Gibson, and Isaac G. Bryan (California State Assemblyman, District 55).

Foxx looked sleek in an all-black ensemble Dolce & Gabbana sport coat atop a black turtleneck and black slacks. Naturally he captivated audiences with a mix of humor, sincerity, and insight.

After weeks of conflicting reports regarding his health and hospitalization status, Foxx went on his Instagram page ( May 3, 2023) to show fans he was in the process of healing and to thank them for their support.

Taking to the dais, Foxx didn’t shy away from addressing the rampant conspiracy theories circulating about him, humorously remarking that regardless of his actions, social media seemed to have already made up their minds, even suggesting he was an actual clone.

Nia Long went off script, and in an emotional voice, on the verge of tears, she said, “I love you [Jamie Foxx], brother, and don’t ever scare the ‘sh**’ out of me again.”

Light on his feet and verbally as nimble as an Olympic athlete, Foxx shifted gears to a more serious tone, urging listeners to embrace life and cherish every moment of it. In a light-hearted moment, he shared that his daughter believes he’s become a little too grateful lately. The Oscar winner quipped, “Wow, have you tasted this water? It’s so wet… I am emotional and thankful.”

Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premiere body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment that includes the Black experience and storytellers from the African Diaspora. The organization’s primary mission is to cultivate understanding, appreciation, and advancement of the contributions of African-descended talent to cinematic and television culture – from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined breakthroughs of future generations.

AAFCA members are a geographically diverse cross-section of journalists, covering all genres of the cinematic arts while representing multiple mediums – including print, TV, radio, broadcast, and online. Collectively, they reach a worldwide audience over 100 million. AAFCA is committed to numerous educational and philanthropic efforts, particularly those that foster and celebrate diversity and inclusion. For more information on AAFCA and its programs, visit AAFCA.com.

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