The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced that Emmy and Tony Award-nominated writer, comedian, and best-selling author Amber Ruffin will host the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards on February 19, 2025, at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The ceremony will celebrate excellence in film and television, with a focus on artistic contributions from the African diaspora. In a special gesture, AAFCA is inviting first responders to attend as honored guests in recognition of their heroic efforts during the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Ruffin, known for her sharp social commentary and comedic prowess, is a writer and on-air personality for “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” She will also return for the second season of CNN’s “Have I Got News For You,” where she stars alongside Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr., last year’s AAFCA Awards host. Recently, she was announced as the host of the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
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Her extensive writing credits include “A Black Lady Sketch Show” (HBO), “Detroiters » (Comedy Central), and major awards shows such as the Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes. A force in theater, Ruffin co-wrote the Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of “Some Like It Hot” and wrote a new book for the hit revival of “The Wiz.” She is currently developing an original musical comedy, “Bigfoot.”
Previously, Ruffin hosted “The Amber Ruffin Show” on Peacock from 2020-2023, earning nominations from the Emmys, Critics Choice, TCA, NAACP Image Awards, and GLAAD Media Awards. Her distinctive perspective and engaging delivery have established her as a key figure in modern comedy.
“This year’s AAFCA Awards are sure to be unforgettable with Amber Ruffin at the helm,” said AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. “We are looking forward to her trademark wit and brilliance gracing the AAFCA Awards stage.”
AAFCA’s Top 10 Films of the Year
- Nickel Boys
- Sing Sing
- The Piano Lesson
- Gladiator II
- Wicked
- Emilia Pérez
- Albany Road
- The Fire Inside
- Exhibiting Forgiveness
- Dahomey
Winners | 16th Annual AAFCA Awards
- Best Actor: Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)
- Best Actress: Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
- Best Supporting Actor: Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing)
- Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson)
- Best Ensemble: The Piano Lesson
- Best Original Score: The Wild Robot (Kris Bowers)
- Best Original Song: Bricks, Exhibiting Forgiveness (Andra Day, Cassandra Batie & Jherek Bischoff)
- Best Screenplay: Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar)
- Best Director: RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys)
- Best Documentary: TIE Daughters (Netflix), Dahomey (Mubi)
- Best Animated Feature: The Wild Robot
- Best International Film: Emilia Pérez
- Best Independent Feature: She Taught Love
- Best Picture: Nickel Boys
Winners were selected by AAFCA’s 100+ members and will be honored at the ceremony, alongside special honorees:
- Nicole Avant, Beacon Award
- Malcolm Washington, Emerging Director Award
- Ray Fisher, Breakout Performance Award
- RaMell Ross, Spotlight Award
- Paul Tazewell, Innovator Award
For more information on the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards, visit aafca.com.
