AAFCA honors Broadway pioneers at its annual awards ceremony

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) will once again spotlight excellence on Broadway with the return of the AAFCA Goes to Broadway Awards Luncheon, now in its fourth year. The celebration, which honors theater professionals who advance storytelling and diversity, will take place on October 13 at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in the heart of New York City’s Theater District.

This year’s event follows a record-breaking Broadway season, which generated $1.9 billion in box office revenue and attracted more than 14 million theatergoers. The 2024-2025 season saw the return of icons like Audra McDonald and Denzel Washington, along with new productions that reaffirmed Broadway’s cultural and economic power.

This year’s winners include some of the stage’s most influential figures. Actress Kara Young receives the Spotlight Award, producer Brian Moreland is honored with the Producers Award, actress Kecia Lewis receives the Beacon Award and marketing visionary Linda Stewart is recognized with the Salute to Excellence Award.

“Each of this year’s winners represents a different but vital force on Broadway,” said Gil Robertson IV, president and co-founder of AAFCA. “From the powerful performances of Kara Young to the groundbreaking productions of Brian Moreland, the inspiring artistry of Kecia Lewis and the strategic brilliance of Linda Stewart behind the scenes, their collective influence ensures that Broadway continues to thrive as a home for diverse voices and stories.”

Moreland recently produced the revival of Othellostarring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young is the first Black actress to earn four consecutive Tony nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Play. Lewis, whose impressive performances in Once on this island, Leap of faithAnd Hell’s Kitchen by Alicia Keys earned her a Tony Award and continues to inspire new generations of artists. A marketing powerhouse, Stewart has led campaigns for critically acclaimed shows including Don’t be too proud, The color purple, Dream girlsAnd Hell’s Kitchen by Alicia Keys.

Founded in 2003, AAFCA is the world’s largest collective of Black film critics, representing journalists in the U.S. and internationally. The organization’s mission extends beyond film to celebrate excellence in film, television and theatre, while fostering opportunities for emerging storytellers.

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