“The Woman King” Named Best Film of 2022 by the Black Film Critics Circle
The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC) has voted “THE WOMAN KING” Best Film of 2022, DANIELLE DEADWYLER Best Actress and BRENDAN FRASER Best Actor for their work in “TILL” and “THE WHALE” respectively. And for Best Director GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD for “THE WOMAN KING”. The announcement was made today by Mike Sargent, co-president, BFCC. Votes were cast and tabulated in New York City at the organization’s annual meeting on December 17, 2022.
Recognizing achievements in theatrical motion pictures, the BFCC awarded prizes in 13 categories including best picture, best director, original and adapted screenplay, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best animated feature, best independent film, best documentary feature, best foreign film, and best ensemble. Special Signature awards are also given to industry pioneers and rising stars.
“2022 has been a banner year for films by and starring people of color. The fact that we have films from multiple countries in multiple genres and their success has amplified a significant shift that actors like Sidney Poitier broke the doors open for many decades ago. “ says Sargent. ‘We may have lost a giant this year in the film industry but everything he stood for and broke down barriers for has come to fruition. Our stories matter and the world is taking notice.” “
Co-president Wilson Morales adds “Elvis Mitchells documentary “IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!?” examines the history, craft and legacy of African-American cinema and shines spotlight on the rich history of our contributions to the medium of film.” Says Morales “One day the time we are living in will be looked at as a new renaissance of Black film Congratulations to all of the winners.””
The complete list of award winners:
Best Film: The Woman King
Best Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood - The Woman King
Best Actor Brendan Fraser: - The Whale
Best Actress: Danielle Deadwyler - Till
Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan Everything Everywhere All At Once
Best Supporting Actress: Angela Bassett Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Best Original Screenplay: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Best Adapted Screenplay: (Tie) The Whale and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Best Cinematography: Top Gun Maverick
Best Documentary: Fire of Love
BFCC Signature Awards:
PIONEER – Viola Davis
This year's BFCC Pioneer Award is given to Viola Davis who, to quote BFCC Member K.A. GRANT (KAGrant.com), “THE WOMAN KING was truly a labor of love for her as a producer and as an actress. Not only did she work tirelessly to bring this story to life, but she changed her physical appearance to be combat ready for the film. Her contribution is immeasurable in what she has done for black women on the big screen. Her passion, and dedication to her craft embodies the very essence of the word Pioneer.
RISING STAR – Adamma Ebo
This year's BFCC Rising star Award for producing, writing, directing, goes to - Adamma Ebo for her feature-length directorial debut for HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL to quote BFCC Member Harrison Martin,
(FLIXFROG), “A truly outstanding film that is well-written, acted, and directed. This is a great example of improving on a short film while keeping the same message.”
SPECIAL MENTION – Nikyatu Jusu
Special Mention this year goes to Nikyatu Jusu, for her groundbreaking horror film “NANNY” which was the first horror film to win Sundance's Grand Jury Prize, is a visually arresting film that offers a powerful and deeply personal look at the American immigrant experience through the eyes of its lead character Immigrant nanny Aisha. Nikyatu is truly an artist we felt needs special recognition.
BLACK FILM CRITICS CIRCLE TOP TEN FILMS OF 2022
Top Ten
1 The Woman King
2 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
3 Top Gun: Maverick
3 Everything Everywhere All At Once
3 RRR
6 Nope
7 Avatar: The Way of Water
8 Women Talking
9 Till
10 The Batman
Founded in 2010, the Black Film Critics Circle is a membership organization comprised of film critics of color from daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, radio, television and qualifying online publications. The organization is dedicated to honoring the excellence of professionals in the theatrical motion picture industry in US and World Cinema. Its mission is to celebrate contributions and achievements in film by people of the Black Diaspora who work in front of and behind the camera, maintain the integrity of a true Critics organization and advance a collective vision of journalists of the Black Diaspora. BFCC assists in the development of new talent in the field of entertainment journalism through educational opportunities, mentoring and strategic partnerships and raises awareness of the significance of Black film and Black film history as a critical part of film culture and preservation. The organization meets annually in December to vote on the year’s films. BFCC’s Founding Members and co-presidents are journalists Mike Sargent (WBAI-FM, NY), Wilson Morales (BlackFilmandTV.com).
For more information, follow us on Twitter @BLACKFILMCC or visit us online at BlackFilmCriticsCircle.com or facebook.com/theBFCC