The Black Film Space Awards is our annual fundraising event honoring both emerging and established Black filmmakers whose work and leadership are shaping the future of film and television. The celebration brings together artists, supporters, and industry partners to recognize creative excellence while raising critical funds to sustain Black Film Space’s year-round programs. Proceeds directly support mentorship, grants, and accessible opportunities for Black creatives at every stage of their careers.
THE BLACK FILM SPACE AWARDS 2025
Hosted By: Raval Davis
Honorees: Dawn Porter, Dallas Rico, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Alex O’Keefe, Shirley Vernae Williams, Darnell Martin, Tracey Baker-Simmons, Alisa Payne, Jalyn Hall
Host Committee: Lande Yoosuf, Reggie Williams, Sharra Dade, Tabria Brooks, Lisa Durden, Lexis Green, Christine Pluviose, Roland Kennedy Jr., Hollann Sobers, Janiele Johnson, Stanley Delva, Lenea Key
Primary Sponsors: Martingale Cognac, The Simpson Restaurant & Bar, Perrier
Featured Sponsors: Negril Village, The Purple Room, DoughGirl Bakery & Cafe, Black Diamond Limo, The Lucerne
Community Sponsors: Nwoye Brand Essentials, Jasmine’s Carribean Cuisine, Reagan Sanai, Detox Now, Mommy Trapper, Jermaine Wells, B & H
Hosted by Raval Davis
Shirley Williams-Toney recipient of the Maverick Award
Alex O'Keefe recipient of the Advocate Award
Tracey Baker-Simmons recipient of the Luminary Award
Darnell Martin recipient of the Trailblazer Award
Alisa Payne recipient of the Powerhouse Award
Dallas Rico recipient of the Day One Award
Jalyn Hall recipient of the Prodigy Award
Nikole Hannah-Jones recipient of the Savant Award
Dawn Porter recipient of the Visionary Award
Danielle Bennett, founder of cliveRd.
THE BLACK FILM SPACE AWARDS 2024
Hosted By: Raval Davis
Honorees: Darcy Heusel, Ayana Baraka, Cylla Senii, Olivia Peace, Crystal Kayiza, Hope Farley, Kristen V. Carter
Host Committee: Reggie Williams, Lande Yoosuf, Chana Ewing, Tiffanie Young Lofton, Hollann Sobers, Janeile Johnson, Jennifer Brown, Horane Henry
Sponsored by: The Gotham Film & Media Institute, Picture Motion, kweliTV, 1953 Tequila, Lunar Hard Seltzer
Hosted by Raval Davis
Kristen V. Carter recipient of the Savant Award
Olivia Peace recipient of the Up Next Narrative Award. Presented by The Gotham
Ayana Baraka recipient of the Visionary Award
Cylla Senii recipient of the Day One Award
Hope Farley recipient of the Advocate Award
Crystal Kayiza recipient of the Up Next Documentary Award. Presented by The Gotham
Darcy Heusel recipient of the Trailblazer award
Danielle Bennett founder of cliveRd
THE BLACK FILM SPACE AWARDS 2023
Hosted by: Dominque Springs
Honorees: Yaba Tuffour, Brit Fryer, Preston Mutanga, Marielle Ingram, Markuann Smith, Jordan E. Cooper, Elegance Bratton & Chester Algernal Gordon
Sponsors: The Gotham Film & Media Institute, Uncle Nearest
Hosted by Daphnique Springs
Kia Brooks, Deputy Director of The Gotham
Yaba Tuffour recipient of the Day One Award
Brit Fryer recipient of the Up Next Documentary award. Presented by The Gotham
Preston Mutanga recipient of the Prodigy Award
Marielle Ingram, Winner of the Black Film Space x cliveRd 10K Proof of Concept Short Film Grant
Markuann Smith recipient of the Trailblazer Award
Jordan E. Cooper recipient of the Advocate Award
Elegance Bratton & Chester Algernal Gordon recipients of the Up Next Narrative Award. Presented by The Gotham
THE EXPANDERS 2022
Hosted by: Yance Ford
Honorees: Karen McMullen, Rashid Shabazz, Sonya Childress
Host Committee: Chana Ewing, Alece Oxendine, Reggie Williams, Lande Yoosuf
Honorees (left to right): Karen McMullen Rashid Shabazz, Sonya Childress
Hosted by Yance Ford
