Angela Bassett Addresses AI, DEI, and Racism Setbacks in Unforgettable Acceptance Speech

The American Black Film Festival Awards celebrated legacy, emphasized resilience and looked optimistically toward the future in the face of a changing industry at its ceremony Monday night in Los Angeles.

Hosted by comedian and actor KevOnStage, the gala event marked its 10th anniversary with a star-studded list of honorees from the worlds of film and television. The first honorees of the night were the “Sinners” production team: director Ryan Coogler, his wife Zinzi Coogler and longtime collaborator Sev Ohanian. Through a series of short anecdotes, the Oscar-nominated director thanked ABFF creators Jeff and Nicole Friday for helping him get started in the industry; Coogler won the HBO Short Film Award at the 2011 festival for his short film “Fig,” earning him a $20,000 prize to boost his career.

“That was the first time there was a vote of confidence in me that came with some capital and that allowed me to really focus and get ‘Fruitvale [Station]”I have done it,” he commented. “I will always be indebted to you for being such amazing cultivators.”

Aaron J. Thornton / ABFF

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson received the Entertainment Icon Award for his extensive career in sports, film, television and more. He was perhaps the proudest recipient of the evening with an acceptance speech that lasted just under 10 minutes. At the center of his gratitude was the recognition and appreciation of his Blackness by a Black entity like ABFF, which was top of mind as he prepared his remarks for the evening.

“I kept coming back to my father, who was a pioneer and a proud black man,” Johnson told News on the red carpet. “It reminded me how special this night is and how unique this night is compared to anything else I’ve experienced in my career.”

Johnson echoed that sense of pride in his speech, citing a “complicated” relationship with his late father, but gently emphasized his father’s pioneering efforts in professional wrestling and the “pursuit of black excellence and greatness.”

“I feel like if we continue to pursue Black excellence, well, that’s connected to resilience and what’s connected to resilience is resilience,” Johnson said at the podium. “And that is this room: resilient men and women.”

Perhaps the most resounding speech of the night came from none other than Angela Bassett, who received a moving introduction from her former movie daughter (and her A+ impersonator) Keke Palmer. Bassett received the Excellence in the Arts Award for her long list of professional achievements, including a SAG Award, two Golden Globe Awards, 16 NAACP Image Awards, two Oscar nominations and a career spanning 40 years.

“That [excellence] What it really means is resilience, commitment, the decision to keep showing up even when the circumstances seem, even when the welcome seems uncertain, even when the world tells you explicitly or silently that there may no longer be a place for you,” Bassett said in his opening remarks.

Kelvin Bulluck / Good Crowd

During his speech, Bassett graciously addressed several issues affecting the industry and society at large: the rise of artificial intelligence, “the vitriol, racism and misinformation” from “those in the highest heights of power in the world,” and the shutdown of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States. In response to the myriad attacks on history, black storytelling, and culture at large, Bassett’s final message was clear: we must continue to use our voices to move the needle.

“No one can determine or define our full humanity except our God. So as I look at this moment, as challenging as it is, hope remains what sustains me,” he said. “My hope for the future is not simply that we are included. My hope is that we are empowered. I hope that we go beyond the first and only, beyond tokenism without infrastructure. Listen to me and listen well, you belong here. Your voice matters, and this industry is better when you shape it.”

Rounding out the list of honorees are rising star Damson Idris with the Horizon Award, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson with the Renaissance Award, and actress-producer-director hybrid Salli Richardson-Whitfield with the Evolution Award.

The iconic American Black Film Festival will kick off its 30th anniversary festivities on May 27 in Miami.