Moonlight was voted Best Film of 2016 by the Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC); Barry Jenkins was also named Best Director for Moonlight.
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.
“This has been a year of progress to cinema of color” says co-president, Mike Sargent. “Though politically it may seem we may be moving backwards.” “The recent announcement from BAFTA and the changes behind the scenes in Hollywood and the Global film industry have been represented in this years slate if films.” Their successes at the box office and acknowledgement by fellow Awards organizations denote the significance of the global black experience as captured on film.” “Congratulations to all the winners.”
The complete list of 2016 Black Film Critics Circle award winners include:
Best Film: Moonlight
Best Director: Barry Jenkins
Best Actor: Denzel Washington, Fences
Best Actress: Ruth Negga, Loving
Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis, Fences
Best Original Screenplay: Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Best Adapted Screenplay: August Wilson, Fences
Best Cinematography: James Laxton, Moonlight
Best Foreign Film: Elle from France
Best Documentary: 13th
Best Animated Film: Zootopia
Best Ensemble: Fences
BFCC Signature Awards include:
Pioneer Award – Mahershala Ali
This year’s BFCC Pioneer Award is given to Mahershala Ali, for contributions in TV/Film this year with ‘House of Cards’, ‘Luke Cage’, ‘Free State of Jones’, ‘Kicks’, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden’Figures’. Mahershala has proved that perseverance; artistic integrity and an unerring commitment to excellence will always yield remarkable results. Since his Acting Debut as a series regular on TV shows such as ‘Crossing Jordan’ and ‘Threat Matrix’ before his breakthrough role as Richard Tyler in the science-fiction series ‘The 4400’. To his His first major film role in the 2008’s ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Mahershala continue to expand the boundaries of what black actors can achieve and embodies the very essence of the word Pioneer.
Rising Star Award – Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae’s acting work in ‘Moonlight’and ‘Hidden Figures’ shows that beyond her artistic achievements as a singer-songwriter she is a wonderful storyteller and excels in any part of that creative process. The integrity and honesty she brings to her characters and performances shows she will truly be an acting force to be reckoned with in the years ahead.
Special Mention – I Am Not Your Negro
Special Mention goes to the documentary “I Am Not Your Negro” By Director Raoul Peck. Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript ‘Remember This House’ and narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the film explores the history of race relations in the United States through Baldwin’s reminiscences of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.. The film is both heartbreaking, powerful and vividly illustrates America’s history of racism, injustice, violence, exploitation of Black Americans. This is truly a film we felt needed special recognition.
Black Film Critics Circle Top Ten Films of 2016
Top 10
1. Moonlight
2. Fences
3. La La Land
4. Hidden Figures
5. Arrival
6. Manchester By The Sea
7. Hell or High Water
8. Miss Sloane
9. Eye In The Sky
10. Miss Sharon Jones!