AAFCA TV Honors: “Abbott Elementary,” “Paradise,” “Shrinking” among the winners

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the winners of its eighth annual AAFCA Television Awards.

Among the early winners was ABC abbott elementary, Which will be awarded to Best Ensemble and Best Writing; foreign currency love storyWhich won Best Limited Series and Best Direction (Drama) for Christel Roberson Dorsey; And Holo heavenwon the award for best drama, with the hero, Sterling K. Brown won the Best Actor award. The string class approximation is ShrinkWhich won the award for best comedy film.

“The best television doesn’t just entertain, it forces us to talk to each other and look more closely at the world beyond our living rooms,” AAFCA President and Co-Founder Jill Robertson said in a press release. “This year’s winners represent the incredible depth and creative ambition that drives our industry forward. In every genre, these artists tell bold, culturally rich stories that completely redefine what the medium can do. We’re proud to celebrate the visionaries who not only captivate audiences, but ensure our communities are seen, heard and remembered.”

Building on its recognition of achievement in television and streaming, this year the AAFCA introduced two new categories, Best Reality Series and Best Podcast, in recognition of the “expanding landscape of entertainment storytelling.” The inaugural recipients are OWN’s Love and Marriage: Huntsville Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson All the smoke Podcast.

The winners of the 2026 AAFCA Television Awards will be celebrated at an invitation-only gala on August 8 at City Club Los Angeles. Includes recognition for previously announced special achievements The fall and rise of Reggie Dinkins star Tracy Morgan, who will receive the Flip Wilson Award; Katherine Busby, president of original programming at Starz, who will receive a TV Vanguard Award; Emmy-nominated screenwriter Celeste Hughey, who will receive the Impact Award; Sony Pictures Senior Vice President Lamar Chase, who received the Impact Award; and screenwriter, producer and director Felicia Pride, who will receive the Salute for Excellence Award.

See the full list of winners, as well as the AACFA’s 10 Best TVs of 2026 list, below.

Winners of the 8th Annual AAFCA Television Awards

• Best Drama – heaven (holo)
• Best Comedy – Shrink (Apple TV)
• Best Limited Series – love story (FX/Hulu)
• Best Actor – Sterling K. Brown heaven (holo)
• Best Actress – Jurnee Smollett, smoking (Apple TV)
• Best Supporting Actress – Erika Alexander The fall and rise of Reggie Dinkins (nbc)
• Best Supporting Actor – Lamorne Morris. Spider Noir (MGM+)
• Best Band – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
• Best Director (Drama) – Christel Roberson Dorsey love story (FX/Hulu)
• – Best Direction (Comedy) – Anthony Hemingway. Everything is fair (holo)
• Best Documentary Film – Sean Combs: The Account (Netflix)
• Best writing – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
• Best Music – Chris Powers, Spider Noir (MGM+)
• Best Breakout Performance – Aaron Moten, He falls (prime video)
• Best reality series – Love and Marriage: Huntsville (king)
• Best Podcast – All Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson

2026 AAFCA Top 10 TV Shows

1. heaven (holo)
2. the house (HBO Max)
3. Shrink (Apple TV)
4. Madison (Paramount+)
5. Abbott Elementary (ABC)
6. Che (Paramount+ with Showtime)
7. Matlock (CBS)
8. The fall and rise of Reggie Dinkins (nbc)
9. meat (Netflix)
10. “The burps.” (peacock)

Subscribe subscription