Marla Gibbs, 93, says she’s ready for more work

The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills was filled with pride and tears of joy on Monday night, as the American Black Film Festival recognized five actors for their contribution to the China on 2025 ABFF honor.

Captain America:: A brave new world Star Anthony Mackie started part of the ceremony presentation-hosted by comedian Zainab Johnson-Recalling the words of wisdom of his star Marvel movie Giancarlo Esposito-Knowed by early roles in Spike Lee’s School -in -law and Do the right thing And lately Breaking Bad, Kaleidoscope and Gentlemen – He surrendered to him when he was an ambitious actor.

“He said,” Look here, man. You want to be a working actor, you have to work on work on your craft, “Mackie shared.” “Sometimes that means you won’t be paid. The value is in your craft.”

Esposito, who received the Award for Excellence in Art, repeated a similar refrain in his accepting speech. “I feel like the trip has met me more and who I am, and learn how to get out of the way,” he told the audience. “And when I manage to get out of the way, I realize that I have ever wanted to be dedicated to something I love to do. And because I love it, I will not do the day in my life.”

Regina King was awarded the Hollywood Legacy award next 227 Costar Marla Gibbs, a highlighting list of Gibbs’s long achievements beyond her popular Florence Johnston role on Jeffersons.

“In the 80s, there were very, very few women of any color or skin that did what Marla did in Hollywood,” King began. “She was not just an actress – she was a writer, producer, singer; she owned the Academy of Performing Arts, Crossroads, where we worked the show, 227. She owned the Jazz Supper Club, Marla’s Memory Lane, where world class musicians performed. Let’s be clear, not only starred in a hit TV show, but she also led the show outside the screen. “

Gibbs, 93, accepting the honor, showed the humor by which she is known during her 50-year career after expressing his gratitude to Abff for honoring her while still living. Highlighting his agents, Mike Baldridge and Garry Purdy, who joined her on stage, Gibbs gave the audience a funny petition. “They know I’m ready to work again,” Gibbs said. “Did anyone get any projects?”

Following Gibbs, Record Prix for Growing Stars 2024. Kelvin Harrison Jr. went out on stage to convey the torch Genius: mlk and Mufasa: The king of the lion Susa star Aaron Pierre, who re-created dance moves tictok-water Jennifer Hudson’s show In December, he played the song “That’s Mufas” as a live band, created by the Talk Show’s staff.

Pierre was far more serious in his speech, thanking God for the “new beginning” as he recalled the early fights that led to becoming a 2025 -year -old star. “Thank you for any blessing you give me; Yes, even those I didn’t identify as such in an instant. The moments when my bank balance was below zero. The moments when I had to sell my things for real money. The moments when I felt a bit of a misconception and questioned whether it was accurately describing his interest as an actor as I was unemployed and the phone rang. “

Fighting tears, a British star – it was set up to play the first black green lantern – and then recognized her late grandmother. “2022. My family lost a matriarch, my grandmother. My grandmother was born and grew up on Jamaica and went to London in the hope of discovering the possibilities for her children and children of her children. I would like to dedicate this award to my grandmother,” he said Pierre. “I love you and hope you are proud.”

Boots Riley moved to the Keke Palmer stage next time, plays in his upcoming scientific-fantastic comedy I love the enhancers. The writer and director shared a conversation he had conducted with Palmer on a set in which he asked if he still felt about the magic of the film after she had been in the industry for so long. “She said,” What I love are people, “Riley recalled.”

Palmer doubled in that feeling as she accepted the Renaissance Award, attributing fans and fans for her longevity on the screen. “I want to emphasize that one of my greatest associates has always been and will always be my community. I’m so happy to have a movie in cinemas right now, “she said, referring to the comedy One of them dayswhich she performed and acted with Sza. “But let me tell you, guys, it wasn’t always like that. I remember when I started with Akeelah and bee And it didn’t get well. I remember everyone said, “This movie will be great, everyone will like this movie,” and when he came to the theater, he bombed himself, and so is the excitement of people for me. It was only when he became available online and on DVD, did he find his audience and made our community a loved classic. “

Palmer then declared her commitment to restore that love to those who come behind her. “The brand you met as Keke Palmer is far more than me. It is what can be achieved when the community raises you, and when in return you can provide your support,” she said. “It’s not just an individual here; it’s about the collective power of all of us.”

“Through my work, I have always tried to talk stories that respect the shades of our life, and as founder Keytv network my mission is to strengthen creators, give them tools, resources and education to revive their vision and revive their vision and to realize they have power To build our own business, “Palmer continued.” We deserve to see us, but we also deserve to ask for our true share in the things we create. I may be one person, but my spirit is powerful and my passion for my culture is what drives me forward. Black American culture, guys, is a American culture. “

Auunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who has accepted the last honor of the evening, the award for excellence in the art presented to her by director Ava Duvernay, echoed Palmer’s enthusiasm for black creators who have ownership of their art. “The messages of the second seat at the table are deaf,” he said Guys nickel star. “I don’t want a seat or a table. I want a structure. “

Ellis-Taylor concluded with the expression of gratitude for the fire that was illuminated under the ceremony to dismantle systemic factors that refuse black artists. “Audrey Lorde said,” You can’t use Master’s tools to overthrow the master house, “so I thank you for ABFF because you encourage me to overthrow that house. To overthrow that house and regain the ground because it is mine.”