Rising Stars and Icons to be Recognized at the American Black Film Institute’s 2017 Oscar Week Gala!

Hollywood, CA — Academy Award nominated actress, Angela Bassett, breakout HBO creator/executive producer and star of “Insecure” Issa Rae, will join Oscar-nominated director Barry Jenkins at The American Black Film Institute’s 2017 Oscar Week gala, on Friday, February 24th.

The event will be held at the fabulous Prestons-over-Hollywood at the Hollywood Loews Hotel, and once again brings together actors, producers, writer/directors and top executives, as they celebrate and highlight the years’ accomplishments amid the backdrop of Hollywood’s most glamorous weekend. Rounding out the honors, include; Survivor’s Remorse and Independence Day 2 star, Jessie T. Usher, and rising screen talent/songstress Janelle Monae, whose turns in both “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” have been garnering critical praise, as a rising screen talent to watch.

ABFI’s theme of seeking out new talent while paying homage to trailblazing influencers, reflects its mission to preserve the cinematic legacy of stories by and about people of color, while nurturing its current crop of emerging talented writers, directors and artists who give voice to the continued enhancement of the black experience on film. With the slew of award season fare that have not only dominated the box-office, but appear to have captured the public’s imagination for stories by and about the black experience, many are encouraged that this season’s picks may be indicative of further opportunities to showcase and nurture such talent.

The American Black Film institute (ABFI) is a non-profit cinematic arts foundation, whose goal is to preserve and promote the legacy of diverse stories in film and television, while enhancing the financial viability and broadened success of the artists seeking to bring these stories to the fore. For more information, contact ABFI at 818-961-4366 or visit www.americanblackfilminstitute.org.

 

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