Studio head Sherry Lansing, Dr. TriStar’s Jennifer Turner, Hallmark Media’s Wonya Lucas, Apple’s Rita Cooper Lee and the documentary A Tree of Life: Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting will be one of this year’s African American Film Critics Association honorees at the 6th Annual AAFCA Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 8 at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.
The invitation-only event honors:
- producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing with the Legacy Award for her prolific contributions to the industry and for her philanthropic efforts;
- TriStar Television Executive Vice President Dr. Jennifer Turner receives the Salute to Excellence Award for her leadership and commitment to quality programming with an emphasis on inclusive casting and storylines;
- Hallmark Media President and CEO Wonya Lucas receives the TV Vanguard Award for her vision and leadership in leading the influential media brand into the future;
- The documentation A Tree of Life: Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Received the Stanley & Karen Kramer Award for highlighting the 2021 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, which explores the undercurrent of hatred that threatens to destroy America;
- Rita Cooper Lee, Head of Communications and Publicity, Apple Worldwide Video and Apple TV+, receives the inaugural Rosalind Stevenson Award for Excellence in Publicity. A founding member of the team that created the award-winning Apple TV+ streaming service, Cooper Lee has helped make history on multiple fronts with culture-defining, innovative campaigns since its debut. Named after Stevenson’s long and distinguished career as a film publicist, during which she created career opportunities for journalists as well as film talent above and below the line.
“Pioneers and titans abound in this year’s list of achievement awards,” said AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “Recognizing their incredible achievements gives us a moment to reflect on the progress made as our industry evolves and gives each of us the inspiration needed to take on our next challenges. AAFCA looks forward to celebrating them.”
Awardees are chosen by a committee based on their achievements throughout their careers. They represent people behind and in front of the camera, including managers, journalists, actors, tradespeople and filmmakers. Past AAFCA Special Achievement Awards include Edward James Olmos, Ruth E. Carter, Pearlena Igbokwe, Channing Dungey, Tendo Nagenda, Alana Mayo, Jon M. Chu, Wesley Morris and more.
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
