The American Black Film Festival wrapped its 2026 edition in Miami Beach on Saturday night. The Best of ABFF Awards ceremony crowned winners across film, television, and short-form storytelling. Walmart sponsored the event. KevOnStage, a New York Times bestselling author and comedian, served as host. Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton then delivered a live performance that brought the evening to a memorable close.
Notably, this year’s festival marks ABFF’s 30th anniversary. That milestone added extra weight to every award handed out on the night.
The big winners
Three Colors: Pan-African claimed the night’s highest honor. It took the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize. In addition, the film earned Bashir Salahuddin a Performance Award. He shared that honor in a tie with Marsai Martin, who won for her work in Girl Dad.
Here is the complete list of 2026 winners. Three Colors: Pan-African won the U.S. Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize. Armani Ortiz received the Directing Award for U.S. Narrative Feature for Otra, sponsored by Ally Financial. Solvan Slick Naim and Lane Williamson won the Screenwriting Award for Girl Dad, sponsored by Amazon MGM. As noted, the Performance Award was shared between Marsai Martin and Bashir Salahuddin. Small Gods claimed the International Narrative Feature Grand Jury Prize. The Comic Shop won the Episodic Series Grand Jury Prize. Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story took the Documentary Feature Grand Jury Prize. Spilled Milk won the HBO Short Film Award, sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO. Finally, Steven Caple Jr. received the ABFF Alumni Award.
A final day full of energy
The closing day of programming opened with an All American panel. Writer and executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll joined the conversation. Stars Daniel Ezra, Taye Diggs, Michael Evans Behling, Greta Onieogou, Bre-Z, and Kareem Grimes also took part. Together, they revisited defining moments from the series. They also looked ahead to the powerful final season now approaching.
Following that, director Tyree Dillihay spoke about his animated debut GOAT. The project took seven and a half years to complete. Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry produced the film. Furthermore, Caleb McLaughlin and Gabrielle Union lead the voice cast.
Next, STARZ offered attendees an exclusive preview of Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5. Stars Mekai Curtis, London Brown, and Patina Miller joined the conversation. They discussed Kanan’s evolution and the escalating family tensions ahead.
Subsequently, the world premiere of Girl Dad took place. Director Solvan Slick Naim and producer Datari Turner joined the panel. Stars Marsai Martin and Michael Rainey Jr. also participated. Meanwhile, T.I. made a special appearance alongside Terrence J. The two screened their new film, Thought She Was The One, for attendees.
Closing the festival in style
Terrence J hosted the Legendary White Party: Legacy Edition to close the festival. T.I. then delivered a surprise performance. As a result, attendees left on an electric high note.
About ABFF
Jeff Friday founded the American Black Film Festival in 1997. Since then, it has grown into one of the most important platforms for Black filmmakers today. Each year, the festival draws more than 7,000 attendees to Miami Beach. Over five days, guests enjoy screenings, panels, networking, and cultural programming. This year’s 30th anniversary edition honored both emerging voices and established industry talent throughout the week.
Source: American Black Film Festival official press release
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