Tanisha LaVerne Grant interviews David Oyelowo, Winner of Best Actor Award at AAFCA Awards

"I have to thank my African -American sister (Ava Duvernay) who told me that I could play the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when I didn't believe I could do it," said actor David Oyelowo in his acceptance speech as "Best Actor "for the critically acclaimed film SELMA "And my African-American Mother (Oprah Winfrey)....who after a day of shooting told me to get off the phone and go to bed. There is so much LOVE here." David Oyelowo who has established himself as one of most sought after actors in Hollywood was recognized by the AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION in an awards ceremony held on February 4, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Celebrities and executives across the entertainment industry spectrum of film, television and new media converged at the Taglvan Complex in Hollywood for the 6th Annual African American Critics Association (AFFCA) Awards Ceremony.  Celebrating the best in directing, screenwriting, acting and producing. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania alum Tanisha LaVerne Grant was on the red carpet and chatted with actor David Oyelowo about portraying the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

AAFCA presenters and honorees in attendance included producer 
Stephanie Allain, receiving the Legacy Award; producer Debra Martin Chase, accepting the Ashley Boone Award; Chadwick Boseman, accepted the Best Ensemble award on behalf of the cast of Get On Up; J.K. Simmons, who accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash;  presenter 
Khandi Alexander of Scandal; presenter Mike Epps of Survivor's Remorse;
David Oyelowo winner of Best Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance in Selma; Tessa Thompson winning the Best Breakout Star in Dear White People and Effie Brown who was honored with the Best Independence Award for Producing Dear White People.  Additional honorees and attendees included Roger Ebert award recipient Susan King (LA Times), Best Screenplay winner Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights), and husband writer Reggie Rock Bythewood; honoree and presenter Chaz Ebert; producer/director Will Packer; actor Dondre Whitfield; presenter Edwina Findley; actor Andre Royo; Disney Channel's Gary Marsh; actor/comedian Bill Bellamy; presenter Wendy Raquel Robinson; and directors Julie Dash and Neema Barnette among others

"We are so pleased that people have come away from watching Selma in tears,"said Oprah Winfrey in her triumphant acceptance speech for the film's Best Film win. "We're honored to receive this award from AAFCA. We won best picture!"
The Awards ceremony, produced by Gil Robertson, AFFCA Co-Founder, was expertly guided by host Nischelle Turner of Entertainment Tonight, and opened up with a rousing musical performance from Salli Richardson Whitfield from her upcoming project on screen and stage legend Lena Horne.  The night was the culmination of the Association's weekend of events including a private invitation-only dinner and a business panel that stands as the premiere acknowledgement of the African-Americans contribution to this year's American cinema.

ABOUT 
AFRICAN- AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION 
(AAFCA)

The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) actively reviews cinema at-large, with a particular emphasis on films which include the Black experience. The organization creates a platform for movies with universal appeal to the African-American community, while highlighting films produced, written, directed and starring, persons from the African Diaspora. Our members are also involved in our advocacy work that includes programming for students interested in film criticism and journalism.