About the Black Reel Awards
The Black Reel Awards, or the “Bolt”, is an annual American awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF) to recognize the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film industry, as assessed by the Foundation’s voting membership. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially called the Black Reel Award. The awards, first presented in 2000 in Washington, DC, are overseen by FAAAF.
The awards ceremony was initially awarded online during its first two years before the first live show presentation in 2002. The awards have broadcast to radio since 2014. The Black Reel Awards is the oldest cinema-exclusive awards ceremony for African-Americans.
Explore Past Black Reel Awards Winners & Nominees
Discover the rich history of Black excellence in film and television by exploring past winners and nominees of the Black Reel Awards. Since its inception, the Black Reel Awards have recognized and celebrated the outstanding achievements of Black talent in front of and behind the camera.
From groundbreaking performances to visionary storytelling, each year's nominees and winners highlight the best in Black cinema and television. Whether you’re revisiting iconic moments or learning about the trailblazers who have shaped the industry, our archives provide a comprehensive look at the artists, filmmakers, and creatives who continue to elevate Black storytelling.
Browse past Black Reel Awards winners and nominees today and celebrate the legacy of Black cinematic brilliance.