Black critics do their best to recognize the best in films, but they are almost always films that highlight the Black experience, which is to be expected. As such, American Fiction crushed all others. The strangest selection is Danielle Brooks over Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Brooks has barely been a blip during the precursors while Randolph has crushed the competition. It’s unusual to go the opposite direction, but perhaps they are simply trying to elevate Brooks as a co-contender?

Award Tallies

(6) American Fiction
(1) American Symphony, The Color Purple, Earth Mama, Oppenheimer, Origin, Past Lives, Poor Things, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, A Thousand and One

The Awards

Best Picture

American Fiction

Best Animated Film

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Director

Cord Jefferson – American Fiction

Best Actor

Jeffrey Wright – American Fiction

Best Actress

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Origin

Best Supporting Actor

Sterling K. Brown – American Fiction

Best Supporting Actress

Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple

Best Original Screenplay

Past Lives

Best Adapted Screenplay

American Fiction
Oppenheimer

Best Cinematography

Poor Things

Best Documentary

American Symphony

Rising Star

A.V. Rockwell – A Thousand and One
Tia Nomore – Earth Mama

Best Ensemble

American Fiction

Top Ten

1. American Fiction
2. Oppenheimer
3. The Color Purple
3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
3. Origin
6. Past Lives
7. Poor Things
8. Barbie
9. Maestro
10. Anatomy of a Fall

Pioneer Award

Lisa Cortés

Special Mention

.Colman Domingo

Black Film Critics Circle Data

First Awards: 2011 (13)