AAFCA honors De Shields, Dirden, Cephas Jones and Wills in New York

The African American Film Critics Association marked its 5th annual Broadway luncheon in Manhattan on Oct. 12, 2026, honoring André De Shields, Brandon J. Dirden, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Cheryl Wills. The event spotlighted theater, broadcasting and representation in New York’s entertainment community.

Why it matters: - AAFCA used its annual Broadway luncheon to recognize artists and media figures shaping theater, television and coverage of the New York stage. - The honors highlighted careers that have helped broaden visibility for Black talent across Broadway, off-Broadway, film, television and journalism.

What happened: - The African American Film Critics Association hosted its 5th Annual Luncheon on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in New York’s Theater District. - AAFCA honored André De Shields, Brandon J. Dirden, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Cheryl Wills as part of its 2026 Broadway class. - Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA founder and president, opened the program with remarks to the honorees. - AAFCA said the luncheon recognized the best of Broadway and the New York theater community.

The details: - Kim Singleton presented the Legacy Award to André De Shields. - De Shields is a Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner with credits across Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, feature films and television. - His stage work includes WARP!, PLAY ON!, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN,’ the original production of THE WIZ and HADESTOWN. - Dana Abercrombie presented the Salute to Excellence Award to Brandon J. Dirden. - Dirden made his Broadway debut in PRELUDE TO A KISS in 2007. - Dirden received a 2026 Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for WAITING FOR GODOT. - Dirden directed Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2026 production of THE IMAGINARY INVALID. - Brandon Collins presented the Beacon Award to Cheryl Wills. - Wills is an Emmy winner, author and journalist with Spectrum News NY1, where she anchors and hosts Focus with Cheryl Wills. - Wills has covered major Broadway productions for NY1 and hosted Broadway talkbacks. - Ty Cole presented the Horizon Award to Jasmine Cephas Jones. - Cephas Jones made her Broadway debut in 2015 in HAMILTON, originating the dual roles of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. - Cephas Jones is the daughter of the late Broadway and stage actor Ron Cephas Jones. - Her work has earned both a Grammy Award and an Emmy Award. - Robertson said AAFCA wanted to recognize passion, dedication, artistry and contributions to theater and entertainment. - Robertson said the honorees’ work challenges established norms, creates opportunities for new voices and helps expand inclusive storytelling. - De Shields said his mission is to discover the “thrones” that people are heir to and quoted James Baldwin on wearing their crowns. - Dirden said he sees honor as recognition of the excellence in his body of work and a reflection of his people. - Wills said Broadway voices must not be drowned out and said she will not allow diversity to die in New York or the U.S. - Cephas Jones was identified as an English actress and singer. - The ceremony has previously honored Broadway figures including James Monroe Iglehart, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, John Douglas Thompson, Wendell Pierce, Kara Young, Debra Martin Chase, Kenny Leon and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. - AAFCA thanked Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment, FINN Partners and Andscape for supporting the event. - The AAFCA Goes to Broadway Award presentation is produced by Shon Fuller and Robertson.

Between the lines: - The luncheon positioned AAFCA as a cultural tastemaker beyond film criticism, with growing influence in theater recognition. - The mix of performers, a director and a journalist suggests AAFCA is tying Broadway honors to a wider idea of representation in media and public storytelling. - Wills’ remarks pointed to a broader defense of diversity and journalism at a moment of pressure on both.

What's next: - AAFCA is expected to continue the Broadway honors as an annual showcase for theater and media leaders. - The organization will likely keep using the event to elevate Black artists, executives and storytellers across New York’s entertainment ecosystem.

The bottom line: - AAFCA’s latest Broadway luncheon doubled as an awards ceremony and a statement about who gets seen, heard and celebrated in theater and journalism.