LOS ANGELES — “The Harder They Fall” and “King Richard” topped the African American Film Critics Association Awards, the group announced Monday.
The Netflix Western “The Harder They Fall” collected four awards, including picture and director (for Jeymes Samuel, who also co-wrote and co-produced). Samuel picked up another laurel, for music, along with collaborators Kid Cudi and Jay-Z. The film’s actors, including Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King and Zazie Beetz, also enjoyed the ensemble prize.
“King Richard” matched “Harder” shot for shot with four awards. Will Smith, considered a top contender in the lead actor category at this year’s Oscars, won for his memorable performance as the father of two of the greatest tennis players of all time, Venus and Serena Williams. His co-star, Aunjanue Ellis, also a top Oscar contender according to the Los Angeles Times’ BuzzMeter, won the organization’s supporting actress honor. The film also scored the breakout actor prize for Saniyya Sidney as nascent tennis powerhouse Venus Williams and the emerging director award for helmer Reinaldo Marcus Green (“Monsters and Men”).
