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December 2004

African American Film Critics Association Announcement

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African American Film Critics Association Announcement
AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION
SELECT "RAY" AS THE TOP FILM OF 2004
Jamie Foxx Honored With Special Achievement Award

Los Angeles, CA - (December 28, 2004) - The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) released its Top 10 Films of 2004, today. The Taylor Hackford-directed Ray Charles biopic "Ray" was chosen as the Number One film of the year, by the organization, which is comprised of film critics and journalists who cover the movie industry.

"The story of Ray Charles and the challenges he went through to be successful in life is a universal story that inspires many," said AAFCA Vice President Wilson Morales. "The performances given by Jamie Foxx and the entire cast are extraordinary. Taylor Hackford has taken a lifelong dream and made it into a reality."

Other films on the list run the gamut of the best films of 2004. Major Hollywood studio films such as the Martin Scorsese-helmed epic "Aviator" and Rodney Evans's independent art-house flick "Brother to Brother" are also included in this year's list.

"The films selected this year boldly reflect a cross-section of perspectives that captures the essence of humanity," said AAFCA President Gil Robertson, IV. "2004 was another ground-breaking year for African American talent as seen by the impressive performances given by Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle and Jamie Foxx in the films that are included on our list.'

The Association has also announced the recipient of its "Achievement Honor" to the filmmaker who made the biggest impact in 2004. Jamie Foxx, who stars as the legendary Ray Charles in "Ray," is honored by the organization this year. Mr. Foxx starred in "Collateral" alongside Tom Cruise and Jada Pinkett-Smith earlier this summer, and also portrayed a Nobel Peace Prize winning former gang-leader in the made for TV movie "Redemption: The Stan 'Tookie' Williams Story" in February.

"Clearly all of his work this year showcases Mr. Foxx's amazing gifts as a performer," continues Mr. Robertson, IV. "2004 was an amazing year for African descended performers with the stories that were brought to the big screen. In 2005, AAFCA looks forward to Hollywood continuing to move in this direction."

The complete list of AAFCA's Top Ten Films of 2004 follows.
1. "Ray" (Universal)
2. "Hotel Rwanda" (United Artists)
3. "Finding Neverland" (Miramax)
4. "Aviator" (Miramax)
5. "Sideways" (Fox Searchlight)
6. "Baadasssss!" (Sony Picture Classics)
7. "Brother to Brother" (Wolfe Video)
8. "Woman Thou Art Loosed" (Magnolia Films)
9. "Million Dollar Baby" (Warner Bros.)
10. "Collateral" (Dreamworks)

ABOUT AAFCA The African American Film Critics Association holds the distinction of being the only organization developed by and catering to the needs of African American media professionals who critique movies and cover the film industry. Founded in 2003, AAFCA's board members represent a geographically diverse cross section of media covering the cinematic arts. The group has a two-fold purpose. The organization will honor excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to the black communities, while emphasizing films about the black experience, and those produced, written, directed and starring people of color. The association will actively review the quality and standards of black talent, content and media coverage. AAFCA will also support the development of future black film critics and filmmakers.

AAFCA is based in Los Angeles and facilitated by the founding board.

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Contact:
African American Film Critics Association/AAFCA
1335 North La Brea
# 2146
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323- 969- 4804
info@aafca.com

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