(PHOTOS) Jamie Foxx, Lena Waite, Cynthia Ervio Recognized; Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Freeman Present at ABFF Honors

The accomplishments of some of Hollywood’s top black actors were recently highlighted at the 4th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors, which celebrates black entertainers and artists.

Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, this year’s ABFF Honors particularly resonated given the dearth of black actors being nominated at high profile awards shows, including the BAFTAs and Oscars, which had just one nominee: Cynthia Erivo, who was nominated for her role in “Harriet.”

Erivio was recognized at ABFF Honors with the “Rising Star Award.” She was presented the award by Tiffany Haddish.

Academy-Award winning actor Jamie Foxx, received ABFF’s “Excellence in the Arts Award.” The audience was surprised as Foxx’s friend and “Django Unchained” co-star Leonardo DiCaprio made an appearance to present Foxx with his award.

Hosted by Deon Cole, ABFF Honors also recognized Louis Gossett, Jr. with the “Hollywood Legacy Award” and Lena Waithe with the “Industry Renaissance Award” presented by Justin Simien and Melina Matsoukas.

“Just Mercy,” which recently won an NAACP Image Awards, was also recognized as “Movie of the Year” by ABFF the award and was presented by ABFF General Manager, Nicole Friday and special guest Morgan Freeman.

The cast of HBO’s “The Wire” was honored with the “Classic Television Award.” Wendell Pierce and several other of the series’ stars were on hand to accept the award.
See photos from the 4th Annual ABFF Honors below: