The African-American Film Critics Association has awarded Straight Outta Compton as the Best Picture of 2015.
The biopic of the hip hop rap group N.W.A. emerged as a box office success this summer and has made waves through Hollywood for its raw and invigorating storytelling.
‘Straight Outta Compton’ Makes History as Highest Grossing Black-Directed Film Ever
AAFCA members voted in overwhelming numbers to acknowledge the film as it reflected “the revolutionary undercurrent running through society” by dominating movie screens, box office numbers, and viewers alike said a statement from the organization.
Along with the Best Picture win, Straight Outta Compton received accolades for Best Ensemble and awarded newcomer Jason Mitchell as Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of N.W.A. founder, Eric “Eazy E” Wright.
In addition to the SOC cast, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan received honors for Creed. Will Smith and Teyonah Parris were also recognized for their Hollywood work this year.
Director Ryan Coogler Delivers Another Knockout with ‘Creed’
Coogler earned Best Director for the Rocky revival film and Jordan was awarded Breakout Performance.
Top acting honors were given to Smith and Parris for their roles in Concussion and Chi-raq respectively.
The AAFCA was founded in 2003 to “honor excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the Black experience and those produced written, directed and starring performers of African descent.”