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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ava DuVernay/Ellene Miles The DuVernay Agency 818.980.0770
LANGELLA, JOLIE, LEDGER,DAVIS AND “THE DARK KNIGHT”TOP THE 2008 AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Melvin Van Pebbles Recognized With Special Achievement Honors Los Angeles, CA (December 19, 2008) – The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “The Dark Knight” as the Best Picture of 2008. Directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan, the Warner Bros. Pictures release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation. Frank Langella was selected as Best Actor 2008 for “Frost/Nixon.” Angelina Jolie earned AAFCA recognition as Best Actress 2008 for “The Changeling.” “Although our organization gives specific consideration to work by artists of African descent, the performances of Mr. Langella and Ms. Jolie are undeniably transcendent and deserving of our recognition,” remarked AAFCA outgoing President Gil Robertson, who will assume the role of East Coast Vice President in 2009. In addition to Best Picture, “The Dark Knight” was recognized with Best Supporting Actor honors for Heath Ledger. Viola Davis earned Best Supporting Actress recognition for her riveting performance in “Doubt.” Danny Boyle was named Best Director for “Slumdog Millionaire.” AAFCA bestowed its Special Achievement Award to director Melvin Van Pebbles, whose seminal film “Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song” is a foundation of the African-American independent cinema aesthetic. “Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mr. Van Pebbles has earned a hard-fought reputation for pushing the bar creatively and socially,” observed Robertson. “We salute his legacy with this year’s Special Achievement Award.” Other films in the organization’s Top Ten include “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Miracle at St. Anna.” “From independent to commercial films, our selections for 2008 represents a diversity of themes and cultures that are intriguing and worth exploring,” stated incoming AAFCA President Wilson Morales, who serves as the editor of Blackfilm.com and a columnist for AOL Black Voices. A complete list follows.
AAFCA's Top Ten Films of 2008:
 1.The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)  2. Slumdog Millionaire(Fox Searchlight)  3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount)  4. Cadillac Records (Tristar)  4.The Secret Life of Bees(Fox Searchlight)  6. Miracle at St. Anna (Touchstone)  7. Milk (Focus Features)  8. Seven Pounds (Columbia Pictures)  9.Doubt(Miramax)  10. Iron Man (Paramount)  Best Director: Danny Boyle for "Slumdog Millionaire"  Best Actor: Frank Langella for his performance in "Frost/Nixon"  Best Actress: Angelina Jolie for her performance in "The Changeling"  Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger for his performance in "The Dark Knight"  Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis for her performance in "Doubt"   Best Documentary (tie): "Trouble the Water and I.O.U.S.A"
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