Nneka Onuorah: “I am absolutely speechless which is hard to do for a Nigerian”

Nneka Onuorah, the Nigerian American director known for “Black Girls Rock!” received a prize from the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA). Onuorah whose directorial debut “The Same Difference,” examines homophobia within the Black lesbian community, was honored with the Horizon Award at a ceremony held at the historic Roosevelt Hotel in the heart of Hollywood.

The prolific director who was born and raised in New York, has made it her mission to use the lens not just to entertain, but inform with projects that include the Netflix prison documentary “First and Last,” and the Emmy award winning series “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” an eight-episode show which follows a group of aspiring plus-size dancers.

“This award has truly touched me and I am absolutely speechless which is hard to do for a Nigerian,” she joked onstage as she received the accolade. “I just have to thank God because that’s the reason I am here. God’s spirit and my ancestors have led me here. It’s a vision that was placed in my heart since I was little. This isn’t work for me, it’s an act of service. It’s a part of God’s mission. Self-love is the key to freedom. I thank God for crystal clear vision on that.”

Onuorah also thanked her father, who she said immigrated from Nigeria four decades ago and acknowledged her mother, who passed away in June.

“She always taught me that there is no such thing as can’t.  Thank you, mommy, for your strength and relentless confidence in me and my career is forever a eulogy to you. I am continuously on a mission to empower our community.”

Onuorah recently directed the Prime Video project, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words” which spotlights the superstar rapper’s rise to fame.

AAFCA, the largest organization of Black film critics in the world,  also presented accolades to several worthy individuals that included Ayo Davis, Skye P. Marshall and Kathy Bates.

Davis, the President of Disney Branded Television, was honored with the Salute to Excellence Award. From “Bluey” to Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” she oversees kids’ content for Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney Jr. and YouTube.

Check out images from the red carpet below:

“Matlock” star Skye P. Marshall received a Breakout Star award and thanked co-star Kathy Bates, who received the Best TV Performer prize, for giving her the opportunity.

“Showing up to work with you every day has been a masterclass. It’s been my formal training. You decided that I was going to be Olympia Lawrence when you had no idea who I was.  You are exquisite and I will forever be grateful to you for changing my life,”  Marshall shared onstage.

The Netflix series “Forever” earned writer and director Mara Brock Akil, the creator of the beloved 2000s sitcom “Girlfriends,” accolades for Best New Show and Best TV Writing and a much deserving Legacy Award.

The cast of “Bel-Air” received Best TV Ensemble and directors Shola Lynch and Reggie Hudlin received a Best Documentary nod for their series “Number One on the Call Sheet” about the history of Black Hollywood.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa. Photo Credit: Sheri Determan / for AAFCA