Mo'Nique and Ed Gordon Bring Positive Vibe to Black Entertainment Television (BET)

This blog has been very critical of Black Entertainment Television (BET) over the past few years. I rarely watch the cable television network. However, I must admit that BET is making some good moves lately.

First, it is clear that BET made a smart move last year when they gave Mo'Nique her own talk show. Mo'Nique is one of the best-loved female comedians of the new millennium and a role model for plus-sized women everywhere. Her comic talent carried her from the comedy club stage to television, film and beyond. Mo’Nique received surprisingly glowing reviews for her award-worthy work in the drama, “Precious” (2009), a family drama based on the novel by Sapphire. Mo'Nique gave a shout-out to BET during her Oscar acceptance speech.

BET continued to move in a positive direction when they re-hired Award-winning broadcast journalist, Ed Gordon. Gordon, a well seasoned anchor, reporter, interviewer, radio host and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster will join the network for a variety of news programs and specials. Gordon’s return bolsters the news division’s roaster which includes correspondents Jeff Johnson, Andre Showell and April Woodard.

“As BET celebrates its 30th anniversary, it brings me great joy to welcome back one of America’s most prominent news personalities,” said chairman and CEO, Debra Lee. “Ed has always remained part of the BET family and I am sure viewers will share in our excitement to have him back.”

The BET news department recently won two NAACP Images Awards in the categories of Outstanding News / Information Series and Outstanding Variety Series or Special for “The Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States” and “The Michael Jackson Memorial: Celebrating the Life of Michael Jackson.”

I think that more nubians will give BET another chance if they continue to bring on positive talent such as Mo'Nique and Ed Gordan. That's my thought ... what say u?

African American Film Critics Association Selects 'Precious' as Top Film of 2009

Villagers will recall that this blog participated in an interview with Morgan Freeman about his role in 'Invictus'. We are proud to report that Mr. Freeman was selected as Best Actor 2009 for his role in that film!

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) named 'Precious' as the Best Picture of 2009. Directed by Lee Daniels, the Lionsgate release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African American media professionals from across the nation. Founded in 2003, AAFCA announced this year’s honors at its first live event last night in Los Angeles.

Nicole Beharie earned AAFCA recognition as Best Actress 2009 for 'American Violet.' With the first unanimous vote in an acting category in the organization’s history, Mo’Nique was selected Best Supporting Actress for 'Precious.' Anthony Mackie earned Best Supporting Actor recognition for his performance in 'The Hurt Locker.' Lee Daniels was named Best Director for 'Precious,' with a tie for Best Screenplay between Ron Clements, Rob Edwards, John Musker for 'The Princess & The Frog' and Geoffrey Fletcher for 'Precious.'

“In 2009, the film community produced a dazzling array of performances from African-American talent both in front of and behind the camera,” states Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA Co-Founder. “This year’s selections give a strong indication that the film community is becoming more committed to a wider range of stories that entertain and educate.”

AAFCA bestows the Special Achievement Award to Michael Jackson, whose seminal film 'This Is It' captured a lifetime of exemplary creative expression.

The organization’s Top Ten list of film honors includes “Up In The Air,” “The Hurt Locker” and “Good Hair.”

“The films selected for 2009 reflect a fascinating combination of work that both entertains and addresses themes and issues of cultural importance,” remarks AAFCA President, Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com.

The African American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2009 are as follows in order of distinction:

1. Precious
   
2. The Princess and The Frog
   
3. Up In The Air
   
4. The Hurt Locker
   
5. This Is It
   
6. American Violet
   
7. Goodbye Solo
   
8. Medicine for Melancholy
   
9. Good Hair
   
10. Up
    

• Best Actor - Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
  
• Best Actress - Nicole Beharie, “American Violet”
  
• Best Supporting Actress - Mo’Nique, “Precious”
  
• Best Supporting Actor - Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”
  
• Best Director - Lee Daniels, “Precious”
  
• Best Screenplay (tie) - Geoffrey Fletcher, "Precious" and R. Clements, R. Edwards, J. Musker, "The Princess & The Frog"
  
• Special Achievement - Michael Jackson

Villagers, I have to admit that I haven't seen vast majority of the winning films. I plan to add all of them to my Netflix queue. I am grateful that AAFCA honors 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.

Do you think that these 2009 award winners are right? Did AAFCA miss anything?