History
The Black Reel Awards annually spotlights the best African-American performances in theatrical, independent and television films. Founded in 2000 under the leadership of Tim Gordon and Sabrina McNeal and based in the Nation’s Capital, The Black Reel Awards were created to annually honor African-Americans in the medium of film.
Originally conceived as a vehicle to recognize African-American achievement in Hollywood, the awards have been expanded to include cinematic achievement on the small screen as well as the independent filmmaking community.
During its first two years (2000-2001), The Black Reel Awards were presented online on film website, Reel Images Magazine. The show has been held at several sites in Washington, DC with the most recent ceremonies broadcast online on Blog Talk Radio.
In April 2004, The Foundation for Advancement of African-Americans in Film (The Foundation) was created to provide educational opportunities to the next generation of studio executives through its two member programs, Reel Kids and the Producer’s Institute. It is the desire of the Foundation that our programs will help train the studio executives and filmmakers that will continue to shape the images of people of color well into the 21st century.
The Black Reel Awards are annually held in February to provide an additional opportunity to spotlight African-American film achievement during the industry’s busiest and most profitable season. Since 2000, the Black Reel Awards have bestowed over 500 nominations and honored over 175 actors, filmmakers and films that continue to celebrate and salute the rich African-American cinematic heritage.
Special honors have been bestowed on Jamie Foxx (Vanguard Award), films City of God and Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (Foreign Film and Foreign Documentary), and special sponsor awards for our inaugural sponsors Chartered Health, Amtrak and Integrated Urban Solutions.
With the assistance of the Foundation and its growing list of corporate partners, The Black Reel Awards continues its mission to ensure that the “reel images” of people of color continues to expand in future generations.
The Black Reel Awards 
Would love to be on your mailing list. ReggieGaskins1@gmail.com
I am doing research about film award systems around the world. I have been having difficulty finding some information about your awards, and would appreciate it if you might be able to assist me. Were awards given for the film year 2008, as I can’t seem to find any reference to them. I notice that Penelope Cruz was nominated one year, does this mean you have expanded your scope? Does the list of voters change every year, and, if so, how are they selected. Also how are the nominees selected? Lastly is there a definitive list of film nominees available throughout the existence of the awards. If you coul;d assist I would be extremely grateful