Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, a force in Hollywood known for her powerful performances and unwavering dedication to storytelling, was recognized with the Excellence in the Arts Award at the 2025 ABFF Honors. Held on Feb. 17 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, the honor celebrated her dynamic career and the impact she has made on Black storytelling in film and television.

With a career spanning decades, Ellis-Taylor has brought depth, nuance, and authenticity to every role she has taken on. From her riveting performance as Oracene Price in King Richard, which earned her an Academy Award nomination, to her recent role in The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, she continues to captivate audiences with her immense talent. Her ability to embody complex characters with raw emotion has set her apart, making her a true artist in every sense of the word.

A Mississippi native, Ellis-Taylor has long been an advocate for telling stories that reflect the richness and struggles of Black life. Her performances are more than just acting; they are a form of activism, pushing for narratives that honor Black experiences with truth and dignity. Whether portraying real-life icons or fictional heroines, she brings an intensity that resonates with audiences worldwide.

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Source: Giancarlo Esposito, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jeff Friday, Marla Gibbs, Nicole Friday (Photo from ABFF Honors, held on February 17, 2025 in Beverly Hills, CA. (Photo by Aaron Thornton) / other

Receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award places Ellis-Taylor in the company of industry greats who have dedicated their careers to elevating Black storytelling. Sharing the night with fellow honorees like Marla Gibbs, Giancarlo Esposito, Keke Palmer, and Aaron Pierre, she stood among legends and rising stars alike.

MadameNoire had the opportunity to briefly speak with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor on the teal carpet before the ceremony, where she reflected on the significance of the night and the icons who have influenced her career. Here’s what she had to say:

MadameNoire: ABFF Honors Black Excellence. We’re talking about Black excellence tonight. You are being honored for your contribution towards “Excellence In The Arts.” What does it mean to you to be honored tonight?

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: I’m happy to be here among icons—Ms. Marla Gibbs, Giancarlo Esposito—people who showed me how to do it before I even knew I wanted to do it. Keke Palmer, who little is known about this, but she really boosted my career in a way that had not happened before. So, I’m very happy to be here.

Source: Kelvin Bulluck / Kelvin Bulluck

What does it mean to you to be Black and excellent?

I think it’s redundant, actually—Black excellence.

The Escalade IQ is on display outside the venue. What’s the first word that comes to mind when you see the Escalade IQ?

I think about my uncle, Junior, who had a Cadillac back in the day, and I thought it was the ultimate luxury.

Women’s History Month is upon us. Who would you like to thank for their contributions?

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Fannie Lou Hamer.

Ellis-Taylor’s words, like her performances, were thoughtful and deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Her recognition at ABFF Honors 2025 is a well-deserved tribute to an artist who has dedicated her career to excellence, representation, and the power of storytelling.

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