Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered at the prestigious ABFF Honors on Monday, Feb. 17, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., to celebrate Black excellence in film and television. Among the evening’s most electrifying moments was Aaron Pierre’s recognition as the recipient of the Rising Star Award—a testament to his immense talent, charisma, and undeniable heartthrob status.

Pierre, whose commanding presence and smoldering haute looks have captivated audiences worldwide, is best known for his role as Mufasa in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. His career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, propelled by standout performances in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge, The Underground Railroad, and Genius: MLK/X. Receiving this honor solidifies his place among Hollywood’s elite, marking a pivotal moment in his ascent to superstardom.

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2025 ABFF Honors Honorees (L-R) Aaron Pierre, Giancarlo Esposito, Marla Gibbs, Nicole Fridau, Keke Palmer, Aujanue Ellis-Taylor, Jeff Friday. Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/ABFF

In an exclusive interview on the teal carpet during ABFF Honors, Pierre reflected on the significance of the honor and the power of Black excellence. “I think we’re all Black and excellent, and I think we should all continue to feel that and stand in our power,” he shared.

His humility and gratitude shone through as he described receiving the Rising Star Award during the momentous occasion. “It’s a wonderful moment. It’s a wonderful moment to feel seen, to feel appreciated. Those are treasures that are not missed on me—so very grateful. And I’m looking forward to it.”

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One of the most touching highlights of the evening was the presentation of Pierre’s award by none other than Kelvin Harrison Jr., his longtime friend and “brother in love,” who ironically received the same award – presented by Cadillac – the year before. Their bond, which extends beyond the screen, was encapsulated in Pierre’s heartfelt words: “In two words, unshakable and unbreakable. That’s my brother for real.” The moment resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and mutual upliftment in the industry.

As Pierre accepted his award, he remained humble, vulnerable and steadfast.

“First and foremost, I must thank God. Thank you for being present and walking with me as I do my best to navigate this journey and this experience. Thank you for any and all blessings You’ve given to me, yes, even the ones in the moment I didn’t identify as such: the moments where my bank balance was below zero, the moments when I had to sell my belongings for a little cash, the moments when I felt somewhat delusional or questioned if it was accurate to describe my occupation as that of an actor because I was unemployed and the phone was radio silent. It reminded me in those moments in James 1: 3-4, this reads: ‘For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow. For when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.’ Thank you ABFF for this recognition, this loving embrace. To be seen and appreciated are treasures, none of which are lost on me.”

Source: ABFF Honors Founders Jeff Friday and wife Nicole Friday, posing next to Rising Star Honoree Aaron Pierre. Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/ABFF

Beyond his undeniable talent, Pierre’s chiseled features, intense gaze, and effortless charm have solidified his status as a Hollywood heartthrob. His magnetic presence commands attention, making him one of the most sought-after leading men of his generation. Whether on-screen or gracing the red carpet, Pierre exudes a rare blend of sophistication, strength, and vulnerability—qualities that continue to endear him to audiences worldwide.

As Pierre embarks on the next chapter of his career, his star power shows no signs of dimming. With a growing repertoire of critically acclaimed performances and a natural allure that captivates fans, he is set to become one of the defining talents of his era. For Pierre, the Rising Star Award is not just a recognition of his past achievements but a shining light illuminating his limitless potential ahead.

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