The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has announced the recipients of its AAFCA Goes to Broadway Awards, which acknowledge “extraordinary contributions of artists and visionaries who continue to shape Broadway.” Kara Young, Kecia Lewis, Brian Anthony Moreland and Linda Stewart will be honored at the organization’s fourth annual awards luncheon on Oct. 13 at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in midtown Manhattan.
Young will be honored with the Spotlight Award. Young is a two-time Tony Award winner, having taken home back-to-back statues for her featured turns in “Purlie Victorious” in 2024 and “Purpose” in 2025. Young is the only Black performer to win consecutive Tony Awards for performance.
The Beacon Award will go to Lewis, who, following a four-decade career on the Main Stem, took home a 2024 Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
Moreland will receive the Producer Award. Moreland has received four Tony nominations for his work shepherding “The Piano Lesson,” “American Buffalo,” “The Sound Inside” and “Sea Wall/A Life.” Moreland’s other producing credits include “Othello,” “The Wiz” and the upcoming revival of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.”
Finally, Stewart will be cited with the Salute to Excellence Award. Stewart has spearheaded marketing and press outreach for a slew of Broadway productions, including “After Midnight,” “The Color Purple,” “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Clyde’s,” “Topdog/Underdog” and “Fat Ham.”
“Each of this year’s honorees represents a different but vital force on Broadway,” said AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson IV in a statement. “From Kara Young’s powerful performances to Brian Moreland’s groundbreaking productions, Kecia Lewis’ inspiring artistry and Linda Stewart’s strategic brilliance behind the scenes, their collective influence ensures that Broadway continues to thrive as a home for diverse voices and storytelling.”
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the world’s largest group of Black film critics.
