'The Harder They Fall,' 'King Richard' Top African American Film Critics Association List Of 2021

This year definitely had so many major films grace our screens and the African American Film Critics Association shared their top 10 list of 2021.

President and co-founder of the association, Gil Robertson, shared in the press release that this year's selection of films "speak to history’s importance in informing who we are, as a people and as a community." It came to nobody's surprise that The Harder They Fall came in at no.1 as it has been one of the most talked-about movies this year. One thing about Netflix, they are going to produce blockbuster hits.

“Although our top film 'The Harder They Fall’ from Netflix is a fictionalized Western, it introduced the world to an incredible array of real-life Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped to transform the West, prompting many to discover the prominent role Black people played in that storied chapter of American history that has long been a Hollywood go-to genre," said Robertson. The film is currently up for two Satellite Awards for Best Original Score and Best Sound.

Taking their rightful place at no. 2 and 3 is 'King Richard' and 'Respect,' two biopic films that showed stellar performances from Will Smith and Jennifer Hudson respectively. Earlier this week, Hudson accepted the 'Best Actress award at the Fourth Annual Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television held by the Critics Choice Association. During her celebration speech, she sang the words "Young, Gifted, & Black" and shared how important it is to have ceremonies like this as many people of color around the world are not able to get honored for their contributions.

"There are so many people here and the around the world who do not get the opportunity, so to create a platform for all of us to be seen is everything and it allows us to show the gifts that we have - it's an honor to be apart of this special occasion," she shared. "Let's keep inspiring each other and keep doing this."

“With Richard Williams in ‘King Richard’ and Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect,’ you get an examination of two figures who have left an indelible mark on society and world culture," Robertson explained. Obviously, Mr. Williams, through the cultivation of the talent of his daughters, Venus and Serena, has forever transformed tennis. Their success has become a door-opener by which others can enter a sport that has historically been very close to them,” Robertson continued.

“Obviously not enough can be said about Ms. Aretha Franklin who shaped and transformed the world through her music. These films, along with the rest of AAFCA’s Top 10 films of 2021, celebrate culture, history, and history-makers. AAFCA is thrilled to recognize their contributions to cinema.”

After announcing the top ten films, the films will now be up for consideration in different categories like 'Best Director,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Actress,' amongst others. The organization will reveal winners of the 13th Annual AAFCA Awards honoring outstanding achievement in film in 15 competitive categories on Jan. 17, 2022, followed by an in-person celebration in Los Angeles on March 2. See the full list of the top ten films below.

The full list of AAFCA’S Top 10 Films of 2021:

1. The Harder They Fall
2. King Richard
3. Respect
4. The Tragedy of Macbeth
5. Passing
6. Belfast
7. Who We Are
8. House of Gucci
9. The Power of the Dog
10. West Side Story

To learn more about AAFCA and the award ceremony, click here.