Ryan Coogler, Dwayne Johnson, and Angela Bassett Honored at ABFF Awards

The American Black Film Festival celebrated diverse storytelling and industry trailblazers.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors celebrated the achievements of filmmaker Ryan Coogler, actor Dwayne Johnson, and actress Angela Bassett at its annual awards ceremony. Coogler, who had his short film 'Fig' selected for the ABFF and HBO short film competition in 2011, credited the festival with helping launch his career and allowing him to take his 'hot girlfriend' (now wife) Zinzi Coogler on a trip to Miami. The event highlighted the importance of the ABFF in providing opportunities for diverse storytelling and recognizing industry trailblazers.

Why it matters

The ABFF Honors shine a light on the vital role that festivals and awards shows play in uplifting Black voices and perspectives in the entertainment industry. By recognizing the achievements of filmmakers, actors, and other creatives of color, the ABFF helps counter the historical underrepresentation and marginalization of these talents.

The details

At the ABFF Honors ceremony, Ryan Coogler reflected on how the festival's short film competition in 2011 helped launch his career as an aspiring, 'extremely broke' director. The opportunity to have his film 'Fig' showcased on HBO also allowed him to take his future wife Zinzi Coogler on a trip to Miami, where the festival is held annually. In addition to Coogler, the event also honored actors Dwayne Johnson and Angela Bassett for their contributions to the industry.

  • The ABFF Honors ceremony took place on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coogler

An Academy Award-nominated filmmaker who had his short film 'Fig' selected for the ABFF and HBO short film competition in 2011, helping launch his career.

Zinzi Coogler

Ryan Coogler's wife, who he was able to take on a trip to Miami for the ABFF festival in 2011 after his short film was selected.

Dwayne Johnson

An actor who was honored at the ABFF Honors ceremony for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Angela Bassett

An actress who was honored at the ABFF Honors ceremony for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't know that we had a festival like that, that had a relationship with HBO, where your short film could get put on television. And that was what I was after, the opportunity for access. And I didn't know that that prize came with a little cash reward.”

— Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker

The takeaway

The ABFF Honors underscored the importance of festivals and awards shows in providing opportunities and recognition for diverse voices in the entertainment industry, helping to counter historical underrepresentation and marginalization.