Nicole Beharie, the gifted actress from “American Violet,” has decided to return her award from the African American Film Critics.
She’s sent me this email via her publicist: “I’ve been informed that there was a disagreement over the AAFCA Best Actress Award. Because of the discrepancy, I am returning the award. Gabourey Sidibe is an extraordinary actress in a film that I absolutely loved. I wish her all the best.”
You may recall that on December 22, 2009 I wrote about the controversy within the AAFCA. Members of the group were furious because Gabourey Sidibe, of “Precious,” actually finished first on the majority of the ballots. For reasons that are unclear, the group’s chief, Gil Robertson, instead announced Beharie as the winner.
Apparently Beharie, who was just as much a victim in this as Sidibe, wrestled with this information for the last couple of weeks. I am told she simply felt it wasn’t right, and that after asking more questions, decided to return the award.
It’s a weird and sad story. But this is what often happens when these small awards groups go unchecked through their voting processes. I am also told that members of the AAFCA are so angry they are considering ditching Robertson and starting their own group. I wish them well.
Meanwhile, Nicole Beharie, who has many awards in her future, has just gone off to shoot a new movie.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
This is shades of the Golden Globes Foreign Press versus the Satellite Awards International Press Academy. The Golden Globes have walked away the winner in the public relations publicity war, whereas the Satellite Awards are trying to maintain some integrity.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
What a shame that Nicole Beharie had to caught in this mess. Both she and Sidibe are class acts and above this hullabaloo. Gil Robertson should have explain himself in the first place. You were on it, Friedman. Props to you.
January 8th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
I seen two different versions of this story and wonder why Roger hasn’t told both sides of the story. Seems that the line between blogging & journalism can get blurred when credible outlets start sourcing blogs.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Well written. I myself need to get on this matter as things are not looking to bight on my end.
January 9th, 2010 at 7:48 am
AAFCA is dead! There is a new black film critics organization on the horizon. As one of the founders of AAFCA I’m sadden by this news. But as many know, Hollywood loves a come back story!
January 9th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Get at me Roger a have a lot to say! Currently in LA working. I have the time.
January 9th, 2010 at 9:01 am
This girl’s not to bright is she? Why give back an award given by critics who will be reviewing your future movies? Just sit down and shut up and don’t get involves in this mess. Now she’s got damn near 20 critics pissed off at her. Laughing Out Loud. She got some bad advice somewhere.
January 9th, 2010 at 9:06 am
This girl’s not too bright is she? Why give back an award given by critics who’ll be reviewing your future movies? It seems noble in the short run, but in the long run, you’ve got 20 critics pissed at you. I’m sure they were offended to say the least. I’ve never even heard of her film or her before all this. Laughing Out Loud (I had to spell it out). You’re right. This is sad and this Beharie inserted herself and made it sadder for herself. Not too bright, whoever she is.
January 9th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Jenatener — 2/3 of the aafca aren’t even real critics, she offended a bunch of hacks that have no business giving out an award in the first place. some people just would rather not accept an award that’s severely tainted from an organization that’s about to be split anyway.
January 9th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Awards for art of any kind and their associated ceremonies are ridiculous. Who’s to say one person’s performance is better than another’s? It’s entirely subjective and meaningless. Their sole purpose must surely be to stroke the egos of all involved and nothing more. I don’t watch them and I don’t participate in them.
January 9th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Jenatener says: “This girl’s not to bright is she? Why give back an award given by critics who will be reviewing your future movies? Just sit down and shut up and don’t get involved in this mess.”
What an idiot. I mean, why stand up for something you believe in or feel is wrong in this world? That never solves anything.
By the way, I have seen both performances and they are both amazing. These actresses have a beautiful future ahead of them and this will not even be a blip on their career radar.
January 10th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Jenatener, you don’t exactly come off as the brightest either.
January 11th, 2010 at 8:01 am
[...] capo del sindacato dei critici afro-americani (AAFCA). Il problema, come aveva denunciato l’Hollywood Reporter, era che tutti i membri avevano votato la Gabourey Sidibe di Precious. Così Nicole ha restituito [...]
February 17th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
[...] also, while doing some background for this entry, i read that she was recently involved in a bit of a controversy. apparently, her role in “american violet” earned her the AAFCA’s (african-american film critics association) best actress award. but, after hearing about a voting discrepancy (she was given the award despite the fact that “precious” star gabby sidibe actually finished first on the majority of the ballots), she gave back the award (click here for the entire story) [...]
July 18th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Just like her role in American Violet. She did what she believed was right and just! In my eyes this action just exemplifies her character on and off screen.
July 19th, 2010 at 5:55 am
Just like her role in American Violet. She did what she believed was right and just! In my eyes this action just exemplifies her character on and off screen.
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 am
this is a laugh for you from me
Nothing is illegal if one hundred businessmen decide to do it.
August 29th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Can’t wait to see Nicole’s new movie with Ken Duken. I’m syched!!!