I have to be honest.
Things feel really bad right now.
… We create in spite of.
Colman Domingo onstage Wednesday at the African American Film Critics Association AwardsKevin Winter/Getty Images
We love to tell our stories in spite of.
We excel in spite of, and tonight we celebrate with each other in spite of.
For me, [its been] 34 years.
Amber Ruffin on WednesdayKevin Winter/ Getty Images
I want to be love on every set.
I want to empower my fellow actors to play with joy and respect.
I want to build rooms that are equitable for everyone.
I want to bring the light in all these dark places.
Were in these rooms for 14 to 16 hours a day, away from our family.
So why not make it the most joyful and most loving?
I invite you all to do that because I know thats what I was invited to be withSing Sing.
Especially my brother, Clarence Maclin.
Theres a bit of light and darkness that we have.
If they can do it, imagine what we can do.
We know too many Black girls stories are untold.
This business is not easy.
And oftentimes, it can be quite unkind.
My journey in it has been auspicious, to say the least, Fisher said.
And I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years.
Other honorees recognized included FishersPiano Lessoncolleagues Malcolm Washington for Emerging Director andDanielle Deadwylerfor Best Supporting Actress.
