Black Stars Who Slayed the Red Carpet at ABFF Honors 2025: Aaron Pierre, Keke Palmer and Others

Our favorite Black celebs took over the teal carpet with immaculate looks. Let’s take a look!

Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

The 2025 American Black Film Festival Honors celebrated the best and brightest in Black cinema on Monday and a handful of our favorite stars were there to commemorate the momentous occasion.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Ayo Edebiri, ‘OPUS’ Cast on Staying Sane in Hollywood and the Film’s Ambiguous Ending

Some of those famous faces included “Mufasa” star Aaron Pierre, “Nickel Boys” star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, “One of Those Days” star Keke Palmer, “Captain America” star Giancarlo Esposito, Ava DuVernay and more.

But aside from the moving speeches and well-deserved awards, one of the highlights of the night was undoubtedly the red carpet that was home to a handful of gorgeous gowns and stunning suits and ties. And because we know you all like to indulge in all the fabulous fashions like we do, keep reading to see some of out favorite looks!

Aaron Pierre

Aaron Pierre attends the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

“Rising Star” recipient Aaron Pierre that’s Mufasa kept things cool in a silver ensemble for the event.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

“One of Them Days” star and “Renaissance Award” recipient Keke Palmer strutted her stuff in Balmain on the teal carpet.

Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

“227″ legend and “Hollywood Legacy” recipient Marla Gibbs brought the royal vibes to the function in her sparkly purple overcoat.

Anthony Mackie and Giancarlo Esposito

Anthony Mackie, left and Giancarlo Esposito at the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors held at the SLS Hotel on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/Variety

“Captain America: Brave New World” stars Anthony Mackie (left) and “Excellence in the Arts” recipient Giancarlo Esposito looked dapper as they stopped for photographs on the teal carpet.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

A plunging neckline and a thigh-high split made Tika Sumpter’s all black look elevate that much more.

Bresha Webb

Bresha Webb attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

“Run the World” star Bresha Web shut the carpet down with her sequined red ensemble.

Salli Richardson Whitfield

Salli Richardson Whitfield attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Much like Bresha Webb, Salli Richardson Whitfield stunned in red and brought the heat to the carpet.

Lance and Rebecca Gross

Lance Gross and Rebecca Gross attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Lance and Rebecca Gross served major #couplegoals vibes with their brown and orange fits, respectively.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Yvette Nicole Brown brought the fabulous florals in winter time to the ABFF carpet.

LisaRaye McCoy

LisaRaye McCoy attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

LisaRaye McCoy sparkled on the teal carpet in a silver/periwinkle look.

Diarra Kilpatrick

Diarra Kilpatrick attends the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

“Diarra From Detroit” creator Diarra Kilpatrick kept it simple with a black dress with an off-the-shoulder moment.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

“Nickel Boys” star and “Excellence in the Arts” recipient Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor shined in her a classic suit and tie fit.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine attends 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Kayla Oaddams/WireImage

Icon Loretta Devine brought silver vibes to the function with her sequined ensemble.

Boots Riley

Boots Riley at the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors held at the SLS Hotel on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/Variety

“I’m a Virgo” director Boots Riley showed up and made a statement on the teal carpet in a multi-colored plaid suit.

Quin Walters

Quin Walters attends the 7th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

The “Madea’s Family Funeral” star stunned in a sparkly black grown and matching strappy heels.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Inside Mariah Carey's Expensive Real Estate Portfolio

Inside Mariah Carey’s Expensive Real Estate Portfolio

Ever wondered where Mariah “Queen of Christmas” Carey unwinds after a busy holiday season? Take a peek inside the many homes she’s owned over the years …
The Most Shocking Black Celeb Deaths of 2025

The Most Shocking Black Celeb Deaths of 2025

2025 gave us more than a handful of losses this year and a lot of our favorite celebs sadly didn’t make it. Let’s take a look back in remembrance …
Why A Black Woman's Vulnerable Story About 'Being Seen' Resonates With More Than A Million People

Why A Black Woman’s Vulnerable Story About ‘Being Seen’ Resonates With More Than A Million People

TikTok star Black Barbie recounts her parking lot romance, despite being “bald-headed and badly built,” sparking over a million views and heartfelt responses …
21 Savage R. Kelly Sample Sparks Hip-Hop Debate

21 Savage R. Kelly Sample Sparks Hip-Hop Debate

21 Savage’s latest album has got people talking! But one song in particular has some fans trying to figure out how they feel about it. Let’s get into it! …
What You Need to Know about Sherrone Moore

What You Need to Know about Sherrone Moore

Think you know everything about Sherrone Moore? Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about University of Michigan’s embattled Head Coach …
Is The Color Purple' a Black Film? Let's Debate!

Is The Color Purple’ a Black Film? Let’s Debate!

This year marks 40 years since the “The Color Purple” hit theaters. Two writers from “The Root” debate whether you can call the Oscar-nominated picture a “Black film.” …
White Professor Accuses HBCU President of Discrimination, but Then This Happened

White Professor Accuses HBCU President of Discrimination, but Then This Happened

After a white professor accused UMES’ Black president of wrongful termination, President Heidi Anderson hit back with a lawsuit of her own …
Why Rob Reiner's Death Devastates Black America

Why Rob Reiner’s Death Devastates Black America

Acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner was a passionate political activist and advocate for progressive causes …
Black Georgia U.S. Army Vet and 50-Year U.S. Resident Facing Deportation For This Wild Reason

Black Georgia U.S. Army Vet and 50-Year U.S. Resident Facing Deportation For This Wild Reason

As ICE enforcement ramps up, U.S. veteran Godfrey Wade faces deportation despite decades of service, family ties, and a clean record …
Man Who Sprayed Hospital Staffers' Eyes With HIV-Positive Blood Learns His Fate

Man Who Sprayed Hospital Staffers’ Eyes With HIV-Positive Blood Learns His Fate

Kameron Gilchrist plead guilty to using his HIV-positive blood as a “deadly weapon” against two hospital staffers. Now, he just learned his fate …
Kimora Lee Simmons Blasting Ex-husband Russell Simmons

Kimora Lee Simmons Blasting Ex-husband Russell Simmons

After getting wind of an interview, Russell Simmons immediately went on the defense. But Kimora isn’t backing down, in fact she’s doubling down! Let’s get into it! …
The Story of This Black Florida Chef Saving the Life Of His Longtime Customer Will Have You in Tears!

The Story of This Black Florida Chef Saving the Life Of His Longtime Customer Will Have You in Tears!

A Florida chef’s quick thinking helped saved the life of one of his restaurant’s loyal customers …
Michelle Obama Explains Her Eerie Connection to the Late Rob Reiner

Michelle Obama Explains Her Eerie Connection to the Late Rob Reiner

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking out about Rob Reiner and she’s making it clear, she’s not with Trump or his latest antics …
Director of Diddy Netflix Doc Talks to Stephen Smith on Threats to Sue Her

Director of Diddy Netflix Doc Talks to Stephen Smith on Threats to Sue Her

“Sean Combs: The Reckoning” director Alexandria Stapleton speaks out about a possible lawsuit from Combs’ legal team …
Nicki Minaj's Beef with Gov. Gavin Newsom Takes a Petty, Hilarious Turn

Nicki Minaj’s Beef with Gov. Gavin Newsom Takes a Petty, Hilarious Turn

While Gavin Newsom has been busy trolling President Trump online, it seems Nicki Minaj has some personal beef to settle with the Democrat …
Mathew Knowles Says There's Only One Reason Why He's Been Overlooked in the Music Industry

Mathew Knowles Says There’s Only One Reason Why He’s Been Overlooked in the Music Industry

Mathew Knowles played a pivotal role is positioning the careers of Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child for success. But he hasn’t been given his just due and now, he’s speaking on it! …
Inside the Explosive Delineation Debate Picking Apart Black Folk's Identity, History, and Who 'Belongs' 

Inside the Explosive Delineation Debate Picking Apart Black Folk’s Identity, History, and Who ‘Belongs’ 

From ancestry and reparations to defining identity, the delineation movement is sparking conversations, and controversy, across Black America …
Why Teyana Taylor's Latest Role Has Folks Comparing Her to Halle Berry in 'Monster's Ball'

Why Teyana Taylor’s Latest Role Has Folks Comparing Her to Halle Berry in ‘Monster’s Ball’

Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ is sparking some serious conversations and it involves Halle Berry and broader representations of Black women …
Chicago-Area Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults Wheelchair-Bound Woman on Train, But it Gets Worse...

Chicago-Area Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults Wheelchair-Bound Woman on Train, But it Gets Worse…

Rasheed Griffin, of Calumet City, is accused of sexually assaulting a wheelchair-bound woman on the CTA. Then did the unthinkable in court …
How 'Owning Manhattan' Has Everyone Talking About Black Women's Struggle in Corporate America

How ‘Owning Manhattan’ Has Everyone Talking About Black Women’s Struggle in Corporate America

The newest season of ‘Owning Manhattan’ has Black women calling out the rough landscape of working in corporate America and the things they have to deal with! …