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
Inside Lenny Kravitz’s Jaw-Dropping Paris Mansion

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

The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

The Heartbreaking Struggles of Tiger Woods From Billion Dollar Icon to the Disastrous Crashes That Nearly Stole His Life

From jaw-dropping scandals to headline-grabbing mishaps, we’re unpacking the wild story of Tiger Woods’ tumultuous superstardom in the public eye …
The Tragedy and Triumphs of The Braxton Sisters Over the Years

The Tragedy and Triumphs of The Braxton Sisters Over the Years

In honor of what would’ve been Traci Braxton’s 55th birthday, let’s take a look at the Braxton sisters’ interesting history of success and hardships! …
Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Twitter is buzzing with comments about President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi …
New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

Led by Dr. Sonya Reid, a Black physician, a new study shows how DNA-based tumor analysis can help close the survival gap for Black women with aggressive breast cancer …
Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman's Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman’s Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

No standing. No cutting. No problem! Meet the Black content creator who creates disability-friendly recipes that’s taking the internet by storm …
WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

Rapper 2 Chainz’s regular commute included a wild confrontation with a driver who tried ramming his car— and it was all caught on camera …
Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good is finally clearing the air and addressing the criticisms she’s received over past skin bleaching claims …
Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

Florida Vice Mayor Found Dead Inside Home as Police Investigate Husband for the Crime

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of first Black and Haitian American female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

After Tyler Perry Attempts to Pay TSA Works Himself, DHS Finally Steps In

To help ease financial pain on TSA amid the government shutdown, billionaire Tyler Perry stepped in… and then, this happened …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the 'Tradwife' Life is Not for Her

The Shocking Reason Why Leslie Jones Says the ‘Tradwife’ Life is Not for Her

Leslie Jones may be single, but that doesn’t mean she’s rushing to walk down the aisle anytime soon. Now, she’s sharing the surprising and hilarious reason why …
Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Chess, Not Checkers: The Calculated Brilliance of Cardi B’s Corporate Takeover

Cardi B admitted many folks assume she’s an “airhead,” however, she’s using the misconception to her advantage. It’s time we stop underestimating her …
10 Years After Tulsa Police Killed Unarmed Black Man, His Family Is 1 Step Closer to Justice

10 Years After Tulsa Police Killed Unarmed Black Man, His Family Is 1 Step Closer to Justice

Nearly 10 years have passed since Terence Crutcher was shot and killed by Tulsa police. Now, his family is finally getting a taste of justice …
Son Steals from a Popular Food Truck and Then Black Mom Makes This Viral Gesture

Son Steals from a Popular Food Truck and Then Black Mom Makes This Viral Gesture

Musa, a food truck vendor, was shocked when the mother of the young Black man who stole money from his tip jar later came to repay the stolen amount …
Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Who Is Victor Glover, the Black Astronaut NASA Is Sending to the Moon

Victor Glover will be the first Black American astronaut to reach the moon… And he’s the pilot! …
Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

Regina Hall Explains Why She Almost Became A Nun In Her 40s

‘Scary Movie’ star Regina Hall is opening up about a particularly interesting time in her life and what led to her almost becoming a nun! …
Why Black Folks Should Participate in the Black Census Project

Why Black Folks Should Participate in the Black Census Project

With four years until the national census, leaders are urging Black folks to make their voices heard after the third launch of the Black Census Project …
Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

Will We Ever See Another Black NBA MVP?

The shift isn’t about skill. It’s about how the game is being taught …
Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Says She Had a Relationship With a Boyz II Men Star When She was 16

Brandy Norwood is finally opening up about the relationship she shared with Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris. And the details are as eye-opening as you’d expect! …
White Influencer's Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model's Photo

White Influencer’s Bizarre Defense After She Was Caught Editing Her Face on Black Model’s Photo

You’ll never guess what Lauren Blake Boultier, a white influencer, blamed after she allegedly stole a Black model’s photo in a bizarre Photoshop fail …