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
Bakari Sellers Names the Most Effective Ways for Black Americans to Organize and Make a Change

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

Best Celeb Looks at The GQ Bowl: The Ultimate Super Bowl Fashion Crossover Event 

Best Celeb Looks at The GQ Bowl: The Ultimate Super Bowl Fashion Crossover Event 

Before the Super Bowl kickoff, our favorite celebrities stepped out for the GQ Bowl and we had to show off their looks …
The Most Unintentionally Cringiest Commercials to Date!

The Most Unintentionally Cringiest Commercials to Date!

In honor of the Super Bowl, known for its hilarious commercials, we gathered the TV ads that had many cringing of second-hand embarrassment! …
Everything to Know About How TrumpRx Will Impact Black Americans

Everything to Know About How TrumpRx Will Impact Black Americans

After rolling back insurance price protections and ending Obamacare subsidies, President Trump is celebrating the launch of TrumpRx. Here’s what you should know …
Wild, Dramatic New Development in The Blind Side's Quinton Aaron Health Journey

Wild, Dramatic New Development in The Blind Side’s Quinton Aaron Health Journey

Quinton Aaron is still fighting for his life after suffering a spinal stroke, but now it looks like there’s even more drama brewing while he’s doing so! …
Major New Development After Pipe-Burst Flooding At Howard University

Major New Development After Pipe-Burst Flooding At Howard University

Howard University has announced the reopening of a dining hall following major flooding caught on camera …
Professor: How Bad Bunny Became Famous By Gentrifying Black Music

Professor: How Bad Bunny Became Famous By Gentrifying Black Music

OPINION: Go ahead and tweet about representation while the NFL sells you a sanitized remix of a Black sound. It’s heartwarming to watch Afro-Latinx pioneers get sidelined while Benito takes a victory lap on the track they paved …
The Spiciest, Shadiest Lyrics From J. Cole's New Album 'The Fall Off'

The Spiciest, Shadiest Lyrics From J. Cole’s New Album ‘The Fall Off’

J. Cole’s “The Fall Off” is packed with jabs, call-outs and accountability. Here are some of the highlights from the highly anticipated album …
Why Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Moment Is a Win for Black People Everywhere

Why Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Moment Is a Win for Black People Everywhere

Vibe Check’s hosts Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones Discuss Bad Bunny’s trajectory, from bagging groceries in Puerto Rico to becoming the most-streamed artist of last year.  …
Exclusive: How KevOnStage And Tony Baker's Friendship Launched The Best Duo In Black Comedy

Exclusive: How KevOnStage And Tony Baker’s Friendship Launched The Best Duo In Black Comedy

KevOnStage tells The Root all about the dynamic duo’s latest series, “Bald Brothers: A Freestyle Comedy Show” with Tony Baker, currently airing on Tubi …
Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Rapper Lil Jon Speaks Out After Missing Son Is Found Dead

Lil Jon is facing an unfathomable loss in his family and now he’s sharing his devastation with his fans …
You'll Never Guess What J. Cole's Net Worth Really Is?

You’ll Never Guess What J. Cole’s Net Worth Really Is?

After J. Cole dropped what’s expected to be his last studio album, we’re looking at the insane net worth he’s gained over the years …
A$AP Rocky's Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

A$AP Rocky’s Interaction With Kids in a Harlem Classroom Might Just Surprise You

Rapper A$AP Rocky is flexing his rap skills and just how good he is with kids in a new, viral video. And it’s way too heartwarming! …
Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Viral Video Shows Brazen Chicago Daylight Shooting That Killed Woman as Baby Rode in Back Seat

Steps away from Chicago’s St. Sabina Church, a brazen shooting caught on camera killed one woman and wounded another as a baby sat in the backseat …
GloRilla's Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

GloRilla’s Sister Blasts Her for Not Giving Back to Family, But the Internet Says Not So Fast!

Rapper GloRilla’s family business is being put out on front street thanks to her sister. But folks online aren’t taking it the way she probably thought! …
Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Which Stars Could Join Bad Bunny at the 2026 Super Bowl LX? We Have An Idea

Bad Bunny is gearing up to take the stage at the 2026 Super Bowl! And we have a good idea of who might join him …
Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Black Super Bowl Firsts You Never Knew About

Check out some of the Black NFL players and staff who made history at the Super Bowl championship game! …
British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

British Airways Flight Turns Into Full-On Sunday Service Mid-Air

Passengers on a flight from London to Jamaica took to the aisles to sing and pray, but not everyone was feeling it …
Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump Just Took His Most Viciously Racist Shot at the Obamas to Date

Trump’s latest attacks against Barack and Michelle Obama during Black History Month have the internet in a frenzy …
Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl  This Year

Professor: Why Black People Should Skip The Super Bowl This Year

On the NFL’s biggest stage, Black labor is everywhere and Black leadership is nowhere …
Christopher 'Kid 'n Play' Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Christopher ‘Kid ‘n Play’ Reid Shares Shocking Health News

Kid from the popular 90s rap dup Kid’n Play is opening up about a shocking health experience and urging fans to take action for their own lives! …