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
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

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

Five Famous Black Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Five Famous Black Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

118 years after the organization was founded, we’re honoring some of the famous members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc …
The Most Dramatic Political Image Rebranding in History

The Most Dramatic Political Image Rebranding in History

From Ronald Reagan to Clarence Thomas, these political leaders go down as the most memorable rebrands in political history …
Oprah Winfrey Recalls When Joan Rivers Fat-Shamed Her

Oprah Winfrey Recalls When Joan Rivers Fat-Shamed Her

Oprah Winfrey’s weight has been a hot topic in pop culture for decades and now she’s reflecting on a truly uncomfortable moment …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
Jill Scott Explains Why She 'Hated' This Memorable Scene in Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'

Jill Scott Explains Why She ‘Hated’ This Memorable Scene in Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married?’

While many fans may have loved Jill Scott in ‘Why Did I Get Married,’ the talented singer doesn’t have too many fond memories of certain filming days …
A$AP Rocky Says His Mama Knew This About Rihanna ...

A$AP Rocky Says His Mama Knew This About Rihanna …

A$AP Rocky reflects on how Rihanna changed his life, and revealed that his mother knew she was the one years before he did …
New Report Reveals US Lost More Immigrants Than it Gained 1 Year Under Trump

New Report Reveals US Lost More Immigrants Than it Gained 1 Year Under Trump

For the first time in half a century, the U.S. experienced negative net migration under President Trump. Here’s what that means …
This Red State’s Only Predominantly Black Institution Is Set to Close Amid Financial Troubles

This Red State’s Only Predominantly Black Institution Is Set to Close Amid Financial Troubles

Just one year after Republican Gov. Mike Braun left Martin University out of the 2025–27 funding budget, the state’s only PBI is now facing permanent closure …
Dallas ICE Prosecutor Returns to Work After Racist Social Media Account Was Exposed

Dallas ICE Prosecutor Returns to Work After Racist Social Media Account Was Exposed

Last year, Congress called for the resignation of an ICE prosecutor after his anti-Black, antisemitic and anti-immigration tweets were exposed. But now he’s headed back to work …
4 Powerful Things to Do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026

4 Powerful Things to Do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026

MLK Day isn’t just a federal holiday that gets you a free day from work, but a call to action. Here’s four ways you can celebrate the day— before the brunches …
Teyana Taylor Solves Mystery Behind That Viral Clip of Leonardo DiCaprio at Golden Globes—Kind Of

Teyana Taylor Solves Mystery Behind That Viral Clip of Leonardo DiCaprio at Golden Globes—Kind Of

Teyana Taylor is speaking out following her ‘One Battle After Another’ costar Leonardo DiCaprio’s viral Golden Globes moment. But it’s not what we expected! …
Inside MLK’s Childhood Home in Honor of the Civil Rights Icon’s 97th Birthday

Inside MLK’s Childhood Home in Honor of the Civil Rights Icon’s 97th Birthday

We’re taking a look inside MLK’s childhood home to honor his birthday! …
New Update in Paris Jackson's Legal Battle With Michael Jackson's Estate

New Update in Paris Jackson’s Legal Battle With Michael Jackson’s Estate

Paris Jackson has been embroiled in a legal battle with her father’s estate for years. And it doesn’t look like things are about to let up any time soon! …
Photo: Getty Images Evening Standard

MLK’s Real Name and More Unknown Facts on his Birthday

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Jan. 15, take a closer look at the life of one of the most famous men in history …
Is Martial Law Headed to Minneapolis? Gov. Tim Walz, Trump Have Frightening Thoughts

Is Martial Law Headed to Minneapolis? Gov. Tim Walz, Trump Have Frightening Thoughts

One week after the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, Trump warned residents to obey ICE or face the Insurrection Act …
How Trolling on Elon Musk's X Social Media Platform Is Harming Black Folks

How Trolling on Elon Musk’s X Social Media Platform Is Harming Black Folks

Last week we told you that Elon Musk endorsed a White nationalist post on his platform X, but there are many more controversial posts that should concern you …
Are Americans Really Living in a Police State?

Are Americans Really Living in a Police State?

Trump’s ICE occupation marks a dangerous time in America history as the threat of a police state weighs on everyone’s mind …
Watch: A White Priest Was Detained by ICE. What He Claims Agents Told Him Should <i>Terrify</i> Black Folks

Watch: A White Priest Was Detained by ICE. What He Claims Agents Told Him Should Terrify Black Folks

Minneapolis pastor Kenny Callaghan alleges an ICE agent told him, “You’re white and you wouldn’t be any fun anyway,” after he was detained while protesting …
Everything That Led to Troubled Morris Brown College Firing President

Everything That Led to Troubled Morris Brown College Firing President

Dr. Kevin E. James is credited with bringing Morris Brown College back to life after 20 years without accreditation. Now, he’s been terminated with practically no explanation …
EXCLUSIVE: Sir Idris Elba on Tense Filming Days for 'Hijack' Season Two and Overcoming Homelessness

EXCLUSIVE: Sir Idris Elba on Tense Filming Days for ‘Hijack’ Season Two and Overcoming Homelessness

Sir Idris Elba sat down with The Root to discuss the second season of his AppleTV show, ‘Hijack’ and reflected on his acting journey …