The 2nd Annual ACE Honors: Celebrating Excellence, Innovation, and the Future of Film & Television

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Atlanta once again took center stage in the world of entertainment as the 2nd Annual ACE Honors, affectionately known as “The Charleys,” lit up the Southwest Arts Center.

From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, it was clear this was more than just an awards show. It was a celebration of brilliance, vision, and the creative minds shaping the future of television, film, and content creation.

A Night Honoring the Pinnacle of Excellence

The ACE Honors recognizes individuals who exemplify innovation and ingenuity across the entertainment industry. These are the trailblazers those who are not only creating content but redefining what’s possible.

From filmmakers and actors to content creators and industry leaders, the room was filled with purpose, passion, and undeniable talent. Each nominee and honoree represented the next level of excellence, proving that Atlanta continues to be a powerhouse in entertainment.

Affectionately called “The Charleys,” the awards carry a sense of prestige while remaining deeply rooted in community, culture, and impact.

More Than an Award Show—A Mission That Matters

At its core, the ACE Honors Foundation is about access, opportunity, and empowerment. The organization is committed to advancing education, workforce development, and economic opportunity within the arts, television, and film industries. Through scholarships, financial assistance, and career development initiatives, ACE Honors is actively investing in the next generation of creatives.

As Georgia’s film and television industry continues to generate billions annually, the need to cultivate and retain local talent has never been greater. ACE Honors is bridging that gap providing aspiring actors, actresses, and creatives with the tools, training, and resources needed to compete and thrive. From acting classes and professional workshops to educational programs and hands-on training, the foundation is creating real pathways into the industry.

Investing in the Future of Atlanta’s Creative Economy

What makes ACE Honors truly impactful is its commitment to reinvesting in the community. Through ticket sales, donations, and grant funding, the organization distributes resources to individuals and partner organizations that align with its mission. The goal is clear: build a diverse, highly skilled creative workforce that reflects the talent already present in Georgia and beyond.

By removing barriers to entry and expanding access to opportunities, ACE Honors is not just recognizing excellence it’s creating it.

Atlanta: A Global Creative Hub

Atlanta’s influence in film and television continues to expand, positioning the city as one of the leading production hubs in the country. Events like the ACE Honors reinforce that momentum, bringing together visionaries, storytellers, and innovators under one roof. The energy in the room spoke volumes this is only the beginning. The merging of television, film, and digital content creation is shaping a new era of entertainment, and Atlanta is right at the center of it.

A Legacy in the Making

The 2nd Annual ACE Honors was nothing short of extraordinary a night filled with inspiration, recognition, and forward-thinking vision. As the foundation continues to grow, so will its impact. With plans to expand scholarship programs and serve even more aspiring creatives, ACE Honors is solidifying its role as a driving force in the industry. One thing is certain: “The Charleys” are quickly becoming a staple in Atlanta’s entertainment landscape and a symbol of what happens when talent, opportunity, and purpose align.

The Winners Are:

NZINGA IMANI
BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES
“ZATIMA”

SEAN RINGOLD
BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES
“THE FAMILY BUSINESS”

CAS SIGERS
SCREENWRITER
“AFTERSHOCK: 
THE NICOLE BELL STORY”

SABRINA LASSEGUE
DIRECTOR
“A LIFE UNWRITTEN”

CARL WEBER’S 
THE FAMILY BUSINESS
BEST SERIES

LYNETTE J. BLACKWELL
BEST IN CASTING
“VANISHED”

ANDREA MONA BOWMAN
“BEST HAIRSTYLIST | MAKE UP”

DAWN HALFKENNY
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
“PREACH, PRAY, LOVE”

SEAN ANTHONY BAKER
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 
“GIVE ME BACK MY DAUGHTER”

JASMINE BURKE
BEST ACTRESS
“GEORGIA PEACH”

MYLES TRUITT
BEST ACTOR
“A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS”

RUTH AND BOAZ
BEST PICTURE

LATREZ ANDERSON
MALE CONTENT CREATOR OTY

NIKKI HARRIS
FEMALE CONTENT CREATOR OTY

STANLEY & ASHLEY RUSSELL
DUO CONTENT CREATORS OTY

SHANNON SHARPE
BEST IN YOUTUBE
“CLUB SHAY SHAY”

IT IS WHAT IT IS
PODCAST 
w/ Mase & Cam 

TAYLOR LATHAM
BEST ACTOR 
“ANGEL & DEMON”

MICHAEL JAMES SEWELL JR
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 
“THREE THE HARDWAY”

ROD MINGER
BREAKOUT ACTOR 
“VANISHED”

ROBiii WORLD
BEST DIRECTOR 
“SHE LIKES TO WATCH”

BULLET RUSH
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST 

TY CRUZ
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 
“BULLET RUSH”

NATASHA ELI
BREAKOUT ACTRESS OTY 
“TEARS OF A HUSTLER ”

ASHANTI HARRIS
BEST ACTRESS 
“A DARK PLACE”

TEARS OF A HUSTLER
BEST SERIES 

ANGEL & DEMON 
BEST PICTURE 

Nominee Actor Sean Ringgold and the CEO & Publisher of Head2Toe
Magazine & Ent. Keisa Stewart-Rucker

Nominee Actress Dawn Halfkenny and Head2Toe Magazine
correspondent Gregory Hammons

Nominee Actress Nzinga Imani with Head2Toe Magazine
correspondent Gregory Hammons

Ace Honors Ambassadors pose for picture on stage

Nhya Cedon and Keisa Stewart-RuckerNominees Caleb “D” Castro Stagg, Destinee Lynn with Head2Toe
Magazine correspondent Gregory HammonsBest Hairstylist/Makeup nominee Gayla Belay with Keisa Stewart-RuckerBest Director nominee Ryan Givins with Head2Toe Magazine
correspondent Gregory HammonsNominees Actor Anthony Applewhite and Lindsay Applewhite
with Head2Toe Magazine correspondent Gregory Hammons

#ACEHonors #actors #Actresses #atlanta #awardShow #BlackCulture