4th Annual Black Reel Awards


The 2003 Black Reel Awards, which annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of black people in feature, independent and television films, took place in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2003. Antwone Fisher took home five awards during the ceremony, with The Rosa Parks Story receiving four awards.

Winners and nominees

Winners are listed first and highlighted in bold.
Best FilmBest Director
Antwone Fisher
Denzel WashingtonAntwone Fisher
  • * Malcolm D. LeeUndercover Brother
  • * Spike Lee25th Hour
  • * Charles Stone IIIDrumline
  • * Tim StoryBarbershop
  • Best ActorBest Actress
    Derek LukeAntwone Fisher
  • * Ice CubeBarbershop
  • * Samuel L. JacksonChanging Lanes
  • * Wesley SnipesUndisputed
  • * Denzel WashingtonJohn Q
  • Angela BassettSunshine State
  • * Kimberly EliseJohn Q
  • * Aunjanue EllisUndercover Brother
  • * Sanaa LathanBrown Sugar
  • * Thandie NewtonThe Truth About Charlie
  • Best Supporting ActorBest Supporting Actress
    Dennis HaysbertFar from Heaven
  • * Cedric the EntertainerBarbershop
  • * Morgan FreemanThe Sum of All Fears
  • * Denzel WashingtonAntwone Fisher
  • * Forest WhitakerPanic Room
  • Queen LatifahChicago
  • * Halle BerryDie Another Day
  • * Joy BryantAntwone Fisher
  • * Viola DavisSolaris
  • * Rosario Dawson25th Hour
  • Best Screenplay, Adapted or OriginalBest Breakthrough Performance
    Antwone FisherAntwone Fisher
  • * Mark Brown and Don S. Scott – Barbershop
  • * Michael ElliottBrown Sugar
  • * Michael Elliott and Jordan Moffet – Like Mike
  • * John RidleyUndercover Brother
  • Derek LukeAntwone Fisher
  • * BeyoncéAustin Powers in Goldmember
  • * Nick CannonDrumline
  • * Raven GoodwinLovely & Amazing
  • * Lil' Bow WowLike Mike
  • Outstanding Original SoundtrackBest Original or Adapted Song
    Standing in the Shadows of Motown
  • * 8 Mile
  • * Barbershop
  • * Brown Sugar
  • * Undercover Brother
  • "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" from Brown Sugar – Performed by Erykah Badu and Common
  • * "Basketball" from Like Mike – Performed by Lil' Bow Wow, Fabolous and Jermaine Dupri
  • * "Bring Your Heart" from Brown Sugar – Performed by Angie Stone
  • * "We Got the Funk" from Undercover Brother – Performed by Snoop Dogg, Fred Wesley and Bootsy Collins
  • * "Work It Out" from Austin Powers in Goldmember – Performed by Beyoncé
  • Best Television Miniseries or MovieOutstanding Director in a Television Miniseries or Movie
    The Rosa Parks StoryParis Qualles
  • * Keep the Faith, BabyArt Washington
  • * LiftDeMane Davis
  • Robert Townsend10,000 Black Men Named George
  • * Julie DashThe Rosa Parks Story
  • * Doug McHenryKeep the Faith, Baby
  • Best Actor in a TV Movie or Limited SeriesBest Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series
    Harry J. LennixKeep the Faith, Baby
  • * Andre Braugher10,000 Black Men Named George
  • * Ving RhamesSins of the Father
  • Angela BassettThe Rosa Parks Story
  • * Kerry WashingtonLift
  • * Vanessa L. WilliamsKeep the Faith, Baby
  • Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie or Limited SeriesBest Supporting Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series
    Charles S. Dutton10,000 Black Men Named George
  • * Peter Francis JamesThe Rosa Parks Story
  • * Russell HornsbyKeep the Faith, Baby
  • Cicely TysonThe Rosa Parks Story
  • * Lonette McKeeLift
  • * Vanessa A. WilliamsOur America
  • Outstanding Screenplay in a TV Movie or Limited SeriesBest Independent Film
    Paris QuallesThe Rosa Parks Story
  • * David Isay, LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman – Our America
  • * Art WashingtonKeep the Faith, Baby
  • Standing in the Shadows of Motown – Paul Justman
  • * Biggie & TupacNick Broomfield
  • * Crazy as HellEriq La Salle
  • Outstanding Independent Film ActorOutstanding Independent Film Actress
    Eriq La SalleCrazy as Hell
  • * Michael BeachCrazy as Hell
  • * Mos DefCivil Brand
  • Erika Alexander30 Years to Life
  • * Monica CalhounPandora's Box
  • * Melissa De Sousa30 Years to Life
  • Best Original Television ProgramBest Film Poster
    Jim Brown: All-American
  • * No other nominees
  • Blade II
  • * Changing Lanes
  • * Queen of the Damned
  • * Standing in the Shadows of Motown
  • * Undercover Brother