Black Reel Awards of 2008


The 2008 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 December 14, 2008. Cadillac Records, The Secret Life of Bees and Slumdog Millionaire all won three awards at the ceremony.

Winners and nominees

Winners are listed first and highlighted in bold.
Best FilmBest Director

  • Gina Prince-BythewoodThe Secret Life of Bees
  • * Malcolm D. Lee – Soul Men
  • * Spike LeeMiracle at St. Anna
  • * Darnell MartinCadillac Records
  • * Gabriele MuccinoSeven Pounds
  • Best ActorBest Actress
  • Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
  • * Don CheadleTraitor
  • * Mos DefBe Kind Rewind
  • * Chiwetel EjioforRedbelt
  • * Derek LukeMiracle at St. Anna
  • Queen LatifahThe Secret Life of Bees
  • * Jennifer HudsonThe Secret Life of Bees
  • * Sanaa LathanThe Family That Preys
  • * Keke PalmerThe Longshots
  • * Alfre WoodardThe Family That Preys
  • Best Supporting ActorBest Supporting Actress
  • Jeffrey Wright – Cadillac Records
  • * Mos Def – Cadillac Records
  • * Terrence HowardIron Man
  • * Brandon T. Jackson – Tropic Thunder
  • * Eamonn WalkerCadillac Records
  • Viola DavisDoubt
  • * Alice BragaBlindness
  • * Penélope CruzVicky Cristina Barcelona
  • * Taraji P. Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • * Sophie OkonedoThe Secret Life of Bees
  • Best Screenplay, Adapted or OriginalOutstanding Original Score
  • Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Secret Life of Bees
  • * Darnell Martin – Cadillac Records
  • * James McBrideMiracle at St. Anna
  • * Tyler PerryThe Family That Preys
  • * Tyler PerryMeet the Browns
  • A. R. RahmanSlumdog Millionaire
  • * Terrence Blanchard and Steve JordanCadillac Records
  • * Stanley ClarkeSoul Men
  • * Mason DaringHoneydripper
  • * Steve Isles – RocknRolla
  • Best Breakthrough PerformanceBest Ensemble
  • Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
  • * Omar Benson MillerMiracle at St. Anna
  • * Columbus ShortCadillac Records
  • * Saïd TaghmaouiTraitor
  • * Tristan WildsThe Secret Life of Bees
  • Michelle Adams and Kimberly Hardin – Cadillac Records
  • * Kim Coleman, Béatrice Kruger and Karen Kaia Livers – Miracle at St. Anna
  • * Aisha Coley, Craig and Mark Fincannon – The Secret Life of Bees
  • * John HubbardHoneydripper
  • * Gail Stevens and Loveleen TandanSlumdog Millionaire