Join us and the African American Film Critics Association for our 6th Annual Emerging Faces panel. This 90-minute panel will feature Alexis Chikaeze, Aaron Moten, Justen Ross and Precious Way as they discuss navigating success in film and television, moderated by Stacey Yvonne.
BIOS:
Alexis Chikaeze plays Amina Simms in the CW’s hit series “All American”
Chikaeze’s journey in the arts began through early involvement in school productions and pageantry. After stepping away from the arts prior to her teenage years to pursue other interests, she returned to her passion for acting at seventeen. Chikaeze’s first professional audition led to her breakout debut in the critically acclaimed film “Miss Juneteenth” (2020) where she starred as Kai Marie Jones, alongside Nicole Beharie and Kendrick Sampson. Written and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples, the film follows a former beauty queen and single mother preparing her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020, and her standout performance earned her a nomination at the 2021 Independent Spirit Awards.
Chikaeze continues to refine her craft through higher education and is currently completing her degree at the University of Southern California. While in her first year, she took a leave of absence after booking the television series “All American” where she quickly advanced from a co-star into a series regular. In addition to “All American”, she has appeared in Issa Rae’s acclaimed series “Rap Sh!t”, further establishing herself as one of the industry’s rising young talents.
Aaron Moten stars as ‘Maximus’ in the hit post-apocalyptic drama series FALLOUT for Amazon Prime Video, based on the acclaimed video game franchise of the same name. Co-created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner and developed by Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, the series has released two critically acclaimed seasons, and Aaron is currently gearing up to film Season 3.
Recently, Aaron wrapped production on Amazon MGM feature NIGHTWATCHING, opposite Mila Kunis, Corey Hawkins, and Pat Healy.
Moten previously appeared opposite Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson in FATHER STU, and in Antoine Fuqua’s EMANCIPATION for Apple TV+. On television, Aaron starred in Fox’s NEXT and played Kathy Bates’ son in Netflix’s DISJOINTED. His additional credits include recurring roles on HBO’s award-winning limited series, THE NIGHT OF, and Amazon’s MOZART IN THE JUNGLE. Aaron appeared opposite Meryl Streep in the feature film RICKI AND THE FLASH, and on stage he starred in Scott Rudin’s production of the critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning play THE FLICK at The Barrow Street Theatre. Aaron is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
Justen Ross is an actor, rapper, poet, and multidimensional creative from Atlanta, GA. Following his appearance in the upcoming feature film Is God Is, Ross continues building a name across film, music, and live performance through fearless storytelling and undeniable stage presence. Performing music under the name Jus10, he blends ballroom culture, hip hop, and cinematic lyricism into a sound that is both commanding and deeply personal. Ross has evolved into an emerging voice for Hu a new generation of Black queer artistry — one that moves fluidly between screens, stages, and cultural spaces.
Precious Way is a multi-talented singer, actress and rapper hailing from Chicago. Shortly after relocating to Los Angeles, she landed a contract role on Days of Our Lives, marking her television debut. She went on to star opposite MC Lyte in the multi-cam comedy Partners in Rhyme, created by the visionary behind Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show . Precious also had a recurring role on the ABC drama Queens, portraying the troubled daughter of Brandy Norwood’s character.
Precious starred alongside Courtney B. Vance in Heist 88 for Paramount+ and Showtime, directed by Menhaj Huda. The film became the highest rated premiere in Showtime’s history.
Precious can now be seen starring opposite Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe in the new NBC show from Tina Fey, The Fall and Rise Of Reggie Dinkins. The show airs on both NBC and Peacock.
