General Hospital's Tequan Richmond will receive the Pan African Film Festival's Canada Lee Rising Star award.
General Hospital's Tequan Richmond (T.J. Ashford) will be celebrated by the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) for his breakout performance in the feature film Blue Caprice.
Opposite Isaiah Washington, Richmond portrayed Lee Malvo, one of the two Beltway snipers that terrorized the Washington, DC, area in 2002. Richmond's work has drawn critical acclaim, and the PAFF will award him with the Canada Lee Rising Star Award. The film is nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
"Filmmakers tell great stories through the choices gifted actors and actresses make on screen by embracing a role and bringing a character to life. In addition to supporting the work of filmmakers, it's important that the Pan African Film Festival recognizes and honors the new generation of young talent, honing their craft in the entertainment industry," said Ayuko Babu, founder and executive director of the Pan African Film Festival.
In addition to his work in Blue Caprice, Richmond also portrayed a young Ray Charles Jr. in the award-winning film, Ray. On television, Richmond has made numerous guest appearances in primetime, including spots on ER, CSI, and Private Practice. He also appeared as Drew Rock on Everybody Hates Chris. Richmond took over the role of T.J. on General Hospital in August 2012.
Emayatzy Corinealdi will also receive recognition during the ceremony as the recipient of the Beah Richards Rising Star Award.
PAFF's Rising Star awards are named after actors Canada Lee and Oscar-nominee Beah Richards, who pioneered roles for African Americans in film, television, and stage, and sparked civil rights activism in their work.
Richmond and Corinealdi will be feted at the annual Night of Tribute on Friday, January 31, 2014, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Taglyan Complex, located at 1201 Vine Street in Hollywood. The 22nd annual PAFF will be held February 6 through 17, 2014, at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.PAFF.org.
