Alonge Hawes’ upcoming dramedy scores recognition for acting, writing, ensemble performance, and more ahead of the 2026 festival in Montclair.

The upcoming series “Good Black Man” is heading into the 8th Annual New Jersey Webfest with significant momentum after earning six nominations across acting, writing, and production categories.

Creator, writer, director, and star Alonge Hawes leads the nominations with three individual recognitions, including Best Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Script. Hawes also shares a Best On-Screen Chemistry nomination with his 10-year-old daughter, newcomer Amina Hawes.

The series additionally earned nominations for Best Ensemble Cast, Best Trailer and Outstanding Dramedy, giving the production six nominations overall at the 2026 festival.

A Family Connection Reaches the Screen

The Best On-Screen Chemistry nomination adds a particularly personal dimension to the recognition for Hawes, pairing the veteran independent creator with his daughter as she begins her own journey in front of the camera.

Along with Alonge and Amina Hawes, “Good Black Man” stars Adrian “Pnut” Steward, Alex Patterson and Shani Hawes.

Hawes also executive produces the project through A Million Stories One Pen Productions. Eduardo Bryant and Mary Bouche serve as executive producers, while Joshua Dennard, Cordarol Sanders and Shani Hawes are producers.

The nominations represent another milestone for a production preparing to introduce audiences to its story later this year.

‘Good Black Man’ Continues Its Festival Momentum

The six nominations follow the series’ selection for the 2026 New Jersey Webfest, extending the relationship between Hawes’ work and the independent festival circuit.

“Good Black Man” centers on Olujimi Spencer, a man forced to reconsider the direction of his life after losing his job and his relationship on the same day. With his financial options shrinking, he turns to college and his military veteran benefits as a way to regain stability, setting in motion a journey that blends personal reinvention, relationships, and the realities of rebuilding from the ground up.

The series is scheduled to premiere during winter 2026. A broadcast channel or streaming platform has not yet been announced.

New Jersey Webfest Champions Independent Storytelling

Created by Neem Basha, the New Jersey Web Festival launched in 2018 and has developed into a destination for independent creators working across web series, podcasts, pilots, scripts, trailers and music videos.

The festival has built its identity around recognizing creator-driven projects from the United States and abroad, with an emphasis on storytelling quality rather than the size or profile of a production.

Its long-standing philosophy, “Quality Is the Only Criteria: We Want To Showcase The Very Best,” underscores the festival’s commitment to highlighting independent voices and emerging creative talent.

The 8th Annual New Jersey Web Festival is scheduled for Sept. 24-27, 2026, with screenings of official selections taking place at The Clairidge Theater in Montclair, New Jersey.

For “Good Black Man,” six nominations before its public premiere provide another indication that the series is already finding an audience within the independent creative community. As Hawes and his team prepare for both the festival and the series’ winter debut, the New Jersey Webfest recognition gives the project plenty to celebrate before its first full season reaches viewers.