The African American Film Critics Association announced in 2021 that Mariah would receive the AAFCA Special Achievement Innovator Award at the 12th Annual AAFCA Awards. “Mariah Carey is often recognized as a global icon for her musical gifts, but rarely is she celebrated for the visual storytelling in her music videos and specials,” said AAFCA CEO and President Gil Robertson. “As an artist who is all-hands-on-deck in not just crafting her songs, but also in curating and creating the imagery surrounding them, Carey is especially deserving of the 2021 AAFCA Special Achievement Innovator Award.”