Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will host the 17th annual African American Film Critics Awards on February 8 in Los Angeles. The event honors achievements in filmmaking, with honorees including Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and director Ryan Coogler. Jean-Pierre expressed excitement about celebrating diverse storytellers.
Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as the 35th White House press secretary from 2022 to 2025, is set to host the 17th annual African American Film Critics Awards. As the first Black and openly LGBTQ individual in the role, she brings a historic perspective to the ceremony, which recognizes outstanding contributions to film by more than 100 members of the African American Film Critics Association.
The event, taking place on February 8 in Los Angeles, follows previous hosts like Amber Ruffin for last year's film ceremony and Jordin Sparks for the 2025 television honors. This year's honorees include actors Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, director Ryan Coogler, and the animated feature 'KPop Demon Hunters.'
Jean-Pierre, aged 51, emphasized her desire to keep the focus on the artists. 'I don’t want it to be about me,' she told Variety. 'I’m playing a tiny part here. My job is to honor, celebrate and lift the brilliant artists who are being recognized.' She praised the AAFCA's 17-year mission: 'The mission is to honor storytellers who explore the many faces of humanity through diverse perspectives. Why not help lift that up?'
Reflecting on her career, Jean-Pierre described it as a 'zigzag,' noting she prefers forging her own path rather than following predecessors into cable news or punditry. 'I’ve always seen myself as someone who does things differently,' she said. She is particularly enthusiastic about 'Sinners,' calling it 'one of the most brilliant pieces of work I’ve seen in a long time,' and looks forward to meeting Jordan and Coogler.
Post-White House, Jean-Pierre has published her memoir 'Independent' and acquired rights to the stories of Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne, the first Black women in the White House press corps, aiming to bring their narratives to Hollywood. In November 2023, she dedicated the White House lectern in their names. She plans to explore producing and writing while mentoring young people.
AAFCA President Gil Robertson welcomed her, saying, 'She’s current, credible and brilliant... We love her energy and her vibe.' Jean-Pierre underscored the event's timeliness amid cultural challenges: 'We need this right now... We cannot let our stories die.'
