Former White House Press Secretary, 51, to Host a Film Awards Ceremony in LA

As the current White House press secretary continues to take the podium forquestions, a former one is taking a different sort of stage these days.

Karine Jean-Pierre, who was part of PresidentJoe Biden's team, is set to host this year's African American Film Critics Awards,Varietyreports.

"I don't want it to be about me," Jean-Pierre, 51, told the magazine in an article published on Monday, Jan. 19. "I'm playing a tiny part here. My job is to honor, celebrate and lift the brilliant artists who are being recognized."

ComedianAmber Ruffinhosted the organization's film ceremony last year, whileAmerican Idolseason 6 winnerJordin Sparksemceed the 2025 television honors. This year's ceremony will take place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles. Winners are selected by more than 100 members of the African American Film Critics Association,Varietyalso noted.

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Jean-Pierre served as the 35th White House press secretary from 2022 to 2025 — and as political news junkies might recall, that made her the first Black person and the openly LGBTQ individual to hold the role.

Here's a breakdown of all the winners:

AAFCA'S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR

1. Sinners

2. One Battle After Another

3. Hedda

4. Frankenstein

5. Hamnet

6. Wicked: For Good

7. F1

8. One of Them Days

9. The Knife

10. The Smashing Machine

WINNERS | 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS

• Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

• Best Actress: Tessa Thompson, Hedda

• Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

• Best Supporting Actor: Damson Idris, F1

• Best Documentary: The Perfect Neighbor

• Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters

• Best Director: Ryan Coogler, Sinners

• Best Writing: Coogler, 39, Sinners

• Emerging Face (Actor): Miles Caton, Sinners

• Emerging Face (Actress): Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another

• Best Independent Feature: Hedda

• Best Ensemble: Sinners

• Best Live Action Short: The Rebel Girls

• Best Documentary Short: Hoops, Hopes & Dreams

• Best Animated Short: Black Man, Black Man

• Best Music: Ludwig Göransson, Sinners

On a similar note,Sinnerswas showered in nominations at therecent Golden Globe Awards, taking home the trophy for Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement — Motion Picture.

This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.