Regina King, the acclaimed Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy winner for acting, directing, and producing, has been named the official ambassador for the American Black Film Festival’s significant 30th-anniversary celebration.
Nice Crowd is presenting this ABFF, which will take place in Miami Beach from May 27 to 31. The special milestone will be marked under the celebratory theme, “The Homecoming.”
King will serve a pivotal role as ambassador for the American Black Film Festival‘s 30th-anniversary celebration. Her duties include extending a welcome to attendees on opening night and leading a “Creator Conversation.”
According to Variety, in this featured discussion, King will look back on her illustrious career and the significant cultural impact of the ABFF, particularly its role in uplifting new talent and highlighting film and TV projects created by and focused on people of African descent.
King’s involvement with the ABFF dates back nearly thirty years to its very first event in 1997, when it was known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival.
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“ABFF has championed countless artists and storytellers, growing into a powerful global platform,” said King in a statement announcing her role in the 2026 edition. “What Jeff and Nicole Friday have built over 30 years has made a lasting impact across our industry. Returning feels like a homecoming—a celebration of our creativity, resilience, and excellence. I’m truly honored to serve as ambassador for this milestone year.”
The ABFF has a distinguished history of ambassadors. The roster of past ambassadors includes Issa Rae, Lena Waithe, Halle Berry, Magic Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Common, Taye Diggs, Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lala, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Omari Hardwick, Idris Elba, Jay Ellis, and the late John Singleton. Nia Long and Larenz Tate, the stars of “Love Jones,” served as the festival’s ambassadors last year.
Nice Crowd CEO and founder Jeff Friday and president Nicole Friday said, “Regina has been part of the ABFF family since the very beginning.”
They added, “From those early years in Acapulco to everything she’s achieved since, we’ve watched her journey with so much pride—cheering her on from up close and from afar. She represents everything this festival was created to celebrate—artistry, integrity, and excellence. Having her serve as our festival ambassador for our 30th year is truly a full-circle moment and a reflection of the mutual respect and admiration we’ve shared over the years.”
King’s career spans decades, starting with her role as Brenda Jenkins in the sitcom “227.” Her impressive filmography includes memorable performances in “Boys N the Hood,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “Ray.” King is an Academy Award winner for her part in “If Beale Street Could Talk” and a four-time Primetime Emmy winner for her work on the television series “American Crime,” “Seven Seconds,” and “Watchmen.” Her recent acting credits also include “The Harder They Fall” and “Shirley,” where she took on the role of America’s first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm.
King’s notable directorial work includes episodes of series such as “This is Us,” “Scandal,” and “Insecure.” She also served as an executive producer and director for “A Man In Full.” A significant career milestone occurred in 2020 when her feature film, “One Night in Miami,” premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, making her the first Black woman to debut a film at the festival. This film also earned her a best director nomination at the Golden Globes.
King also recently directed and served as an executive producer for the Netflix adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Forever,” a series created by showrunner Mara Brock Akil that has secured a second season renewal. She is currently on screen in the Sony crime thriller “Caught Stealing,” starring opposite Austin Butler. Additionally, King has joined the acclaimed ensemble cast for Paramount’s upcoming film adaptation of “The Children of Blood and Bone,” which will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
