Karine Jean-Pierre is ready to go on stage.
President Joe Biden’s former White House press secretary steps into a new kind of spotlight as host of the 17th annual African American Film Critics Awards, revealed exclusively at Variety.
Jean-Pierre, 51, joins an impressive list of former AAFCA hosts, following last year’s Amber Ruffin, the comedian who led the film ceremony, and “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, who hosted the organization’s televised honors in 2025. The ceremony, celebrating cinematic achievements, will take place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles.
This year’s winners include Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and director Ryan Coogler, alongside the animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters.” Winners are selected by more than 100 members of the African American Film Critics Association.
Jean-Pierre is no stranger to history. She served as the 35th White House press secretary from 2022 to 2025, becoming the first Black person and the first openly LGBTQ person to hold the position. The organization of these awards marks a notable change in trajectory for the seasoned political advisor, and one that she does not take lightly.
“I don’t want it to talk about me,” says Jean-Pierre Variety. “I play a small role here. My job is to honor, celebrate and elevate the brilliant artists who are being recognized.”
Jean-Pierre has long admired the mission and leadership of AAFCA, making it an “easy yes” to accept the position of host. “The AAFCA Awards have celebrated extraordinary contributions to cinema for 17 years, and I am so impressed with Gil Robertson and his team,” she says. “The mission is to honor storytellers who explore the many faces of humanity through diverse perspectives. Why not help elevate that?”
Although he is one of the most recognizable communicators in American politics, Jean-Pierre wants to keep the evening focused on the artists. “One of the things I learned in the press world is to not make headlines,” she says. “I want it to be light, nice, sweet and the stars to shine.”
With politics touching almost every facet of daily life, Jean-Pierre’s career after the White House is different from that of his predecessors. One might have expected her to move into cable news or become a political pundit, a common next step for former press secretaries. When asked if this absence was a conscious choice, Jean-Pierre is blunt, describing his career as one that was never about following a prescribed route.
“I’ve always thought of myself as someone who does things differently,” she says. “I don’t follow a set path and I don’t look at people before me and copy their trajectory – that’s never been who I am. I like to do things my way and I ask myself, ‘How can I make an impact?’ How can I be different?”
Among those she looks forward to meeting are several of the evening’s honorees, particularly the actors and filmmakers behind “Sinners,” which she calls “one of the most brilliant works I’ve seen in a long time.”
“I never met Michael B. Jordan,” she says enthusiastically. “And Ryan Coogler – just to touch him would be amazing. He’s incredibly bright.”
Jean-Pierre, who recently published his memoir “Independent,” says the hosting is part of a broader desire to tell stories beyond the political arena. Although she plans to remain engaged in civic discourse after two decades in politics, she sees this next chapter as an opportunity to expand her impact through storytelling and mentorship.
After spending 20 years in politics, Jean-Pierre says she is now focused on improving the communities she cares about. Most recently, she acquired the rights to the stories of Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne, the first two black women to serve in the White House press corps, and wants Hollywood to tell their stories. “Women asked questions of the presidents and were often ignored by the boys’ club, and yet so few people know their names,” says Jean-Pierre passionately. “I recently acquired their books and want to help bring their stories to life.”
In November 2023, while still press secretary, she honored their legacy by dedicating the White House lectern to their names.
Her next career chapter, she says, will focus on telling important stories – potentially as a producer and writer – while continuing to mentor young people and develop new writing projects.
“My career has always been a zigzag,” she says. “I gravitate toward what I’m passionate about and what feels meaningful to me, and that’s how I want to continue doing things: my way.”
Jean-Pierre nevertheless recognizes that organizing an awards ceremony at a time of political and cultural turbulence carries additional weight.
“We need it now,” she says. “We need an opportunity and a space to celebrate ourselves – to be seen that way, and for the little boys and girls in our community to see us that way. »
While discussions around diversity and inclusion remain tense, Jean-Pierre sees events like the AAFCA Awards as essential.
“We can’t let our stories die. We must continue to be bold and tell these stories. There is real value in telling our journeys so that generations to come can see how brilliant we are.”
Gil Robertson, president and co-founder of the AAFCA, says he is “delighted” to welcome Jean-Pierre to the organization’s family.
“She’s current, credible and brilliant,” says Robertson. “She has a background in journalism and has held positions at the heart of popular events. We love her energy and vibe, and that’s what people expect from us: intelligent hosts who are part of the conversation.”
As Jean-Pierre prepares to take the stage, his approach remains rooted in service, just as it was behind the podium at the White House.
“My message is to continue to stick together,” she said. “Telling our stories is more important than ever before. »
