The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced that Emmy-award winning producer, director and actor Kerry Washington will serve as Ambassador for its 31st annual event, taking place May 20–23, 2027, in Los Angeles.
As Ambassador, Washington will support ABFF’s mission to champion storytellers, expand career pathways for emerging talent, and foster a vibrant creative community across film and television.
Following its milestone 30th anniversary, ABFF enters its fourth decade with a program spanning screenings, conversations, industry events, and cultural experiences. This next chapter builds on the festival’s legacy while deepening its connection to the heart of the entertainment industry.
Kerry Washington states: “ABFF has spent three decades championing Black storytellers and helping their voices be heard. I’m honored to serve as Ambassador as the festival makes its move to Los Angeles, where it will open even more doors for the next generation of talent.”
“Kerry has a genuine connection to ABFF and has long supported what the festival stands for,” said Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD. “She understands the importance of creating opportunities for artists and the power of storytelling to bring people together. Having her serve as Ambassador for our 31st festival feels both meaningful and fitting.”
“From the beginning, ABFF has been about creating a place where artists feel seen, supported, and connected to a larger creative community,” said Jeff Friday, Founder of ABFF and CEO of NICE CROWD. “Our Ambassadors have always represented that spirit, and Kerry brings a generosity, authenticity, and sense of purpose that resonates deeply with who we are. We’re incredibly proud to welcome her as our 2027 Ambassador.”
Kerry Washington is an Emmy and NAACP Award-winning producer, SAG and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor, New York Times best-selling author, as well as a director, producer, and activist. Washington received widespread recognition for portraying Olivia Pope on ABC’s drama Scandal.
She rose to prominence as Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama Scandal, breaking ground as the first Black woman since 1974 to lead a network TV drama. Across its seven seasons, Washington earned two Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and two NAACP Image Awards, all for her role in the Peabody Award-winning series. Her expansive filmography includes Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Shadow Force, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Django Unchained, Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Save the Last Dance, Our Song, and many others.
In 2016, Washington launched her production company Simpson Street, whose notable projects include Netflix’s “American Son”, the Emmy Award-winning ABC special “Live in Front of a Studio Audience”, the acclaimed documentary “The Fight”, and Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere”, “Reasonable Doubt”, and “UnPrisoned”. Simpson Street also produces Washington’s interview franchise, “Street You Grew Up On”, which recently expanded from its original YouTube run into a weekly ongoing podcast series produced in partnership with Daylight.
Broadway acting credits include American Son and Race. As producer, she was proud to be a part of Gypsy (Drama Desk for Outstanding Revival) and Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, both of which were also Tony Award nominees.
Washington most recently was seen starring in the AppleTV+ series Apple TV series Imperfect Women, which she also serves as executive producer. Up next, Washington will be seen in Ben Affleck’s Animals for Netflix.
A lifelong activist, Washington served on The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under the Obama and Biden administrations. Washington was honored as one of TIME Magazine’s 2022 Women of The Year for her efforts.
Festival Passes are on sale at ABFF.com. The passes will provide advance reservation access to eligible screenings, conversations, and special events.
Additional details and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks. For updates, visit www.nicecrowd.com and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
About the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is the premier annual event dedicated to discovering emerging talent and shaping the future of film and television. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF is one of the entertainment industry’s leading gatherings, annually bringing together thousands of filmmakers, artists, executives, brands, and audiences to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Through film screenings, premieres, conversations, networking, and cultural experiences, ABFF has become a destination where entertainment, culture, and commerce intersect, fostering meaningful connections and business opportunities while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
About NICE CROWD
NICE CROWD is a pioneering live events company operating at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and tourism. Founded by Nicole and Jeff Friday, the company produces high-impact festivals, awards shows, and destination experiences in major U.S. cities and global markets. Guided by The Power of Gathering, NICE CROWD believes that when people come together, creativity flourishes, new voices are amplified, and meaningful connections are made. The company’s mission is to harness that energy to drive cultural relevance and deliver measurable economic impact for its partners. With expertise in event production, audience engagement, and strategic partnerships, NICE CROWD showcases groundbreaking artists and innovators creating experiences that resonate with audiences while enabling brands and media to shape a more connected, creative world. www.nicecrowd.com
More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com