Black Stars Who Slayed at the American Black Film Festival 2026
— May 29, 2026
The month of May may be coming to a close, but the 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is just getting started, and there have already been some famous faces in the building.
As we previously mentioned, this year’s event is returning to Miami Beach for its 30th anniversary. It will feature more than a handful of our favorites in a special “Homecoming” celebration, including Debbie Allen, Regina King, Taye Diggs, Iyanla Vanzant, Chloe Bailey, and more.
And since things are already in full swing, let’s take a look at who’s popped out so far!
Coco Jones
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Coco Jones attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – “Strung” Opening Night Screening at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
Coco Jones, star of “That’s Her World,” stunned in a gray, periwinkle dress at the opening night screening at ABFF 2026!
Regina King
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Regina King attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – “Strung” Opening Night Screening at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
Before sitting down for her Legacy Talk, Regina King popped out for the “Strung” premiere in a fire, black ensemble!
Lynn Whitfield
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Lynn Whitfield attends the “Strung” Opening Night Screening during the 2026 American Black Film Festival at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF)
Lynn Whitfield, who stars in the upcoming thriller “Strung,” showed us all how timelessly beautiful she is in this fun leopard-print dress.
Lucien Laviscount
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Lucien Laviscount attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – Peacock’s Strung: From Script To Screen at New World Center on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
“Emily in Paris” and “Strung” heartthrob Lucien Laviscount kept it cool and suave in tan and white!
Chloe Bailey
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Chloe Bailey attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – “Strung” Opening Night Screening at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
Chloe Bailey, star of “Strung,” had a major fashion moment in Miami with this stunning dress!
Dawn Staley
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Dawn Staley attends “Built First: How Legacy Is Created,” A Conversation With Dawn Staley during the 2026 American Black Film Festival at New World Center on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF)
Olympian and Hall of Famer coach Dawn Staley popped out looking super clean for her panel, “Built First: How Legacy is Created.”
Malcolm D. Lee
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Malcolm D.Lee attends Peacock’s Strung: From Script To Screen panel during the 2026 American Black Film Festival at New World Center on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF)
“Strung” director Malcolm D. Lee took inspiration from the blue carpet, stepping out in a blue suit!
Kountry Wayne
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Kountry Wayne attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – “That’s Her World” Premiere at Miami Beach Convention Center on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
Comedian and social media star Kountry Wayne took the time to slide to ABFF for the premiere of his new film “That’s Her World.”
Clifton Davis
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Clifton Davis poses for a portrait on day two of the 2026 American Black Film Festival on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images)
Acting legend and “Beyond the Gates” star Clifton Davis looked debonair in his burgundy suit.
Erica Hughes
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Erica Hughes attends the “Strung” Opening Night Screening during the 2026 American Black Film Festival at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF)
Actress Erica Hughes brought the florals to South Beach on the red carpet during ABFF.
Nicole Friday
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Nicole Friday attends the 2026 American Black Film Festival – “Strung” Opening Night Screening at New World Center on May 27, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alekandra London/Getty Images)
Nicole Friday, co-founder of ABFF, looked glamorous in her burgundy floor-length dress.
Felicia Pride
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Felicia Pride attends “Built First: How Legacy Is Created,” A Conversation With Dawn Staley during the 2026 American Black Film Festival at New World Center on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ABFF)
Felicia Pride, showrunner and executive producer of the upcoming “A Different World” reboot, popped out in her signature short cut for this year’s festival.
Nicco Annan
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 28: Nicco Annan poses for a portrait on day two of the 2026 American Black Film Festival on May 28, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images Portrait) (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images)
“P-Valley” star Nicco Annan was definitely seen in green during day two of ABFF!
