Entertainment News
(Source: Andrew Harnik/AP Images)
This past Sunday, Outfest awarded White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre with their highest honor, the Inaugural Achievement Award for Press and Media. The honor celebrates LGBTQ+ representation in the media. The award presentation was held on July 23 during the closing of the 41st Outfest Los Angeles Film Festival presented by Genesis Motor America and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Born from Haitian immigrants, Jean-Pierre is notably known as the first Black and openly gay press secretary having served in the role since May 13, 2022. In the past, she previously served as Chief of Staff for then Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2020 Presidential campaign.
The Outfest Achievement Award is part of the newly launched Outfest Inclusive Press Initiative, the first-ever press initiative explicitly for entertainment journalists. The program offers aspiring film critics, broadcasters, and journalists open access to cover the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival while receiving a stipend and mentorship from journalists at media outlets including Reuters, the New York Times, and The Hollywood Reporter.
“Outfest is thrilled to recognize the continued contributions of Karine Jean-Pierre for her barrier breaking and historic achievement in Press and Media”.
“Throughout her career, the Black and LGBTQ+ community has been reminded of what is possible. Our fellow Americans have been reminded of our humanity and inherent dignity. Our Outfest Press Fellows have been inspired”. - Outfest Board Co-President Nii-Quartelai Quartey
Congratulations to Karine Jean-Pierre for breaking barriers and leading with integrity!