The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival is in full swing, and Black Hollywood has descended on the island to soak up the last stretches of summer. Between catching premieres, sitting in on panels, and reconnecting with industry peers, the attendees have been serving up style and substance. We’ve got the full rundown of who showed up to make the most of it.
From filmmakers to athletes to civil rights leaders, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has drawn some seriously impressive talent. Here’s who we spotted.
Floyd A. B. Rance III, Ruth E. Carter, and Stephanie Tavares-Rance
Cinematographer Floyd A. B. Rance III, known for his work on Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and the 1992 film “Juice,” mingled with Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and festival co-founder Stephanie Tavares-Rance at The Cut and Cartier dinner.
Courtney B. Vance
Courtney B. Vance looked effortlessly cool in a sheer black shirt at the dinner. That’s the kind of understated confidence that starts trends.
Rebecca Jefferson and Lance Gross
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” star Lance Gross and his wife, Rebecca Jefferson, made a striking pair on the island, dressed impeccably for the festival events.
Malcolm D. Lee
Filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee, celebrated for “The Best Man’s Holiday” and “Girls Trip,” was on hand to take in the festival’s lineup of African American cinema.
LeToya Luckett and Taleo Coles
Destiny’s Child founding member LeToya Luckett turned heads in a purple floral gown, while her husband, Taleo Coles, kept it casual-cool in a loose white shirt and black trousers paired with clean white trainers.
Camille A. Brown
Award-winning choreographer Camille A. Brown, who’s shaped some of Broadway’s biggest productions including “Hell’s Kitchen” and the forthcoming “Dreamgirls” revival, was beaming at the dinner.
DeSean Jackson
Former NFL star DeSean Jackson, now head coach of Delaware State University’s football program, participated in a panel discussion for his Amazon Prime documentary, “Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story.”
Derrick Johnson
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, honored as a 2025 The Root 100 honoree, attended the Men’s Brunch at Harborview in a casual striped linen shirt that screamed summer sophistication.
Lonnie Ali
Muhammad Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, attended and spoke at the screening of “The Greatest,” an Amazon Prime series chronicling the legendary boxer’s life and legacy.
Domonique Foxworth
Former football superstar Domonique Foxworth gave off relaxed island vibes in a white polo, linen trousers, and white sneakers.
Dr. Jamal Bryant
Pastor Jamal Bryant took the mic at the men’s brunch, addressing an audience of accomplished Black professionals. He brought the energy in patchwork denim, a crisp white shirt, and dark shades.
Joy Reid
Political commentator and TV host Joy Reid moderated the panel discussions for “The Greatest,” featuring Michael Ealy as Malcolm X and rising star Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali.
Marian Rogers Croak
Marian Rogers Croak, the Black inventor behind Zoom and FaceTime, joined the “Color of Conversation” AI panel, sharing her insights on the tech industry and innovation.
Jaalen Best
Breakout actor Jaalen Best, star of Amazon Prime’s “The Greatest,” posed in classic boxing stance before the premiere of his new series. The festival marks a major moment for the rising talent.
★TR★
