“The christening of our newest ship, the Disney Destiny, marks a truly special moment for Disney Cruise Line,” said D’Amaro during the ceremony. “The Disney Cruise Line team, along with our talented Disney Imagineers, have invested years of expertise, creativity, and dedication into this beautiful ship and together, they’ve created something truly spectacular.”

The Disney Destiny sets itself apart with its “Heroes and Villains” theme, a bold new concept celebrating Disney’s most iconic characters from beloved heroes like Hercules and Moana to the mischievous villains who make every story more exciting.

“The Disney Destiny’s Heroes and Villains theme celebrates the legendary characters who have inspired generations of fans to dream bigger and to go the distance,” D’Amaro added. “While our mischievous villains add a spark of unexpected excitement, it all comes together to create an unforgettable voyage for guests of all ages.”

The ship embodies the heart of Disney’s storytelling tradition, transforming each deck into a cinematic experience that immerses guests in the worlds they love.

According to Joe Schott, the Disney Destiny is more than just a ship it’s a moving tribute to Disney’s storytelling legacy. “For more than 100 years, Disney has entertained fans around the world through innovation and imagination connecting them to the stories and characters they love,” Schott said. “Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy. Our ships have become ambassadors of the Disney brand, traveling the globe and bringing joy to our guests in ways that only Disney can.”

When guests step aboard the Disney Destiny, they’ll experience immersive entertainment, world-class dining, and the signature Disney service that has made Disney Cruise Line a favorite among fans. The ship’s design, created in partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering and built at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany, captures both grandeur and whimsy in equal measure.

D’Amaro also recognized key leaders for their contributions, including Sharon Siskie, head of Disney Cruise Line, and Bruce Vaughn, head of Walt Disney Imagineering.

The christening concluded with an emotional salute to the Disney Destiny crew, who will officially welcome guests aboard for the ship’s maiden voyage on November 20.

“Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet,” D’Amaro said. “When you step aboard, you’re transported into the worlds you love—while experiencing the unparalleled service of our dedicated crew members.”

Guests attending the ceremony were treated to a dazzling “Heroes and Villains” celebration, offering a sneak peek at the magic awaiting travelers on this one-of-a-kind ship.

“Enjoy the show, everyone and welcome to the christening of the Disney Destiny,” D’Amaro concluded, as fireworks illuminated the sky above the newest jewel in Disney Cruise Line’s crown.

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King’s relationship with ABFF is as deep as it is enduring. Her first appearance dates back to 1997, when the festival was still the Acapulco Black Film Festival. Over the years, both have evolved King into a defining creative force in Hollywood and ABFF into a global hub for Black storytelling. As Festival Ambassador, she will open the celebration and participate in a featured “Creator Conversation with Regina King,” spotlighting her continued commitment to authenticity, artistry, and representation.

“ABFF has championed countless artists and storytellers, growing into a powerful global platform,” said King. “What Jeff and Nicole Friday have built over 30 years has made a lasting impact across our industry. Returning feels like a homecoming a celebration of our creativity, resilience, and excellence.”

Festival founders Jeff and Nicole Friday, who lead NICE CROWD, describe King’s ambassadorship as a full-circle moment. “She represents everything this festival was created to celebrate—artistry, integrity, and excellence,” they shared.

With a career that spans from 227 to If Beale Street Could Talk, Watchmen, and her groundbreaking directorial debut One Night in Miami, King continues to blaze new paths for Black women in film and television. Most recently, she directed and executive produced Netflix’s Forever alongside showrunner Mara Brock Akil, which has already been renewed for a second season.

ABFF 2026 promises to honor the festival’s rich history while looking ahead to its vibrant future celebrating the creators, stories, and voices that continue to shape the culture.

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Central to the evening was the presentation of the Sidney Poitier Emerging Luminary Awards, which recognize artists who not only excel in their craft but also reflect the festival’s core mission: to celebrate, empower, and elevate diverse voices in storytelling. This year’s honorees: Tosin Morohunfola (Run the World, Black Lightning), Gail Bean (Snowfall, P-Valley), Adriyan Rae (Chicago Fire, The Game), Shanice Shantay (The Chi, It’s Dorothy!), and Mike Merrill (The Black Hamptons, All American). Each represent a new wave of creators blazing their own artistic paths while inspiring others to follow. Their careers embody the same courage, authenticity, and boundary-pushing artistry that Sidney Poitier himself championed.

The event drew a vibrant mix of established and emerging talent, with appearances by festival ambassador Lil Rel Howery, designer Sai Suman, and actors Malcolm Barrett, Adrian Dev, Teresa Celeste, and Shaka Smith. Music artist Chef Sean, Ashley Nicole Graham, Christal Luster, and host/DJ CJ Tyler also joined in the celebration. Festival co-founders Noel Braham and Courtney L. Branch presided over the evening, welcoming attendees whose collective energy and creativity underscored the festival’s ongoing impact on Hollywood’s cultural evolution.

Capturing the spirit of Gold Night which is connection, recognition, and golden-era glamour — the celebration served as a fitting conclusion to four days of screenings, panels, and events dedicated to multicultural storytelling. As the lights dimmed on another successful year, one thing was clear: the Micheaux Film Festival is actively building the future of Hollywood. Through its commitment to inclusion and creative excellence, the festival remains a vital platform where underrepresented voices don’t just shine they define what’s next.

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This year’s ceremony will pay special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners — the acclaimed film directed by Ryan Coogler and produced alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, starring Michael B. Jordan. The film’s visionary team includes Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, and Production Designer Hannah Beachler, all of whom helped bring Coogler’s Southern Gothic epic to life.

Other honorees include Jennifer Hudson, receiving the Renaissance Award for her groundbreaking work as host of The Jennifer Hudson Show and her continued excellence as an EGOT-winning entertainer; Salli Richardson-Whitfield, honored with the Evolution Award for her trailblazing achievements as a director and executive producer on acclaimed series including HBO’s Task and The Gilded Age; and Damson Idris, recipient of the Horizon Award for his dynamic performances in FX’s Snowfall and Apple’s F1.

“This year’s honorees each represent the spirit of what ABFF stands for — creativity, excellence, and purpose,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “These artists remind us why we tell stories: to inspire, to uplift, and to move the culture forward.”

Since its founding in 2016, ABFF Honors has become one of Hollywood’s most respected celebrations of Black artistry, serving as the awards-season companion to the American Black Film Festival, which continues to champion diverse storytelling and elevate emerging Black voices in entertainment.

Executive produced by Jeff Friday, Nicole Friday, and Rikki Hughes, the 2026 ABFF Honors is supported by sponsors including Ally, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and the SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills.

The post Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Leads 2026 ABFF Honors as Ceremony Celebrates Black Excellence in Film and Television appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

This year’s theme The Whole Writer goes beyond craft to honor the full spectrum of what it means to sustain a creative career. From the opening poets to closing booksellers, SFWA promises a lineup that embraces diversity in genre, medium, and experience. Expect discussions ranging from the intersection of horror and science fiction to myth-busting science panels and even a session on Tarot as a tool for worldbuilding in SFF storytelling.

Given the turbulence of this past year in publishing marked by concerns over AI piracy, moral rights waivers, and contract clauses around copyright and merchandise Quasar will also address real-world challenges facing today’s creators. A key seminar hosted by Writer Beware® founder Victoria Strauss, alongside literary agents Alice Speilburg and Natascha Morris, will guide writers through navigating red flags in contracts and protecting their intellectual property.

The event’s highlight includes an exclusive conversation between two of SFWA’s Grand Masters, Lois McMaster Bujold and Nicola Griffith. Their discussion will delve into the evolution of speculative fiction and offer a glimpse into what’s ahead for the genre culminating in a surprise Nebula announcement that promises to set the tone for 2026 and beyond.

“It’s going to be an incredible event, with a big announcement that you won’t want to miss,” says SFWA President Kate Ristau. “Bujold and Griffith will set the stage for our launch into 2026 with an in-depth conversation on speculative fiction, followed by an announcement that will shift our course for the years ahead.”

SFWA’s partnerships this year with the Horror Writers Association and the National Association of Science Writers underscore its commitment to fostering community across genres and disciplines. Alongside the weekend’s educational offerings, Radio QUASAR will feature all-weekend audio highlights, while feature poet Brandon O’Brien brings his lyrical vision to the virtual stage.

For many writers, especially those navigating the shifting landscape of publishing Quasar represents more than an event. It’s a space to recharge, connect, and collaborate with peers who understand the balance between craft and care.

Early-bird registration ($50 USD) is open until November 8 and includes priority access to live workshops, seminars, and office hours. Attendees from the 2025 Nebula Awards Conference can join for free using the promo code 2025Nebulas.

Quasar officially kicks off Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 PM Pacific and runs through Sunday afternoon. All participants will have access to recorded panels and presentations until June 2, 2026 — just in time for SFWA’s 61st Anniversary Nebula Awards Conference in Chicago.

Register today for Quasar at https://membership.sfwa.org/event-6301796

Review the conference program at events.sfwa.org

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This panel built upon the momentum from the summer’s ABFF in Miami Beach. Continuing that creative and financial empowerment energy, she joined Ally to explore how money, mindset, and artistry intersect for today’s creators.

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer,” Naughton-Lewis began. “I started singing at my church in East Orange, New Jersey. I wanted to be the next Whitney Houston.”

What truly moved her, though, wasn’t just fame. “Even as a kid, I realized what really mattered was making people feel something through my art,” she said. “That connection, that’s always been my purpose.”

Her definition of success has evolved over time: “It’s not about being in the spotlight. It’s about using my art to help people and create impact.”

Naughton-Lewis’ career has been one of resilience and reinvention. From chart-topping girl group member to acclaimed television star and now producer-director.

“People tried to keep me in a box. ‘You’re just the girl from 3LW,’” she recalled. “But I learned early on the importance of the pivot. You can’t be afraid to shift your mindset or your money strategy.”

She credits this adaptability for her longevity in Hollywood. “When you’re open to new opportunities — whether that’s acting, producing, or directing — your mind expands. And so does your money.”

Authenticity, Naughton-Lewis emphasized, has been her guiding force. “My parents my late father, Ezra, and my mother, Brenda taught me to always remember where I come from. My dad made me watch Roots when I was 12. That grounded me in my history.”

She added with a laugh, “When people say I’m down to earth, it’s because I really am that girl who’ll come over, watch a movie, and chill. Humility keeps you connected to the culture and to people.”

The conversation turned to money a topic many creatives shy away from. Hughes introduced Ally’s Money Roots, a financial wellness program designed to help people explore their emotional relationship with money.

“When I was younger, financial wellness wasn’t on my radar,” Naughton-Lewis admitted. “At 15, I was in 3LW, selling a million records, but I only had about $10,000 in the bank.”

Now, as a wife and mother of two, her priorities have shifted. “It’s not about paying bills anymore it’s about legacy. It’s about generational wealth, security, and teaching my kids about money.”

She also acknowledged the fear many creatives feel around finances: “My relationship with money used to be fear-based. I’d think, ‘If I get it, I better not lose it.’ That’s a mindset a lot of us have to unlearn.”

Instead, she advocates for balance. Learning, investing, and being open. “I used to be the cash-only girl with envelopes like my grandma,” she joked. “But I’ve learned that when you open your mind, you also open yourself up for abundance.”

Her takeaway: “Free yourself up. That’s real money wellness.”

The Money Wellness and the Creator conversation highlighted what makes the ABFF Pop-Up series so impactful, its ability to fuse artistry, culture, and empowerment in real time.

For Hughes, Ally’s collaboration with ABFF reflects a commitment to helping creators thrive not just creatively, but financially. And for Naughton-Lewis, it was a full-circle moment of growth, gratitude, and guidance.

As she summed up beautifully: “It’s about knowing your worth, investing in your future, and staying true to who you are because abundance flows from authenticity.”

Check out our exclusive interview with Naturi Naughton-Lewis in this video below:

The post Naturi Naughton-Lewis on Money, Mindset, and Creative Freedom at ABFF Pop-Up NYC appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Every artist has that one story. The moment they passed on something that, in hindsight, could have changed everything. For Naturi, that moment came early in her career, when a young filmmaker named Ryan Coogler asked her to star in his short film Fig.

Fig went on to win top honors at the American Black Film Festival, later earning awards at AFI Fest and the HBO Short Film Competition — a launchpad for Coogler’s meteoric rise as one of Hollywood’s most visionary directors.

Long before Black Panther and Creed made him a household name, Ryan Coogler was a rising filmmaker working on a short film called Fig. Naughton recalls being offered a role in the project, which at the time came with little pay but enormous potential.

“He was really talented, and the script was really good,” Naughton said. “They were paying me, like, a day rate — maybe a couple hundred dollars, real talk. And John Singleton was his mentor at that time. I loved John. Twinkie Byrd was casting and told me, ‘You need to do this movie. He’s about to be the next one.’”

Naughton was ready to say yes, until her team stepped in.

“They were vehemently against it. They told me if I did it, they’d drop me,” she explained. “They said it wasn’t a good look because I was about to do a series called The Playboy Club. They said, ‘You have to maintain a certain prestige.’”

It was 2010 or 2011, and Naughton-Lewis was on the verge of a major TV role. The choice seemed logical at the time. Still, looking back, she sees it as a turning point that taught her the difference between prestige and opportunity.

“I just want to share with everyone, sometimes access and opportunity are more valuable than money,” she said. “Prestige is bigger than money. But so is relational currency. Write that down, y’all: relational currency.”

Years later, Naughton still runs into Coogler and laughs about the one that got away.

“I see Ryan all the time, and I’m like, ‘You know I’m ready! Whatever you need!’” she said with a smile. “I told him, ‘Forgive me for not doing your movie.’ And he was like, ‘No, I love you, I love you — I wanted you because I saw you in Notorious.’”

The short film Fig went on to win awards, including recognition from HBO and AFI Fest, marking the start of Coogler’s incredible rise.

“It was the launch of something,” Naughton reflected. “You’ve got to get in early. That’s what I learned. Sometimes you just have to go ahead and do stuff, even when the money or the prestige doesn’t make sense yet.”

The ABFF Pop-Up NYC runs until Sunday Oct 26th. For more information on upcoming locations go here.

The post Naturi Naughton-Lewis Reflects on Passing Up a Ryan Coogler Film: “It’s One of My Few Career Regrets” appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

This year’s honorees: Adriyan Rae, Mike Merrill, Tosin Morohunfola, Gail Bean, and Shanice Shantay — represent a new wave of Hollywood talent redefining what it means to lead, inspire, and create with intention. Their diverse body of work reflects the very principles that the Micheaux Film Festival stands for: fearless storytelling, cultural authenticity, and the drive to use art as a vehicle for change.

Hosted by RJ Cyler (Power Rangers), the evening promises a fusion of old-school Hollywood glam and contemporary creative spirit. “Each of our young honorees reminds us that purpose is louder than fear, that art is ministry and that every truth told on screen has the power to heal something in the world,” said festival co-founder and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Noel Braham. “Just as Sidney Poitier broke barriers with grace and purpose, these artists carry that same fire forward, redefining excellence, and reminding us that legacy is earned through courage and faith.”

The event will also spotlight a powerful network of Black-owned and allied creative partners, including The Black Bouquet LA, a Black woman–owned digital media platform serving as a media partner, and Shicken Productions. Additionally, NAACP Studios joins the festival as a proud screening sponsor, underscoring the night’s theme of unity and empowerment through storytelling.

Named for trailblazing filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, the festival continues to serve as a beacon for representation and innovation across film, television, and digital media. Gold Night stands as a vibrant culmination of that mission a reminder that the next generation of Hollywood isn’t waiting for permission to shine; they’re already illuminating the path forward.

With its mix of rising stars, visionary creators, and community celebration, the 2025 Gold Night promises it’s a declaration that the future of Hollywood is bright, bold, and beautifully inclusive.

The post The Micheaux Film Festival’s 2025 Gold Night Shines a Spotlight on Hollywood’s Next Generation appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

It was a high-stakes competition from start to finish, with the arena crowd roaring as every build, edit, and elimination played out in real time. When the dust settled, Nina not only took home the championship but was also crowned MVP of the tournament, while MiniMikae1a earned the Sportsmanship Award for embodying the Milk Cup’s community-driven spirit.

A Record-Breaking Year for Women’s Esports

The 2025 Milk Cup wasn’t just about the winners it marked a defining moment for women in competitive gaming. This year’s finals featured:

• 50 duos (100 players) representing 14 states
• 66% returning finalists, showcasing the tournament’s growing legacy
• 4.3 million total views, cementing it as one of the most-watched women’s Fortnite events ever

Perhaps the most groundbreaking achievement was that The Milk Cup became the first third-party tournament to be broadcast on Fortnite’s official channels. That partnership amplified visibility for women’s esports on an unprecedented scale, bringing more eyes and more respect to women competitors in the scene.

Creators and Community Power the Hype

The excitement didn’t stop on the main stage. Six major co-streamers and seven watch parties helped spread the Milk Cup’s momentum across Twitch and social media. Popular creators like LuluLuvely, HappyHappyGal, AussieAntics, OliverOG, Zemie, Viancyy, and Khanada drew in massive audiences and fan engagement throughout the tournament.

Behind the scenes, the Milk Cup community kept growing stronger. The official Discord saw a 172% increase in members season-over-season, and players logged more than 28 scrim hours between May and October all proving that the hunger for women-centered esports spaces is alive and thriving.

“Milk Energy” Fuels the Competition

In true TwitchCon fashion, Gonna Need Milk introduced a clever twist on the gaming energy drink with the debut of “Milk Energy – The OG Energy Drink.” The limited-edition beverage, available exclusively at TwitchCon for partners and competitors, came in a Strawberry Crush flavor but here’s the kicker: it wasn’t your average caffeinated concoction.

Instead, the drink was lactose-free strawberry dairy milk, packed with nutrients like vitamins D and B-12, calcium, zinc, and complete proteins to promote focus and sustained energy — all without the crash and jitters of typical energy drinks. A hundred samples were distributed on-site, offering players and fans alike a refreshing reminder that fueling up doesn’t have to mean artificial caffeine overload.

Looking Ahead

With record viewership, a groundbreaking broadcast milestone, and a community that’s growing stronger by the day, the Milk Cup continues to redefine what’s possible for women in competitive Fortnite. Nina and Vader’s win is more than just a championship — it’s a statement about representation, recognition, and the power of women gamers commanding the main stage.

As the Milk Cup wraps its second season, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a tournament. It’s a movement.

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As the name suggests, the cozy gaming community centers on games that soothe rather than stress. Titles like The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing. But this panel made one thing clear: behind every chill stream is a creator carving out something profound. For these Black creators, cozy gaming is a form of resistance, self-care, and community-building in a digital landscape that hasn’t always been welcoming.

What emerged from this conversation was a vision of cozy gaming that’s deeply intentional. These creators aren’t simply streaming games; they’re cultivating healing spaces, challenging stereotypes, and redefining digital comfort on their own terms.

The cozy gaming space has long been painted with a particular aesthetic, soft lighting, lo-fi beats, and pastel palettes. And for many, it’s been associated with white creators who embody that gentle, minimalist lifestyle. For a while, that visual dominance shaped perceptions of who belonged in cozy gaming. But a growing number of Black streamers are reshaping that narrative, proving that the cozy corner of Twitch and YouTube is as expansive and inclusive as the people who inhabit it.

Historically, Black gamers have been stereotyped into certain genres: shooters, fighting games, sports titles — the kinds of spaces defined by high energy and competition. While many excel there, the assumption that these are the only games Black players gravitate toward has been limiting. What this new wave of cozy creators demonstrates is that representation doesn’t require permission or validation; it begins by simply showing up. Every stream that features a Black gamer tending crops in Stardew Valley or designing furniture in The Sims is an act of quiet resistance and reclamation.

One streamer reflected on how finding supportive peers helped them grow not only as a creator but as a person. Racism and harassment can find their way into even the calmest corners of the internet, but what makes this community special is how it rallies around its members. When the hate inevitably shows up in a chat, the collective response isn’t to engage but to protect each other’s peace, keeping the positive energy flowing.

These creators also take pride in fostering spaces that mirror their own values, places built on kindness, respect, and shared vibes. Curating that environment requires intention. It’s not just about moderation tools or chat rules; it’s about cultivating an energy that feels safe, where viewers can relax without fear of ridicule or toxicity. As one streamer noted, it’s about finding “people with the same values and energy,” the ones who get what it means to make community feel like home.

One of the biggest challenges, however, is visibility. There’s still a scarcity of Black male representation in cozy gaming. While Black women creators are making visible strides, Black men often go unseen in this genre. It’s not that they’re absent, they’re just underrepresented in an algorithmic system that rarely surfaces them. For some, embracing their authentic selves meant unlearning internalized pressure to conform. Early on, a few felt the need to “tone down” aspects of their identity. The music they played, the way they spoke, to align with what cozy content was supposed to look or sound like. Over time, confidence replaced conformity. Now, they stream with rap beats in the background, bringing warmth and authenticity into a space that once told them to dim their light.

Boundaries are another essential part of this evolution. As streamers build growing communities, they face the delicate balance of being open and approachable while maintaining emotional safety. Setting limits about what topics are off-limits, what jokes cross the line, or when to disengage becomes a form of self-care. Sometimes that means gently redirecting a conversation with a lighthearted “we don’t do that here.” Other times, it means ignoring a message altogether to preserve energy for what truly matters: connection and joy.

At its core, the cozy gaming movement within the Black community is about expansion and expanding who gets to be seen, what “cozy” can sound like, and how inclusion can feel. It’s about redefining comfort not as a curated aesthetic, but as a shared emotional experience. These creators are proving that coziness isn’t fragile; it’s resilient. It’s the soft power of presence, the beauty of finding stillness in your truth, and the courage to make digital spaces feel like home for everyone.

For more about what took place during this panel, check out the recorded session here:

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