Awkwafina named grand marshal of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade

Actress-producer Awkwafina has been named grand marshal of San Francisco’s celebrated Chinese New Year Parade and will light the ceremonial firecrackers to kick off the Year of the Dragon event Feb. 24.

“Having been born in the year of the dragon, I look forward to fostering growth and progress that the upcoming year will bring for us,” she said in the announcement.

Born Nora Lum in 1988, she was raised in New York City and gained notice as a rapper and comedian before embarking on a successful acting career. Her breakout role in the hit movie “Crazy Rich Asians” was followed by a Golden Globe Award-winning turn in “The Farewell.” She currently stars in and produces the Hulu comedy film “Quiz Lady” and voices “Chump” in the new movie “Migration.” She also stars in the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film “Kung Fu Panda 4.

The Chinese New Year Festival & Parade is a month-long series of street fairs, public art projects and other events that will run from Jan. 28 to March 3 this year. The highlight is the famed parade, one of the world’s largest illuminated nighttime holiday celebrations.

For details on events and to book parade bleacher seats, go to www.chineseparade.com.