Awkwafina to lead San Francisco’s 2024 Chinese New Year parade

What she’ll do: The actor and rapper, whose real name is Nora Lum, 35, will kick off this year’s Chinese New Year Festival and Parade with the lighting of ceremonial firecrackers. She will be joined by former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who has been named honorary grand marshal.

About the parade: The city’s Chinese New Year celebrations will run from Jan. 28 to March 3 and will feature street fairs, public art projects and other events. The annual parade, regarded as one of the world’s largest illuminated nighttime holiday celebrations, will commence at Second and Market Streets, proceed to Geary Street, Powell Street, Post Street, Kearny Street and end at Columbus Avenue. Lisa Performing Arts will be the opening act.

What she’s saying: In a statement, the “Kung Fu Panda 4” star said she feels honored to be the parade’s grand marshal and shared her excitement to celebrate with the community.

“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,” said Awkwafina, who was born in New York in 1988.

Previous grand marshals: Celebrities who previously served as grand marshals of the parade include “Everything Everywhere All At Once” star Michelle Yeoh, “Into the Badlands” star and San Francisco native Daniel Wu and “Warrior” star Rich Ting. Yeoh took the role in 2018, Wu in 2022 and Ting in 2023.

What’s next for her: Awkwafina is known for her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Farewell,” “Shang-Chi” and “Quiz Lady.” She will appear alongside Ke Huy Quan, Viola Davis and Jack Black in “Kung Fu Panda 4,” which will hit theaters on March 8.