ABFF Honors 2026 delivers unexpected celebrations that command attention

Photo by Kevin Bulluck /ABFF

Beverly Hills welcomed Hollywood’s elite on Monday, February 16, 2026, as the 2026 ABFF Honors took center stage at the SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The annual awards season gala celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television while highlighting the contributions of Black artists and creatives across the entertainment industry.

The evening honored eight influential figures in the industry, with Dwayne Johnson receiving the Entertainment Icon Award for his unmatched impact on film. Angela Bassett earned the Excellence in the Arts Award, recognizing her continued dedication to elevating Black storytelling. Jennifer Hudson was celebrated with the Renaissance Award, while Damson Idris was recognized with the Horizon Award for his rising influence in Hollywood. Salli Richardson-Whitfield received the Evolution Award, and a special tribute was given to the creative team behind Sinners, including Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian.

Beverly Hills, California. Photo by Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

Presenters and hosts add star power

The ceremony featured a lineup of notable presenters, including Jerry Bruckheimer, who presented the Horizon Award to Damson Idris, and Jon M. Chu, who honored Dwayne Johnson. Keke Palmer presented the Excellence in the Arts Award to Angela Bassett, while Mario Van Peebles celebrated Salli Richardson-Whitfield. Michael B. Jordan joined Wunmi Mosaku in presenting a special tribute to the Sinners creative team. Sheryl Lee Ralph presented Jennifer Hudson with her Renaissance Award. Comedian KevOnStage hosted the evening, keeping the energy lively while ensuring the celebration of talent remained the focus.

Executive producers and event vision

The ABFF Honors were executive produced by Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday, co-founders of NICE CROWD, alongside Rikki Hughes of Magic Lemonade and Suzanne de Passe, co-chair of de Passe Jones Entertainment Group. NICE CROWD, a company focused on producing culturally significant live events, continues to deliver high-impact experiences that highlight Black talent and amplify creative voices.

The event also drew a distinguished guest list, including Dondré Whitfield, Jimmy Akingbola, Lance Gross, Michael Jai White, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Tabitha Brown, Terrence Jenkins, Tika Sumpter, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vivica A. Fox, and Zainab Johnson. Their attendance underscored the significance of ABFF Honors as a premier gathering for entertainment industry leaders.

A legacy of celebrating black storytelling

ABFF Honors is the annual gala of the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday. The festival and its honors program focus on providing opportunities for Black artists to achieve visibility and recognition comparable to their mainstream counterparts. Over the years, ABFF has premiered the work of many of today’s most influential actors and filmmakers, cementing its role as a standard-bearer for Black creativity in film and television.

Sponsors for the 2026 gala included Ally Financial as the presenting sponsor, with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Andscape, Amazon, and Amazon MGM Studios participating as silver sponsors. Bronze sponsors included Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO Max. The SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills contributed as a venue sponsor, while Variety served as the media sponsor.

Through events like ABFF Honors, NICE CROWD and its partners continue to elevate cultural relevance, creating spaces where talent and innovation thrive. The gala provided an opportunity for the entertainment community to celebrate achievements, honor creative excellence, and support the next generation of Black storytellers.

For more information about ABFF Honors, visit www.abffhonors.com and follow @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook, and @ABFF on X.

Source: Provided press release from The Lede Company