The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) is set to celebrate six powerhouse leaders at its 2026 Annual Summit on Saturday, March 21, at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center. With the theme “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” this year’s event spotlights collective strength, creative collaboration, and the ongoing impact of Black women in television, film, and digital media.
The summit honors leaders whose work spans performance, production, storytelling, and executive leadership. Among the top recipients is S. Epatha Merkerson, receiving the On Her Shoulders Preservation Award. Merkerson, currently portraying Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s Chicago Med, has long been a television icon, known for her record-setting role as Lt. Anita Van Buren on Law & Order. Approaching her 40th anniversary in television, Merkerson’s career aligns with NBCUniversal’s 100th anniversary, highlighting her enduring influence. Her accolades include a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild awards, as well as multiple NAACP Image Awards and Tony nominations.
Danielle Brooks will be honored with the AcceleratHER Award, recognizing her dynamic presence across stage and screen. Brooks earned widespread recognition for her role as Taystee in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, and more recently, her performance as Sofia in Warner Bros.’ The Color Purple garnered Academy Award, BAFTA, and SAG nominations. Her Tony-nominated portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple reinforces her status as a versatile and transformative performer in contemporary entertainment.
Additional honorees shaping the industry
The summit will also recognize four other leaders making significant contributions behind the scenes:
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Sheila Ducksworth, Executive Producer of Beyond the Gates, will receive the ProducHER Award.
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Angela Cannon, EVP Networks & Content Strategy at UP Entertainment and GM at AspireTV+, is set for the PowerbrokHER Award.
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Felicia Pride, showrunner and executive producer of the A Different World sequel, will be honored with the StorytellHER Award.
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Vanzil Burke, founder of Burke Entertainment Partners, will receive the AmpliphiHER Award.
These awards highlight a range of contributions from creative storytelling to executive leadership, reflecting BWFN’s commitment to elevating Black women across all levels of the entertainment industry.
Forward-looking conversations on the future of media
Beyond the awards, the summit will feature panels addressing pressing trends and challenges in the industry. Topics include AI applications in production, monetizing content through branded partnerships, documentary funding and distribution strategies, mental health awareness in media, and navigating the path from script to greenlight. Short-form content monetization and practical applications for emerging technology will also be explored, providing attendees with insight into both creative and business strategies for success.
A continued mission of mentorship and advancement
Founded in 1997, BWFN remains a leading platform for mentorship, advocacy, and career advancement for Black women in film, television, and digital media. The annual summit draws established talent, emerging creatives, and executives from across the country to share knowledge, build networks, and celebrate achievements in the industry.
With partnerships from NBCUniversal, AspireTV+, Amazon, and Fulton Films, the 2026 Annual Summit promises to be both a celebration of excellence and a forward-looking forum for innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. Tickets are available to the public and open to all who wish to witness this convergence of talent and leadership.
Source: Black Women Film Network press release
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