Viola Davis poised to make history with NAACP image awards chairmans award

Photocredit:Ariana Drummond

LOS ANGELES February 12 2026 – Viola Davis will be honored with the Chairman’s Award at the 57th NAACP Image Awards airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday February 28 at 8 PM ET on BET and CBS. Davis is also nominated for a NAACP Image Award for her role in the upcoming film G20.

The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who use their influence to drive meaningful change. It celebrates Davis’ longstanding impact on the entertainment industry as well as her dedication to social justice. Previous honorees of the award include Vice President Kamala Harris, Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

Leon W. Russell, Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, praised Davis for her career marked by excellence and courage. Through her performances and public work, she has leveraged her platform to advocate for equity and opportunity, creating a legacy that inspires generations to follow.

Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET, highlighted Davis’ combination of artistic achievement and activism. From addressing childhood hunger to uplifting underserved communities, Davis has consistently used her visibility for the greater good. The Chairman’s Award underscores her commitment to public service in addition to her accomplishments in film and television.

A career defined by excellence and impact

Davis is a critically acclaimed artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. She has achieved EGOT status with her wins across the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tony Awards. In 2017 she was named one of TIME 100’s most influential people, and in 2022 she received the Public Counsel William O Douglas Award for her dedication to social justice causes.

Her charitable work includes partnerships to combat childhood hunger in the U.S. and the launch of the Davis-Tennon Foundation. Davis is also a graduate of The Juilliard School, which awarded her an Honorary Doctorate during its 109th Commencement Ceremony. She holds additional honorary degrees from Rhode Island College and the American Film Institute. In 2025 she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

Voting and the awards week

The public can vote for winners in select categories at www.naacpimageawards.net through February 13 2026 at midnight ET. Winners will be revealed during the 57th NAACP Image Awards live broadcast on February 28 with a simulcast on CBS. Non-televised categories will be recognized during the Creative Honors on February 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus February 23–25.

The awards week is supported by Wells Fargo, American Airlines, Amazon, Bank of America, FedEx, Procter & Gamble, AARP, Airbnb, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., L’Oréal Groupe, and Lowe’s. The live broadcast and red carpet are presented by Procter & Gamble, Olay, Toyota, Walmart, Capital One, and Ally.

Celebrating black excellence

The NAACP Image Awards remain one of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black achievement in entertainment and public service. Previous attendees and winners include Kamala Harris, Dave Chappelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Don Cheadle, Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, and Kerry Washington among others.

The awards highlight artists committed to justice equality and inspiring change while celebrating their contributions to culture and society. The 57th NAACP Image Awards will continue this tradition, honoring those who blend artistic excellence with transformative social impact.

Source: NAACP Image Awards press release