PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP, speaks onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
LOS ANGELES – The 57th NAACP Image Awards brought together Hollywood’s brightest stars to celebrate Black excellence, leadership, and cultural impact. Hosted by comedian and actor Deon Cole, the evening highlighted achievements across film, television, music, literature, and digital media.
Special honors and lifetime achievements
Colman Domingo received the President’s Award for exceptional achievement and public service. Legendary hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing their enduring influence on music. Viola Davis earned the Chairman’s Award for her leadership and dedication to social change.
A tribute led by Samuel L. Jackson celebrated the life and work of Rev. Jesse Jackson, honoring his advocacy and lasting impact. Members of the Jackson family attended, underscoring the evening’s focus on legacy, service, and community.
Standout winners of the night
Michael B. Jordan was named Entertainer of the Year and also won Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Sinners.” The film earned multiple accolades, including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo, Outstanding Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, Outstanding Costume Design for Ruth E. Carter, and Outstanding Writing and Directing by Ryan Coogler. Miles Caton received Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture for his work in the same film.
Television honors went to Angela Bassett as Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for “9-1-1,” Quinta Brunson as Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary,” and Sterling K. Brown as Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for “Paradise.” Abbott Elementary also won Outstanding Comedy Series, with Janelle James and William Stanford Davis recognized for supporting roles.
Teyana Taylor and Glynn Turman earned awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie for “Straw,” while Taraji P. Henson took home Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series. The Apple TV documentary “Number One on the Call Sheet” was honored for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary and Outstanding Documentary.
Music, digital, and youth awards
Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller won Outstanding Soul/R&B Song for “It Depends,” while Kendrick Lamar and SZA earned Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album for “luther.” New artist Monaleo was recognized for “Who Did the Body?” Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar won Outstanding Female and Male Artist, respectively.
Youth performers also stood out, including Naya Desir-Johnson for “Sarah’s Oil” and Leah Sava Jeffries for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Digital creators like Wisdom Kaye, Tee Sanders, Berlin Edmond Jr., and Keith Lee were celebrated for innovation in fashion, comedy, gaming, and lifestyle content.
Literary and short-form content
The awards also highlighted literary achievements, honoring Michelle Obama’s “The Look” in biography, Nnedi Okorafor for fiction, Patricia Smith for poetry, and Angie Thomas for youth literature. Short-form and digital content awards recognized projects like “Ella,” “Wednesdays with Gramps,” and “The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Infant Health.”
A celebration of culture and community
The NAACP Image Awards remain a premier platform for Black voices, celebrating talent that inspires equality, justice, and positive change. By highlighting creativity across mediums, the ceremony underscores the ongoing influence of Black artists and activists in shaping culture.
Source: BET & NAACP
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