BET and NAACP proudly celebrated the best in Black culture at the “57th NAACP Image Awards” on February 28, 2026. The event was hosted by beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole. The evening was a powerful tribute to Black excellence, honoring leaders, visionaries, and creatives making a remarkable impact across entertainment, advocacy, and culture.
In a night rooted in pride, community, and culture, Colman Domingo was presented with the President’s Award in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Legendary group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the prestigious NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, which celebrates trailblazers whose enduring influence continues to shape the music industry for generations. Viola Davis received the Chairman’s Award, which honors individuals who excel in public service and use their platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.
In a moving tribute led by Samuel L. Jackson, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” honored a life defined by legacy, service, and an unwavering commitment to others, commemorating the remarkable impact of Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose tireless advocacy changed the world. Members of the Jackson family were also in attendance during tonight’s ceremony.
Presenters for the evening included Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, Janelle James, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Lionel Richie, MC Lyte, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Regé-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Sterling K. Brown, And The Cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas.
MC Lyte was the voice of the evening, returning as the in-show announcer.
The winners include:
President’s Award
Colman Domingo
Chairman’s Award
Viola Davis
Hall of Fame Award
Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella
Entertainer of the Year
Michael B. Jordan
Outstanding Motion Picture
“Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Miles Caton – “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – “9-1-1” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown – “Paradise” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Cynthia Erivo – “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
The full list of “57th NAACP Image Award” winners includes:
President’s Award
Colman Domingo
Chairman’s Award
Viola Davis
Hall of Fame Award
Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella
Entertainer of the Year
Michael B. Jordan
Outstanding Motion Picture
“Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Miles Caton – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – “9-1-1” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown – “Paradise” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Cynthia Erivo – “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“It Depends” – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture)
Ruth E. Carter – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture)
Deaundra Metzger, Jerome Allen, Jessica Geiger, Jason Simmons – “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture)
Alyssa Hudson, Camille Evans, Brittany Turpen, Schuron Womack – “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fashion/Beauty
Wisdom Kaye – @wisdm
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Ryan Coogler – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Ryan Coogler – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Reginald Hudlin, Shola Lynch – “Number One on the Call Sheet” (Apple TV)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
“Number One On the Call Sheet” (Apple TV)
Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Taraji P. Henson – “Straw” (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Tyler Lepley – “Ruth & Boaz” (Netflix)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
“Straw” (Netflix)
Outstanding Talk Series
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Don Lemon – “The Don Lemon Show” (YouTube)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“The Don Lemon Show” (YouTube)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
“Zootopia 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Aisha Hinds – “9-1-1” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Caleb McLaughlin – “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture
Naya Desir-Johnson – “Sarah’s Oil” (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries – “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (Disney+)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Janelle James – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
William Stanford Davis – “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Delroy Lindo – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Wunmi Mosaku – “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Drama Series
“Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Cedric The Entertainer – “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
Outstanding Digital Creator- Art/Comedy
Tee Sanders – @teesanderscomedy
Outstanding Digital Creator- Political/Culture
Lynae Vanee – @lynaevanee
Outstanding Children’s Program
“Gracie’s Corner” (Youtube TV)
Outstanding Animated Series
“Gracie’s Corner” (Youtube TV)
For the complete list visit the NAACP Image Awards website at: https://naacpimageawards.net
Read more articles for the ConnectComm Community here.