The 57th NAACP Image Awards took place on February 28, 2026, celebrating Black excellence across film, television, music, and more. Hosted by Deon Cole at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the event featured prominent nominations for 'Sinners' and 'Bel-Air,' along with special honors for industry figures. Celebrities including Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, and Salt-N-Pepa arrived on the baby blue carpet ahead of the live broadcast on BET and CBS.
The NAACP Image Awards, marking its 57th year, highlighted achievements in over 90 categories spanning film, television, streaming, music, literature, and podcasts. The ceremony capped a week-long celebration of Black excellence and aired live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with simulcasts on CBS and Paramount networks, available for streaming on Paramount+.
Ryan Coogler's period vampire drama 'Sinners' led nominations with 18 nods, while the television series 'Bel-Air' topped TV shows with seven. Nominees for Entertainer of the Year, the event's signature category, included Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor. Special honors went to Viola Davis, who received the Chairman’s Award; Colman Domingo, presented with the President’s Award; and Salt-N-Pepa along with DJ Spinderella, inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Additional accolades included the Vanguard Award for fashion to A$AP Rocky on February 27 and the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award to Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant on February 26.
Early wins for 'Sinners' included recognitions for director Ryan Coogler, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo. The red carpet, themed in baby blue, saw arrivals from numerous stars, including host Deon Cole; 'Abbott Elementary' cast members Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, and Janelle James; Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page from 'You, Me & Tuscany'; Issa Rae; Chloe Bailey; Jayme Lawson from 'Sinners'; Uzo Aduba; Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. from 'Forever'; Emayatzy Corinealdi from 'Reasonable Doubt'; Ms. Pat from 'The Ms. Pat Show'; and Mignon from 'Sistas.' Other attendees included Tyla, Eva Marcille, Mario Van Peebles, Don Lemon, Tabitha Brown, and Claudia Jordan.
Viewers without cable could access the event through live TV streaming services like DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or Sling TV's day passes.
