Colman Domingo to receive President's Award at 57th NAACP Image Awards

The actor and director is being honored for his leadership, artistry, and cultural impact.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Colman Domingo will be honored at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, where he is set to receive the President's Award for special achievement and distinguished public service. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson praised Domingo's work across film, television, and theater, noting his commitment to challenging narratives, expanding representation, and centering humanity with dignity and grace.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those who promote social justice through their work. Colman Domingo's recognition with the prestigious President's Award highlights his influential role as an artist and advocate who uses his platform to uplift underrepresented stories and inspire positive change.

The details

In addition to receiving the President's Award, Colman Domingo is also nominated for outstanding supporting actor and outstanding directing in a comedy series for his work on The Four Seasons. He was also part of the cast of Wicked: For Good, which received multiple NAACP Image Award nominations.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air on February 28, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS.

The players

Colman Domingo

An actor and director who is being honored with the NAACP's President's Award for his leadership, artistry, and cultural impact across film, television, and theater.

Derrick Johnson

The President and CEO of the NAACP, who praised Domingo's work in challenging narratives, expanding representation, and centering humanity with dignity and grace.

Louis Carr

The president of BET, who said Domingo represents the power of creativity to bring people together and move culture forward, and that his influence is meaningful in honoring the stories and legacy that came before while inspiring future generations.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to recognize Colman Domingo with the President's Award for the breadth and depth of his leadership, artistry, and cultural impact. Across film, television, and theater, Colman has consistently chosen work that challenges narratives, expands representation, and centers humanity with dignity and grace.”

— Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO (mycentraloregon.com)

“He is not only exemplary at his craft, but intentional in how he uses his platform to uplift stories that might otherwise go unheard. As an artist he leads with integrity, fearlessness, and a deep commitment to community, making him a model for what it means to build a legacy that extends far beyond the stage or screen.”

— Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO (mycentraloregon.com)

“Colman Domingo represents the power of creativity to bring people together and move culture forward. The way he honors the stories and legacy that came before us while inspiring future generations is what makes his influence so meaningful. We're proud to celebrate his extraordinary contributions and to recognize the lasting impact of his vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

— Louis Carr, President of BET (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air on February 28, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS, where Colman Domingo will be honored with the President's Award and is also nominated for several other awards.

The takeaway

Colman Domingo's recognition with the NAACP's prestigious President's Award highlights his influential role as an artist and advocate who uses his platform to uplift underrepresented stories and inspire positive change. His commitment to challenging narratives, expanding representation, and centering humanity with dignity and grace makes him a model for what it means to build a lasting legacy that extends beyond the stage or screen.