Michelle Obama, Kendrick Lamar Win Big at NAACP Image Awards' Virtual Pre-Show

The 57th NAACP Image Awards kicked off with early wins for the former First Lady and the Super Bowl halftime performer.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The 57th NAACP Image Awards began with a virtual pre-show ceremony on Monday, where Michelle Obama and Kendrick Lamar were among the early winners. Obama's book 'The Look' won for outstanding literary work in biography/autobiography, while Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance was named outstanding short-form series or special. Both are repeat winners at the Image Awards, with Obama previously winning in 2019 and Lamar having nine trophies from the NAACP.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the achievements of people of color in the arts and entertainment industry. Obama and Lamar's wins highlight their continued influence and impact, with Obama's book exploring her style evolution and Lamar's halftime show being praised as a powerful and electrifying performance.

The details

The virtual pre-show ceremony, hosted by Angel 'ThatChickAngel' Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, focused primarily on literary categories as well as two digital content creator prizes. For the first time, the NAACP Image Awards recognized gaming, with Berlin Edmond Jr., aka Berleezy, winning the top prize. The full NAACP Image Awards telecast will air live on February 28th, with Deon Cole returning as host.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards week kicked off on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The virtual pre-show ceremony aired exclusively on YouTube and NAACP+.
  • The full NAACP Image Awards telecast will air live on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS.

The players

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States, whose latest book 'The Look' won the award for outstanding literary work biography/autobiography.

Kendrick Lamar

The acclaimed rapper, whose electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance was named outstanding short-form series or special.

Berlin Edmond Jr.

Also known as Berleezy, he won the top prize for outstanding digital content creator in gaming/tech.

Angel 'ThatChickAngel' Laketa Moore

One of the hosts of the virtual pre-show ceremony.

Khleo Thomas

The other host of the virtual pre-show ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The 57th NAACP Image Awards week kicked off Monday with former first lady Michelle Obama and rapper Kendrick Lamar winning two of the early prizes.”

— Angelique Jackson, Author (Variety)

What’s next

The full list of winners from the NAACP Image Awards' virtual pre-show ceremony will be announced, and the main NAACP Image Awards telecast will air live on February 28th.

The takeaway

The early wins for Michelle Obama and Kendrick Lamar at the NAACP Image Awards' virtual pre-show highlight their continued influence and impact in the entertainment industry, with Obama's book exploring her style evolution and Lamar's halftime show being praised as a powerful performance.