NAACP Image Awards 2026 to Celebrate Black Excellence

The annual awards show honoring achievements in film, TV, music, and more will air live from Pasadena, California.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 57th NAACP Image Awards will take place on February 28, 2026, honoring the best in Black entertainment and culture. The star-studded event will feature awards presentations, performances, and tributes, with films like "Sinners" leading the nominations. Viewers can watch the ceremony live on CBS, BET, MTV, and VH1, or stream it on Fubo TV.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards are one of the most prestigious awards shows, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Black artists, entertainers, and visionaries. The event celebrates the diversity and richness of Black culture, providing a platform to uplift and honor those who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

The details

The 57th NAACP Image Awards will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. The ceremony will feature awards in various categories, including film, television, music, literature, and more. Some of the top nominees include Cynthia Erivo, Michael B. Jordan, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, and Teyana Taylor, who are all vying for the Entertainer of the Year award. In addition to the competitive awards, the event will also honor legends and trailblazers, with Viola Davis receiving the Chairman's Award and Colman Domingo being presented with the President's Award.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • The ceremony will air live at 8:00 PM ET.

The players

Cynthia Erivo

An acclaimed actress and singer who is nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

Michael B. Jordan

A renowned actor who is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

Kendrick Lamar

A Grammy-winning rapper who is up for Entertainer of the Year.

Doechii

A rising R&B and hip-hop artist nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

Teyana Taylor

A multitalented entertainer who is a contender for Entertainer of the Year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The NAACP Image Awards are a celebration of Black excellence, and this year's ceremony is sure to be an unforgettable event.”

— Halle Bailey, Presenter

“I'm honored to be recognized by the NAACP and to be a part of this incredible night honoring the best in Black entertainment and culture.”

— Viola Davis, Chairman's Award Recipient

What’s next

Viewers can tune in to the live broadcast of the 57th NAACP Image Awards on CBS, BET, MTV, and VH1 on February 28, 2026, or stream the event on Fubo TV.

The takeaway

The NAACP Image Awards are a powerful celebration of the diverse talents and contributions of Black artists, entertainers, and visionaries. This year's ceremony promises to be a night of inspiration, recognition, and unity, showcasing the enduring impact of Black excellence in the entertainment industry and beyond.