NAACP Image Awards Set for Saturday Broadcast

Comedian Deon Cole to host 57th annual celebration of excellence in entertainment.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 57th NAACP Image Awards, honoring achievements in entertainment, will air live on Saturday evening from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. Comedian Deon Cole is set to host the event, which will feature presentations to honorees Viola Davis and Colman Domingo, as well as the induction of Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards are a prestigious annual event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of Black artists, entertainers, and public figures. The awards show celebrates diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, providing an important platform to highlight the achievements of the Black community.

The details

The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 8pm ET on BET, CBS, and across Paramount networks. Comedian Deon Cole will serve as the host for the evening. Viola Davis will be presented with the Chairman's Award, while Colman Domingo will receive the President's Award. Additionally, the iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella will be inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 8pm ET.

The players

Deon Cole

A comedian who will host the 57th NAACP Image Awards ceremony.

Viola Davis

An acclaimed actress who will receive the Chairman's Award at the NAACP Image Awards.

Colman Domingo

An actor who will be recognized with the President's Award at the NAACP Image Awards.

Salt-N-Pepa

A pioneering hip-hop duo that will be inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

DJ Spinderella

The DJ for Salt-N-Pepa who will also be inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The NAACP Image Awards continue to be an important event that celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black artists, entertainers, and public figures. This year's ceremony promises to be a night of inspiration, recognition, and commemoration of the Black community's excellence in the entertainment industry.