ABFF Honors Celebrate Black Excellence in Entertainment

Ryan Coogler, Dwayne Johnson, Angela Bassett, and more honored at the annual awards show

Feb. 19, 2026 at 10:39pm

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The 8th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors celebrated Black excellence in entertainment, honoring filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders. Highlights included Ryan Coogler reflecting on his early career and the role ABFF played, Angela Bassett delivering a powerful speech on the importance of Black storytelling, and Dwayne Johnson sharing wisdom on forging his own path in Hollywood.

Why it matters

The ABFF Honors shine a spotlight on the achievements of Black creatives in an industry that has historically marginalized their voices and stories. By recognizing pioneers like Coogler, Bassett, and Johnson, the event celebrates the resilience, artistry, and impact of the Black community in entertainment.

The details

The ceremony featured several honorees, including director Ryan Coogler, who credited ABFF for helping launch his career a decade ago with a short film competition. Coogler's blockbuster film "Sinners" was also celebrated, with producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian speaking about the importance of amplifying diverse stories. Veteran actress Angela Bassett delivered a powerful speech about the challenges of being a Black artist in Hollywood, emphasizing the need to "keep telling our own stories." Other honorees included Dwayne Johnson, who reflected on forging his own path as a biracial actor, as well as rising star Damson Idris and director Salli Richardson-Whitfield.

  • In 2011, Coogler's short film 'Fig' was selected for ABFF's annual short film competition with HBO.
  • The 8th annual ABFF Honors ceremony took place on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coogler

An Academy Award-nominated filmmaker known for directing the blockbuster film "Sinners."

Zinzi Coogler

Ryan Coogler's wife and producing partner at Proximity Media.

Sev Ohanian

Co-founder of Proximity Media and producer on films like "Judas and the Black Messiah."

Angela Bassett

Acclaimed actress with an extensive career in film, television, and theater.

Dwayne Johnson

A popular actor known for starring in numerous blockbuster films and TV shows.

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What they’re saying

“It's got to work for us first, before it works for anybody else. And it means so much when it connects.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director (Variety)

“When we tell specific stories rooted in culture and lived experience, I believe they, too, can help connect with people across cultures, to show everyone our shared humanity.”

— Sev Ohanian, Producer (Variety)

“Our stories are not trends, they're truths.”

— Angela Bassett, Actress (Variety)

“Just because something has never been done doesn't mean that it can't be done. Just means that we haven't figured out how to do it yet. And we will figure out how to do it.”

— Dwayne Johnson (Variety)

The takeaway

The ABFF Honors celebrate the resilience, artistry, and impact of the Black community in entertainment, honoring pioneers who have paved the way for greater representation and amplification of diverse stories. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of uplifting Black excellence and creativity in an industry that has historically marginalized these voices.