Deon Cole to Host 57th NAACP Image Awards

Ceremony honors achievements in film, TV, and music; top nominees include Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, and Teyana Taylor.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 57th NAACP Image Awards are scheduled to air on Saturday, February 28 at 8 p.m. ET across multiple networks, including BET and CBS. The ceremony, hosted by actor and multiple-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole, will honor the latest achievements in film, television, and music. Special honorees include Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, and new NAACP Hall of Fame inductees Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards celebrate diverse and impactful contributions across entertainment, recognizing artists and creators who are making a positive difference. As one of the most prestigious award shows honoring Black excellence, the ceremony provides a platform to uplift underrepresented voices and highlight the importance of representation in media.

The details

Top nominees for the 57th NAACP Image Awards include Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor, all vying for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. Presenters at the 2026 ceremony include Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Regina Hall, and the cast of the BET comedic-drama 'Tyler Perry's Sistas'.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards are scheduled to air on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.
  • The two-night pre-show took place prior to the main event.

The players

Deon Cole

An actor and multiple-NAACP Image Award winner who is hosting the 57th annual ceremony.

Viola Davis

The recipient of the Chairman's Award at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.

Colman Domingo

The recipient of the President's Award at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.

Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella

The new inductees into the NAACP Hall of Fame.

Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, Teyana Taylor

The top nominees for the Entertainer of the Year award at the 57th NAACP Image Awards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The NAACP Image Awards are one of the most important celebrations of Black excellence in entertainment.”

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

What’s next

The 57th NAACP Image Awards ceremony will be available to stream on Paramount+ following the live broadcast.

The takeaway

The NAACP Image Awards continue to be a vital platform for recognizing the immense talent and impact of Black artists, creators, and entertainers across film, television, and music.