‘NAACP Image Awards’ Shine Spotlight on Black Excellence
*The 57th NAACP Image Awards are back, recognizing top talent in Black film, music, TV, and literature. This year’s nominations cover the biggest names and rising stars from 2025.
NAACP leaders say the awards honor creative storytelling and cultural impact. The ceremony airs Feb. 28, 2026, live from Pasadena on BET and CBS. Voting is open to the public through Feb. 13.
Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, and Doechii Top Music Categories
Kendrick Lamar is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, joined by Doechii, Teyana Taylor, Michael B. Jordan and Cynthia Erivo. Lamar’s video for “Luther” is also up for Outstanding Music Video.
Cardi B’s album Am I The Drama? earned a nod for Outstanding Album. She’s also in the running for Outstanding Female Artist, facing off with Taylor, SZA, Doechii, and Alex Isley.
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‘Outstanding Album’ Category Features Fierce Competition
The Outstanding Album category highlights five standout projects: Cardi B’s Am I The Drama?, SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA, GIVĒON’s Beloved, Leon Thomas’ MUTT Deluxe: HEEL, and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out.
These albums represent the depth and variety of Black music in 2025, from R&B ballads to gritty rap and soulful sounds.
Doechii, Teyana Taylor Among Most-Nominated Stars
Doechii’s breakout year earned her nods across major categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Female Artist. Teyana Taylor leads individual nominations with six total.
From music to acting, Taylor’s multi-hyphenate career continues to shine. Her visual project Escape Room is up for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album.
‘Sinners’ and ‘Bel-Air’ Lead Film and TV Nominations
Sinners dominated film nominations with 18 nods, while Bel-Air led in television with seven. Other top TV nominees include Abbott Elementary, Harlem, and The Upshaws.
The Outstanding Comedy Series category is filled with fan favorites, showcasing how Black humor and storytelling thrive on major platforms like ABC, Netflix, and Prime Video.
New Artists Like Monaleo and Ravyn Lenae Get Spotlight
Fresh talent is front and center with the Outstanding New Artist category. Nominees include Monaleo, Ravyn Lenae, Elmiene, Lee Vasi and Madison McFerrin.
These emerging artists are breaking ground in sound and style, signaling the next wave of stars poised to make a significant impact in music.
International Artists Represent Global Black Creativity
The Outstanding International Song category shows the worldwide reach of Black music. Nominated songs include “Love” by Burna Boy, “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay, and “You4Me” by Tiwa Savage.
Also in the mix: “IS IT” by Tyla and “In Our Sight” by Skip Marley. Each track reflects the unique rhythm and message of African and Caribbean artistry.
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Why the 2026 ‘NAACP Image Awards’ Matter More Than Ever
NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasized the importance of the show. He called it a celebration of “Black creativity, excellence and humanity across every space.”
“From film, television, and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.”
The NAACP Image Awards offer more than trophies—they represent recognition, legacy, and the future of Black voices in media.
How and When to Watch the 2026 NAACP Image Awards
The ceremony airs Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, hosted by Deon Cole at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Fans can tune in via BET and CBS.
Voting for select categories is open now through Feb. 13 on naacpimageawards.net. Don’t miss the chance to support your favorites and witness a night of excellence.
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