The NAACP celebrated culture, storytelling, and achievement during the 57th NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Deon Cole and broadcast on BET and CBS. The ceremony highlighted leaders and creatives shaping entertainment and social impact.
Colman Domingo received the President’s Award, recognizing distinguished public service and influence. Meanwhile, Viola Davis was honored with the Chairman’s Award for her advocacy and continued impact both on and off screen.
Hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, celebrating their lasting contributions to music and culture.
Actor Michael B. Jordan earned Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in Sinners, which also won Outstanding Motion Picture. Rising talent Miles Caton earned Outstanding Breakthrough Performance for the same film.
In television categories, Angela Bassett won Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for 9-1-1, while Quinta Brunson received Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary. Sterling K. Brown was honored as Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise. Cynthia Erivo also earned Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Wicked: For Good.
A powerful tribute led by Samuel L. Jackson honored civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, recognizing his lasting influence and advocacy. Members of his family were present during the emotional moment.
Additional presenters included Lionel Richie, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, and Halle Bailey.
The annual event continued its tradition of honoring Black excellence, recognizing artists and leaders whose work shapes culture worldwide.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Honorees Cheryl James, Sandra Denton, and DJ Spinderella accept the Hall Of Fame Award, presented By Tide, onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Michael B. Jordan accepts the Entertainer Of The Year Award, presented By Toyota, onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Lionel Richie speaks onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Samuel L. Jackson speaks onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Sterling K. Brown accepts the Outstanding Actor In a Drama Series Award for “Paradise” onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: MC Lyte speaks onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Honoree Viola Davis, recipient of the Chairman’s Award, presented By Capital One, poses in the press room during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Honoree Colman Domingo accepts the President’s Award onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti attend the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown speak onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Miles Caton and Ryan Coogler accept the Outstanding Motion Picture Award for “Sinners” onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Ryan Coogler and Delroy Lindo speak onstage during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
