From the moment host Deon Cole walked on stage and used and asked for blessing to keep Teyana Taylor single for regular men — and even regular women — to get their shot, we knew it was gonna be a good time to be in the room at the 57th NAACP Image Awards.
Live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, the ceremony gave a litany of awards across arts, entertainment and civic contribution by people of color.
Lionel Richie presented the night’s most anticipated award of the night: Entertainer of the Year. Michael B. Jordan accepted the award for a second time. Jordan continued to give great thanks to his devoted mom,
“You are love in human form and my emotional North Star, and help me become the man I’ve become today.” He thanked his father for instilling a sense of confidence that allowed him to thrive in any room.
Sinners took home a slew of awards, including Oustanding Motion Picture. Ryan Coogler congratulated fellow nominees and thanked the viewing audience for wrapping its arms around the film. Michael B. Jordan got major applause for receiving the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his dual roles in the film. He spoke about his connection to NAACP since his childhood, how he was poured into in his formative years and felt seen and welcomed.
Jordan then dedicated the award to his fellow actor, the late Chadwick Boseman. “As my brother, our time on this planet is short,” he reflected. “That’s why I want to be here and be as present as I can with you guys as much as possible…Man, I love being Black, I love y’all.”
Miles Caton won Outstanding Breakthrough Perfomance in a Motion Picture for his lyrical work in Sinners. The 2025 Power 100 EBONY awardee gave honor to God, who is “the head of my life.” He thanks Sinners creative genius, Ryan Coogler, for taking a chance on him and his fellow cast. Caton encouraged up-and-coming actors and performers to keep reaching for their dreams. “You’re only one post away, you’re only won video away. Your moment is not as far as you think it is, just stay ready, stay prepared, and keep God first.”
Oustanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture winner Delroy Lindo joined Coogler on stage to present the Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture Award to Cynthia Erivo for her work in Wicked: For Good. Lindo thanked the community for supporting him amid the recent BAFTA incident, as Coogler reminded us that being in a room where our narrative does not need to be explained or diminished does indeed, matter.
Abbott Elementary showrunner and star Quinta Brunson added to her collection, scoring another win in the Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series category. She thanked NAACP for allowing her and the rest of the room to celebrate their Blackness. She also gave love to the cast and creatives of Sinners, whose stars experienced a racial incident at the BATFAs earlier in the week.
Sterling K. Brown became a triple NAACP Image Award winner, receiving the award for Outstanding Actor, Drama Series, for his work on Paradise, which he also executive produces. After saying the full name of the NAACP, he spoke about the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion, and gave love for Black women, including his leading lady, wife Ryan Michelle Bathe.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson intrduced a special presentation for Jesse Jackson, followed by Samuel L. Jackson, who lyrically eulogized the late political activist and leader, quoting one of his most famous lines, “I am somebody.”
Viola Davis accepted the night’s Chairman’s Award for her dedicated activism and advocacy. The EGOT is dedicated to the “Hunger Is” campaign, and eradicating food insecurity across the nation. She spoke about finding the hero path and aligning the person you became with the person you could have become on your dying day. “There is no man behind the curtain who has control over your life,” she declared. “Our crown has already been bought and paid for, all we have to do is wear it.”
Salt-N-Pepa — the first ladies of rap — accepted the 2026 NAACP Award Hall of Fame Award like only they would. Cheryl “Salt” James dropped lyrics on the challenges of 2025 and the mortality of our men, while Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper shared emotional words around life and legacy.
Colman Domingo, accepted the President’s Award honor with signature style. Dressed in mustard yellow, the Michael star noted that you don’t get to the NAACP Image Award stage alone. It’s thanks to family, including his stepfather, who fired him from his blue collar summer job and encourage the actor and activist to work with his mind and do good things in the world. Domingo has made it a personal mission to portray every man he portrays with full humanity and with love.
Check back regularly for updates on the night’s winners and best moments.
See more of the night’s winners below:
Outstanding Drama Series — Reasonable Doubt
Outstanding Actress, Drama Series — Angela Bassett, 911
Oustanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture — Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Outsanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture — Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Performance by a Youth in a Series, Special, TV Movie or Limited-series — Leah Jeffries, Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Actor in a Comedy Series — Cedric the Entertainer, The Neighborhood
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series — Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Comedy Series — Abbott Elementary