The 57th NAACP Image Awards celebrated excellence in film, television, music, literature and digital media, wrapping up a week-long tribute to Black achievement with a live telecast hosted by Deon Cole.
More than 90 competitive categories were presented this year, honouring artists and creators across theatrical releases, streaming platforms, broadcast television, podcasts and publishing.
Sinners leads the night
The biggest story of the evening was the dominance of Sinners, which entered the awards with a leading 18 nominations and converted several of them into wins.
Director Ryan Coogler earned top honours in directing and writing for the film, while Sinners also secured awards for cinematography, stunt ensemble and ensemble cast. The cinematography trophy went to Autumn Durald Arkapaw.
The film’s ensemble features actors including Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku, among others.
Major acting winners
In motion picture categories, Cynthia Erivo won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Wicked: For Good. Breakthrough performance honours went to Miles Caton for Sinners.
On the television side, Quinta Brunson took home Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary.
Angela Bassett won Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for 9-1-1, while Sterling K. Brown was named Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise.
Abbott Elementary also claimed Outstanding Comedy Series, with individual acting wins for Janelle James and William Stanford Davis. The drama series honour went to Reasonable Doubt.
Special honours and recognitions
Several special awards were presented during the ceremony. Viola Davis received the Chairman’s Award, while Colman Domingo was honoured with the President’s Award. Music pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In her acceptance speech, Davis reflected on growth and accountability, urging individuals and institutions alike to confront uncomfortable truths as a path toward meaningful change.
The Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award was presented to Jamal-Harrison Bryant.
Digital, documentary and additional winners
The NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award went to legal scholar Mary Anne Franks, with virtual appearances by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Outstanding Talk Series was awarded to The Jennifer Hudson Show, while Don Lemon earned host honours for The Don Lemon Show.
In film categories beyond the mainstream awards:
- Animated feature recognition went to Zootopia 2.
- Independent film honours were awarded to Love, Brooklyn.
- International film recognition went to Souleymane’s Story.
Youth performance awards were presented to Naya Desir-Johnson and Leah Sava Jeffries.
Posthumously, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was recognised with Outstanding Guest Performance for his role in Murder in a Small Town.
The celebrations concluded at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with the ceremony broadcast across BET, CBS and the wider Paramount Global network, culminating in the announcement of the marquee Entertainer of the Year honour.
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