The 57th NAACP Image Awards delivered a sweeping celebration of Black excellence across film, television, music, literature and digital media, culminating in a live telecast hosted by Deon Cole.
With over 90 competitive categories, this year’s ceremony recognised creative and cultural impact across theatrical releases, streaming platforms and broadcast networks.
Sinners dominates the film categories
The biggest winner of the night was Sinners, which entered the awards with a leading 18 nominations and converted several into major wins.
Director Ryan Coogler earned top honours for directing and writing, while the film also picked up awards for cinematography, stunt ensemble and ensemble cast.
Cinematography recognition went to Autumn Durald Arkapaw. The ensemble cast features performances from Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Wunmi Mosaku, among others.
Major acting honours
In motion picture categories, Cynthia Erivo won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Wicked: For Good.
Breakthrough performance honours went to Miles Caton for his role in Sinners.
On the television front:
Quinta Brunson won Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary.
Angela Bassett claimed Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for 9-1-1.
Sterling K. Brown took Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise.
Abbott Elementary also secured Outstanding Comedy Series, with acting wins for Janelle James and William Stanford Davis. The Outstanding Drama Series honour went to Reasonable Doubt.
Special recognitions
Several marquee honours were presented during the ceremony:
Viola Davis received the Chairman’s Award.
Colman Domingo was presented with the President’s Award.
Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In her acceptance speech, Davis reflected on growth and accountability, urging deeper self-examination as a path toward transformation.
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 from 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.
Additional winners included:
Animated feature: Zootopia 2
Independent film: Love, Brooklyn
International film: Souleymane’s Story
Youth performance honours went to Naya Desir-Johnson and Leah Sava Jeffries.
Posthumously, Malcolm-Jamal Warner received Outstanding Guest Performance for his role in Murder in a Small Town.
The ceremony concluded at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, broadcast across BET, CBS and the wider Paramount Global network, closing a week dedicated to celebrating excellence, impact and representation across the creative industries.
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