Category: Entertainment

The 57th NAACP Image Awards nominations are officially out, shining a spotlight on the best in film, television, music, literature, and digital content. This year’s list celebrates Black excellence across a variety of creative fields, with fan favorites and rising stars vying for top honors. The ceremony is scheduled for February 28, 2026, airing live on BET with a simulcast on CBS.

Entertainer of the Year

One of the most anticipated categories, Entertainer of the Year, brings together performers who have made significant impact across multiple platforms:

• Cynthia Erivo
• Doechii
• Kendrick Lamar
• Michael B. Jordan
• Teyana Taylor

Both Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor received six nominations each across different categories, highlighting their dominance in music and film this year.

Television & Streaming

Television continues to shine with shows that blend storytelling, culture, and humor.

Outstanding Comedy Series

• Abbott Elementary (ABC)
• Harlem (Prime Video)
• Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
• The Residence (Netflix)
• The Upshaws (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

• Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood
• David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical
• David Oyelowo – Government Cheese
• Mike Epps – The Upshaws
• Vince Staples – The Vince Staples Show

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

• Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
• Maya Rudolph – Loot
• Michelle Buteau – Survival of the Thickest
• Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
• Uzo Aduba – The Residence

Outstanding Drama Series

• Bel‑Air (Peacock) — leading with seven nominations
• Abbott Elementary, Reasonable Doubt, Ruth & Boaz — six nominations each
• Forever — five nominations 

Motion Picture Categories & Nominees

Outstanding Motion Picture

• Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
• One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
• Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
• Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

• André Holland – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
• Denzel Washington – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
• Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relatively Media)
• Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions) 

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

• Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
• Danielle Deadwyler – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
• Keke Palmer – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
• Kerry Washington – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
• Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios) 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

• A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
• Damson Idris – F1 (Apple Original Films)
• Delroy Lindo – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Jeffrey Wright – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
• Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures) 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

• Janelle James – One Of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
• Jayme Lawson – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Regina Hall – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures) 

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

• Sinners — Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, et al. (Warner Bros. Pictures)
• One Of Them Days — Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams (Sony Pictures Releasing)
• Wicked: For Good — Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, et al. (Universal Pictures)
• Highest 2 Lowest — Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky (A24)
• A House of Dynamite — Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer‑King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke (Netflix) 

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

• 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
• Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
• Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
• Opus (A24)
• Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment) 

Outstanding International Motion Picture

• 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
• My Father’s Shadow (MUBI)
• Souleymane’s Story (Kino Lorber)
• The Fisherman (Luu Vision Media)
• The Secret Agent (NEON) 

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

• Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
• KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
• Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
• The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
• Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) 

Outstanding Character Voice‑Over Performance – Motion Picture

• Anthony Mackie – Sneaks
• Craig Robinson – The Bad Guys 2
• Danielle Brooks – The Bad Guys 2
• Lil Rel Howery – Dog Man
• Quinta Brunson – Zootopia 2 

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

• ADO (Baylor University)
• Before You Let Go (Find Your People Program)
• Best Eyes (American Film Institute Conservatory)
• Ella (Netflix)
• Food for the Soul (P.A. Works) 

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

• ASALI: Power of the Pollinators (Upenndo! Productions)
• Black Man, Black Man (Chainwheel Productions)
• Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Cutting Edge Animation) 

Full Music & Recording Nominees

Outstanding New Artist

• Elmiene – Useless Without You (Def Jam Recordings)
• Lee Vasi – Love Me To Life (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)
• Madison McFerrin – Scorpio (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)
• Monaleo – Who Did the Body? (Columbia Records)
• Ravyn Lenae – Bicycle Race (Atlantic Records) 

Outstanding Male Artist

• Bryson Tiller – Solace & The Vices (RCA Records/TrapSoul)
• Chris Brown – It Depends feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
• GIVĒON – Beloved (Epic Records)
• Kendrick Lamar – luther (pgLang/Interscope)
• Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY/Motown Records) 

Outstanding Female Artist

• Alex Isley – Hands (Warner Records)
• Cardi B – Am I the Drama? (Atlantic Records)
• Doechii – Anxiety (Top Dawg/Capitol Records)
• SZA – SOS Deluxe: LANA (RCA/Top Dawg)
• Teyana Taylor – Escape Room (Def Jam Recordings) 

Outstanding Jazz Album

• For Dinah – Ledisi (Candid Records)
• We Insist! 2025 – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)
• Beneath the Skin – Nnenna Freelon (Origin Records)
• Live‑Action – Nate Smith (Naive)
• Griot Songs – Omar Thomas Large Ensemble (Omar Thomas Music) 

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

• Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
• Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)
• Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
• Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)
• The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise (James Town Music) 

Outstanding International Song

• “In Our Sight” – Skip Marley (Def Jam)
• “Is It” – Tyla (Epic)
• “Love” – Burna Boy (Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic)
• “With You” – Davido ft. Omah Lay (RCA/Sony Music UK)
• “You4Me” – Tiwa Savage (Everything Savage/EMPIRE) 

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

• Anxiety – Doechii
• Boots on the Ground – 803Fresh
• Escape Room – Teyana Taylor
• Folded – Kehlani
• luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Outstanding Album

• Am I The Drama? – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
• Beloved – GIVĒON (Epic Records)
• Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation)
• Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas (EZMNY/Motown Records)
• SOS Deluxe: LANA – SZA (RCA/Top Dawg) 

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

• Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 (Original Series Soundtrack) (Epic/SONY)
• Highest 2 Lowest (Original Soundtrack) (A24)
• Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Proximity Media/Sony Masterworks)
• The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Season 3 (Walt Disney Records)
• Wicked: For Good (The Soundtrack) (Republic Records) 

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

• “Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard ft. John Legend
• “Constant – Live” – Maverick City Music et al.
• “Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin
• “Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr
• “Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey ft. The Clark Sisters 

Outstanding Song – Soul/R&B

• “Folded” – Kehlani
• “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
• “It Depends” – Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller
• “Yes It Is” – Leon Thomas
• “Bed of Roses” – Teyana Taylor 

Outstanding Song – Hip‑Hop/Rap Song

• “Anxiety” – Doechii
• “Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T & Malice
• “ErrTime” – Cardi B
• “Ride (Remix)” – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista
• “Typa” – GloRilla 

Literature Work Categories

Outstanding Literary Work — Fiction

• Can’t Get Enough — Kennedy Ryan
• Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic — Harmonia Rosales
• Death of the Author — Nnedi Okorafor
• Happy Land — Dolen Perkins‑Valdez
• Harlem Rhapsody — Victoria Christopher Murray 

Outstanding Literary Work — Non‑Fiction

• A More Perfect Party… — Juanita Tolliver
• Born in Flames — Bench Ansfield
• From These Roots — Tamara Lanier
• Hidden Hospitality… — Calvin Stovall Jr.
• I Am Nobody’s Slave — Lee Hawkins 

Outstanding Literary Work — Debut Author

• American Soul: The Black History of Food… — Anela Malik
• Red Clay — Charles B. Fancher
• High Functioning… — Dr. Judith Joseph
• A Sky Full of Love — Lorna Lewis
• History Lessons — Zoe B. Wallbrook 

Outstanding Literary Work — Biography/Autobiography

• 107 Days — Kamala Harris
• The Look — Michelle Obama
• Toni at Random — Dana A. Williams
• Truly — Lionel Richie
• Uncommon Favor… — Dawn Staley 

Outstanding Literary Work — Instructional

• American Soul… — Anela Malik
• Braided Heritage… — Dr. Jessica Harris
• We the Pizza… — Muhammad Abdul‑Hadi
• Who Better Than You? — Will Packer
• Wine Pairing for the People — Cha McCoy 

Outstanding Literary Work — Poetry

• Death of the First Idea — Rickey Laurentiis
• Florida Water — Aja Monet
• The Grace of Black Mothers — Martheaus Perkins
• The Intentions of Thunder — Patricia Smith
• We Look Better Alive — Ali Black 

Outstanding Literary Work — Children

• Black Boy, Rise — Brynne Barnes
• Black Diamond Kings — Charles R. Smith Jr.
• My Quiet Place — Monica Mikai
• The History of We — Nikkolas Smith
• Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark — Allen R. Wells (ill. DeAndra Hodge) 

Outstanding Literary Work — Youth/Teens

• (S)Kin — Ibi Zoboi
• Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi — Angie Thomas
• The Scammer — Tiffany D. Jackson
• The Story of My Anger — Jasminne Mendez
• Through Our Teeth — Pamela N. Harris 

Outstanding Literary Work — Graphic Novel

• Creaky Acres — Calista Bril
• Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls — Rob Edwards
• One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel — Rita Williams‑Garcia
• Parable of the Talents (Graphic Novel) — Octavia E. Butler (adapted)
• They Choose Violence — Sheldon Allen 

Outstanding Literary Work — Journalism (New Category)

• As Black New Yorkers Move Out, N.Y.C. Politics May Be Reshaped — Maya King
• Audra McDonald Took The Stage and Rewrote The Rules — Adam Davenport
• Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection — Lisa Respers France
• HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black‑Focused Grants — Jasper Smith
• On Borrowed Time — Anissa Durham 

Digital Content Creator Categories

These categories honor creators across platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube:

Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Art/Comedy

• Darren Watkins Jr. (@IShowSpeed)
• Jordan Howlett (@jordan_the_stallion8)
• Joshua Neal (@joshuadneal)
• Lou Young (@Louuuyoung)
• Tee Sanders (@teesanderscomedy) 

Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Political/Culture

• Elizabeth Booker Houston (@bookersquared)
• Garrison Hayes (@garrisonh)
• George Lee Jr. (@theconsciouslee)
• Joshua Doss (@doss.discourse)
• Lynae Vanee (@lynaevanee) 

Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Fashion/Beauty

• Allyiah Gainer (@allyiahsface)
• De’arra Taylor (@dearra)
• Eni Popoola (@enigivensunday)
• Jackie Asamoah (@jackieaina)
• Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm) 

Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Gaming/Tech

• Berlin Edmonds (@Berleezy)
• Cory Kenshin (@CoryxKenshin)
• Gerard Williams (@Hiphopgamer)
• Jay Ann Lopez (@blackgirlgamers)
• Khleo Thomas (@khleothomas) 

Outstanding Digital Content Creator — Fitness/Wellness/Food

• Alex Hill (@justaddhotsauce)
• Jeanette Jenkins (@msjeanettejenkins)
• Keith Lee (@Keith_Lee125)
• Kimberly Villalobos (@KimmysKreations.1)
• Massy Arias (@Massy.arias) 

Public Voting & Ceremony

Fans can vote in select categories through February 7, 2026 at NAACPImageAwards.net. Winners will be announced during the live ceremony on February 28, 2026.

The 2026 NAACP Image Awards showcase the best in Black creativity and culture. From Sinners dominating film categories to TV hits like Bel‑Air, and music legends Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor leading the recording scene, this year’s nominations reflect cultural impact, artistic excellence, and creative innovation across all entertainment fields.

Nigerian filmmaker Funke Akindele has officially become Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker of all time, following the record-breaking box office performance of her latest film, Behind The Scenes.

According to figures released by distributors, the film has now crossed the ₦2+ billion mark in cinema revenue, making it the highest-grossing film in Nigerian and West African cinema history. The milestone places Akindele at the top of Africa’s box office rankings, ahead of all other filmmakers on the continent.

Behind The Scenes, released in December 2025, opened to strong audience turnout across Nigerian cinemas and select international markets. Within weeks of release, the film recorded multiple box office milestones, including:

• One of the largest opening weekends in Nollywood history
• Fastest Nollywood film to cross several revenue benchmarks
• First Nigerian film to officially exceed ₦2 billion in total box office earnings

The figures were confirmed by FilmOne Entertainment and other industry tracking platforms monitoring cinema revenue in Nigeria.

This achievement builds on Akindele’s growing reputation as Nollywood’s most commercially successful filmmaker. In recent years, her projects have consistently dominated the box office, including:

• A Tribe Called Judah, which became one of Nollywood’s earliest billion-naira films
• Everybody Loves Jenifa, which previously held the record as Nigeria’s highest-grossing local film

With Behind The Scenes surpassing all previous records, Akindele now holds the top three highest-earning Nollywood films in cinema history.

Akindele’s achievement is also being viewed as a major milestone for African cinema, demonstrating that locally produced African films can achieve large-scale commercial success without relying on foreign studios.

By becoming Africa’s highest-grossing filmmaker, Funke Akindele has further established her status as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry. 

Electronic Arts has officially shut down the servers for Anthem, bringing the troubled BioWare title to a permanent end. As of today, January 12, 2026, the game is no longer playable in any form.

Originally released on February 22, 2019, Anthem was designed as an always-online live-service game, meaning all gameplay systems, missions, and progression were hosted on EA’s servers. With those servers now offline, the game has effectively ceased to exist.

Unlike traditional single-player games, Anthem never offered an offline mode. Even solo missions required a constant internet connection and server authentication. As a result, once EA pulled the plug, players lost access to all content, including the main story, co-op missions, and endgame activities.

EA had already removed Anthem from digital storefronts and EA Play months before the shutdown, while in-game purchases were disabled well in advance.

Developed by BioWare, the studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, Anthem launched with high expectations. Its iron-man-style flight mechanics, cooperative gameplay, and shared open world were praised early on.

In 2021, EA officially cancelled Anthem NEXT, a planned overhaul that was meant to revive the game. From that point on, Anthem was kept online in a maintenance-only state until today’s shutdown.

The closure has once again sparked discussions around digital ownership and live-service games, where access to a purchased title depends entirely on publisher-controlled servers.

Seven years after its release, Anthem exits quietly  not with a final update or farewell event, but with servers simply going dark. 

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have taken formal legal action against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, alleging medical negligence and professional impropriety in connection with the tragic death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Adichie-Esege. 

On January 10, 2026, a detailed legal notice was served to Euracare Hospital through solicitors from the law firm Pinheiro LP, led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. The notice accuses the hospital,  including an attending anaesthesiologist and other medical staff of breaching the duty of care owed to the couple’s son, who died in the early hours of January 7, 2026 after a series of medical procedures. 

According to the filing, Nkanu was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026 from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for a sequence of diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to a specialist team in the United States.

Allegations of Negligence

The legal notice outlines multiple alleged lapses in care, including:

• Improper sedation practices, including concerns about propofol dosing in a critically ill toddler.
• Inadequate monitoring during and after sedation.
• Lack of supplemental oxygen and continuous physiological monitoring while the child was being moved between hospital departments.
• Insufficient medical supervision during transfers.
• Delayed recognition and response to complications.
• Apparent shortages of basic emergency/resuscitation equipment and inadequate adherence to paediatric safety protocols. 

These allegations together form the basis of a claim that the hospital and its medical personnel failed to meet accepted standards of care, ultimately contributing to the child’s death. 

The legal notice gives Euracare seven days to provide certified copies of all medical records related to Nkanu’s care. 

The notice also formally instructs the hospital to preserve all physical and electronic evidence, warning that any destruction, tampering, or alteration could be treated as obstruction of justice and invite further legal consequences. 

Euracare Hospital has expressed sympathy for the family’s loss but has denied wrongdoing, stating that the child was critically ill upon arrival and that care provided complied with accepted clinical standards. The hospital also announced an internal investigation into the incident. 

In response to public concern, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an independent state-level probe into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) and other regulatory bodies are expected to review the case, including the hospital’s clinical protocols and patient-safety practices. 

Local reports also suggest that the anaesthesiologist involved has been suspended pending ongoing investigations. 

The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, drawing artists and industry leaders from across the continent for one of African music’s most important nights.

Held under the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” the ceremony celebrated commercial success, cultural impact, regional diversity, and artistic excellence. The event was hosted by Falz and Liliane Maroune and broadcast live on DStv, GOtv, and digital platforms, concluding a week-long AFRIMA programme in Lagos.

Below is the full breakdown of major categories, including WINNERS and OFFICIAL NOMINEES as released by AFRIMA ahead of the awards.

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Rema (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness

Nominees

• Rema – HEIS
• Davido – Timeless
• Black Sherif – The Villain I Never Was
• Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21

SONG OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Shallipopi – “Laho”

Nominees

• Tyla – “Water”
• Asake – “Lonely at the Top”
• Rema – “Trouble Maker”
• Black Sherif – “Oil in My Head”

BEST MALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Rema (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – WESTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Wendy Shay (Ghana)

Nominees

• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
• Simi (Nigeria)
• Gyakie (Ghana)

BEST MALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Jux (Tanzania)

Nominees

• Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• Harmonize (Tanzania)
• Alikiba (Tanzania)
• Bien (Kenya)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – EASTERN AFRICA

Winner

• Denise (Madagascar)

Nominees

• Zuchu (Tanzania)
• Nandy (Tanzania)
• Azawi (Uganda)
• Nikita Kering (Kenya)

BEST MALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA

Winner

• Singuila (Congo)

Nominees

• Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
• Innoss’B (DR Congo)
• Gaz Mawete (DR Congo)
• Dadju (DR Congo)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE – CENTRAL AFRICA

Winner

• Cindy Le Coeur (DR Congo)

Nominees

• Rosny Kayiba (DR Congo)
• Shan’L (Gabon)
• Queen Etémé (Cameroon)
• Mel B Akwen (Cameroon)

MOST PROMISING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Qing Madi (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Victony (Nigeria)
• Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Llona (Nigeria)

AFRICAN FANS’ FAVOURITE ARTISTE

Winner

• Chella (Nigeria)

Nominees

• Rema
• Burna Boy
• Davido
• Wizkid

BEST AFRICAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Black Sherif – “Rebel”

Nominees

• Rema – “Trouble Maker”
• Burna Boy – “City Boys”
• Ayra Starr – “Commas”
• Asake – “Yoga”

BEST AFRICAN DANCE / CHOREOGRAPHY

Winner

• Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)

Nominees

• Tyla – “Water”
• Diamond Platnumz – “Achii”
• Kizz Daniel – “Twe Twe”
• CKay – “Love Nwantiti”

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Winner

• Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) – “Choix”

Nominees

• Asa (Nigeria)
• Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
• A-Reece (South Africa)
• Sauti Sol (Kenya)

BEST SOUNDTRACK (FILM / SERIES / DOCUMENTARY)

Winner

• Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)

Nominees

• Adekunle Gold – Aníkúlápó
• CKay – Shanty Town
• Amaarae – The Origin
• Teni – Breaded Life

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Recipients

• Kenny Ogungbe
• Dayo “D1” Adeneye

Honoured for decades of contribution to African music development, media, and artist growth.

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards officially kicked off the 2026 awards season on January 11, celebrating the most outstanding achievements in film, television, and podcasts from 2025.

Held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills and hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the ceremony delivered a night of major wins, emotional speeches, and early Oscar momentum for several projects. By the end of the night, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, The Pitt, The Studio, and Adolescence emerged as the biggest winners.

Here’s a full breakdown of the night’s highlights and winners.

Film Categories: 

Hamnet and One Battle After Another Lead

Best Motion Picture

• Best Motion Picture – Drama: Hamnet
• Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: One Battle After Another

Hamnet secured the night’s most prestigious drama prize, while Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the comedy/musical side, setting itself up as a strong awards-season contender.

Acting Winners – Film

• Best Actor – Drama: Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
• Best Actress – Drama: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
• Best Actor – Musical or Comedy: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
• Best Actress – Musical or Comedy: Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You) 
• Best Supporting Actor: Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
• Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) 

Jessie Buckley’s win for Hamnet was one of the night’s most celebrated moments, while Timothée Chalamet’s victory further strengthened his position in the awards race.

Creative Awards – Film

• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another) 
• Best Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another) 
• Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson (Sinners) 
• Best Original Song: “Golden” – KPop Demon Hunters

Paul Thomas Anderson walked away with multiple wins, making One Battle After Another the most decorated film of the night.

Other Film Honors

• Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters 
• Best Non-English Language Film: The Secret Agent 
• Cinematic & Box Office Achievement: Sinners

Television Categories: 

The Pitt, The Studio and Adolescence Shine

Best TV Series

• Best Drama Series: The Pitt 
• Best Musical or Comedy Series: The Studio 
• Best Limited Series / Anthology / TV Movie: Adolescence 

Acting Winners – Television

• Best Actor – TV Drama: Noah Wyle (The Pitt) 
• Best Actress – TV Drama: Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus) 
• Best Actor – TV Musical or Comedy: Seth Rogen (The Studio) 
• Best Actress – TV Musical or Comedy: Jean Smart (Hacks) 
• Best Actor – Limited Series / TV Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence) 
• Best Actress – Limited Series / TV Movie: Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex) 
• Best Supporting Actor – TV: Owen Cooper (Adolescence) 
• Best Supporting Actress – TV: Erin Doherty (Adolescence) 

Adolescence was the standout in limited series categories, earning multiple acting awards and cementing its critical acclaim.

Podcast and Stand-Up Comedy

• Best Podcast: Good Hang with Amy Poehler 
• Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance: Ricky Gervais (Mortality) 

Special Honors

• Cecil B. DeMille Award (Lifetime Achievement): Helen Mirren 
• Carol Burnett Award: Sarah Jessica Parker 

The 2026 Golden Globes offered a clear picture of the projects likely to dominate the rest of awards season. One Battle After Another emerged as the night’s biggest film winner, while Hamnet proved its emotional and critical strength in the drama category.

On television, The Pitt, The Studio, and Adolescence separated themselves from the pack, with Adolescence especially sweeping multiple performance awards.

As Hollywood moves closer to the Oscars, SAG Awards, and Emmys, the Golden Globes have once again set the tone for what stories and performances will define the year.

Zoe Saldaña has officially made box office history.

As of January 2026, the Hollywood star has become the highest-grossing actor of all time worldwide, overtaking Scarlett Johansson after the massive global success of Avatar: Fire and Ash.

The milestone was sealed following the film’s extraordinary theatrical run, which has now grossed over $1.2 billion globally since its release in late 2025. With that performance added to her résumé, Saldaña’s cumulative box office total now stands at over $15.4 billion, narrowly surpassing Johansson’s long-held record.

A Career Built on Blockbuster Franchises

Saldaña’s box office dominance is the result of one of the most strategically powerful filmographies in modern cinema. She is the only actor to star in multiple billion-dollar franchises simultaneously, playing key roles in:

• Avatar franchise (Neytiri)
• Avengers and the wider MCU (Gamora)
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Star Trek reboot series

With Avatar: Fire and Ash marking another billion-dollar chapter in James Cameron’s sci-fi universe, Saldaña’s position at the top of the global box office rankings is now firmly cemented.

Scarlett Johansson previously held the record with an estimated $15.4 billion in global box office earnings, driven largely by her run as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Saldaña’s achievement is particularly notable given that her success spans multiple franchises across different studios, rather than being tied to a single cinematic universe.

Beyond the numbers, Saldaña’s record reflects a broader shift in Hollywood, where long-running franchises and global audiences now define box office power. Her ability to anchor some of the biggest films ever made has placed her in a league of her own.

With future Avatar installments already planned, industry analysts believe her lead at the top could continue to grow.

Africa’s biggest night in film and television is officially underway.

The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has opened submissions, inviting filmmakers and TV creators across the continent to submit eligible projects released in 2025. If your work made waves on cinema screens, television, or streaming platforms last year, this is your moment to step forward.

From breakout performances to technical brilliance and bold storytelling, the AMVCA remains the most influential platform celebrating African screen excellence  and the race for 2026 has begun.

Submission Timeline

• Entries Open: 11 January 2026
• Entries Close: 15 February 2026
• Eligibility Period: Projects must have been publicly screened or broadcast between 1 January and 31 December 2025
• Official Portal: www.africamagic.tv/amvca

Now in its 12th edition, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards has grown beyond an awards show into a cultural institution. Powered by Africa Magic and MultiChoice, the AMVCA has helped shape careers, spotlight emerging talent, and push African film and television into global conversations.

This year’s edition continues its commitment to inclusivity, with expanded Indigenous Language categories that now fully accommodate works from North and Central Africa, reinforcing the AMVCA’s pan-African vision.

Eligible entries include:

• Feature films
• Television series
• Made-for-TV movies
• Select documentary projects

After submissions close on 15 February 2026, entries will be reviewed by the AMVCA jury panel, followed by public voting in selected categories. Nominees will be announced ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 AMVCA ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, where Africa’s finest screen talents will take centre stage.

Submission link: www.africamagic.tv/amvca

Asake is officially a streaming powerhouse. His 2022 album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, has now crossed 800 million streams on Spotify, making it the 9th most streamed Nigerian project of all time and remarkably, this is Asake’s first entry into the all-time top 10.

The album’s infectious blend of Afrobeat, street-pop, and Amapiano-inspired sounds has kept fans hooked since its release. Standout tracks like “Omo Ope,” “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” and “Terminator” have dominated playlists, TikTok trends, and social media buzz, driving the album to this historic milestone.

This achievement places Asake alongside Nigeria’s streaming elite, joining artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Olamide. Beyond numbers, it’s a testament to his ability to craft hits that resonate both locally and globally, proving that contemporary Nigerian music continues to thrive on the world stage.

With this milestone, Asake demonstrates that originality, consistency, and fan connection remain the ultimate formula for success in today’s streaming era.

Nigerian Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked fresh controversy on social media after he publicly admonished fans of global pop star Wizkid, particularly members of Wizkid FC for comparing the award‑winning artist to his late father, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

According to reports and the widely shared video circulating online, Seun delivered a pointed message in his video addressing what he described as an inaccurate and disrespectful narrative about Wizkid or any other artist being the “new Fela.” 

“Wizkid FC needs to keep Fela’s name out of their mouth. You people try to steal the man’s image. You try to claim your fake artiste is the new Fela. It’s an insult to Fela to call Wizkid the new Fela. Wizkid FC are the most ignorant fanbase in the world.”

In recent weeks, debates have flared online around whether modern Nigerian stars like Wizkid should be celebrated in the same vein as Fela. Some fans and social media users beyond just Wizkid FC have jokingly or seriously heralded Wizkid’s success as being “on par” with Fela’s cultural legacy. 

Seun’s message appears to draw a clear boundary between the politically charged Afrobeat legacy of his father and the commercial, global pop success of today’s Afrobeats artists particularly those who lean into mainstream sound and international collaborations. In calling out comparisons to Fela, Seun reiterated that Fela’s legacy was rooted in socio‑political resistance and cultural revolution, which he implies cannot be easily equated with modern pop stardom. 

Seun Kuti, who has long positioned himself as a guardian of Afrobeat’s original spirit, has spoken publicly on similar themes in the past, including debates about Grammy nominations and how modern artists are compared to legacy figures.

 Fan Reactions

The response online has been mixed and often heated:

• Some social media users support Seun, praising him for defending Fela’s legacy and rejecting comparisons that feel shallow or forced. 

• Other fans argue that celebrating Wizkid’s achievements doesn’t diminish Fela’s impact, and that music can evolve without erasing history. 

Whether fans agree with Seun or not, the viral video has reignited a significant cultural debate. It isn’t simply about fandom, it’s about how legends are remembered, how new talent is honored, and how different eras of music influence each other without losing their identity.

Fela’s legacy remains monumental.  A revolutionary sound rooted in resistance. Wizkid’s success represents global Afrobeats reaching new audiences.

What are your thoughts?

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