The 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA 2026) has officially unveiled its nominees. The announcement came on March 29, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for May 9, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The AMVCA, which celebrates excellence across film, television, and digital content, has once again highlighted the best of African storytelling. This year’s edition includes 32 categories, recognizing not just blockbuster hits but also indigenous-language productions and streaming content, showing Nollywood’s expanding influence across Africa and beyond.
The Serpent’s Gift Lisabi: A Legend Is Born Labake Olododo Olorisha Aljana
East Africa
Inside Job Sayari Addis Fikir My Son Kimote
South Africa
Bet I Love You Sebata: The Beast Ben Made It Terra Of Queens And Kuma 2 Tlhaho Ya Mosadi
North Africa
The Omnipresent The Delivery The Hidden Voice This Is Portsaid Artal Alhanin: Our Memories
Central Africa
Mabanda Safou: A Gift From Nature Golden Spoon
Best Scripted & Unscripted TV / Series
Best Scripted M‑Net Original
Adam to Eve Mother of the Bride The Yard The Low Priest Bobo
Best Unscripted M‑Net Original
Nigerian Idol S10 Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa Chapa Chapa My Love Out N About (Harar) Undugu
Best Indigenous M‑Net Original
Inimba Kukoyi Undugu Out N’ About (Harar) Kampala Creme The Chocolate Empire Mgbuka
Best Short Film
Fleas Rise Telephone Hussaini My Body, God’s Temple
Acting Categories
Best Supporting Actor
Simileoluwa Hassan – The Yard Lateef Adedimeji – Gingerrr Gabriel Afolayan – Colours Of Fire Bucci Franklin – To Kill A Monkey Femi Adebayo – King Of Thieves 2 Lateef Adedimeji – Red Circle Femi Branch – Owambe Thieves Uzor Arukwe – Behind The Scenes
Best Supporting Actress
Linda Ejiofor – The Herd Olamide Kidbaby – Oversabi Aunty Bisola Aiyeola – Gingerrr Sola Sobowale – The Covenant Nadia Dutch – Aljana Amal Umar – The Herd Juliebrenda Nyambura – MTV Shuga Mashariki Funke Akindele – Behind The Scenes
Best Lead Actor
Mike Ezuruonye – Oversabi Aunty Lateef Adedimeji – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born William Benson – To Kill A Monkey Kanayo O. Kanayo – Grandpa Must Obey Khumbuza Meyiwa – Bet I Love You Uzor Arukwe – Colours Of Fire Wale Ojo – 3 Cold Dishes Femi Branch – Red Circle
Best Lead Actress
Linda Ejiofor – The Serpent’s Gift Bimbo Akintola – To Kill A Monkey Ifeoma Fafunwa – The Lost Days Ariyike Owolagba – Something About The Briggs Sola Sobowale – Her Excellency Scarlet Gomez – Behind The Scenes Genoveva Umeh – The Herd Gloria Anozie‑Young – Mother Of The Brides
AMVCA 2026 Nominees for Best Lead Actor: – Mike (Oversabi Aunty) -Lateef Adedimeji (Lisabi:) – William (To Kill A Monkey) – Kanayo O. (Grandpa Must Obey) – Khumbuza (Bet I Love You) – Uzor (Colours Of Fire) – Wale Ojo (3 Cold Dishes) – Femi Branch (Red Circle) pic.twitter.com/tXj7kes2oh
— Streamdorm | Film & TV News (@Streamdorm_) March 30, 2026
Craft & Technical Categories
Best Cinematography
Jermaine Edwards – My Father’s Shadow Kabelo Thathe – To Kill A Monkey Emmanuel Igbekele – The Herd Daanong Gyang – Finding Nina Emmanuel Igbekele – The Serpent’s Gift KC Obiajulu – Stitches Emmanuel Igbekele – Gingerrr
Best Editing
Kazeem Agboola – Cordelia Omar Guzman Castro – My Father’s Shadow Wanguma Peter Chidebere & Dele Doherty – Landline Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes Winston Aig‑Ohioma – Osamede Daniel Anyiam – To Kill A Monkey
Best Sound Design
Pius Fatoke & CJ Mirra – My Father’s Shadow Tolu Obanro – Gingerrr Vaughan Phillips – Ben Made It Tolu Obanro – The Party Vaughan Phillips – Sebata: The Beast Fisayo Adefolaju – The Herd
Best Music Score
Duval Timothy & CJ Mirra – My Father’s Shadow Nissi Ogulu – 3 Cold Dishes Chubb Okobah – Osamede Tolu Obanro – Gingerrr Tolu Obanro – The Party Sofresh – MTV Shuga Mashariki Oscar Heman‑Ackah – To Kill A Monkey
Best Art Direction
Zainab Oladipupo – The Serpent’s Gift Omolade Abisola – The Herd Ajamolaya Bunmi – Colours Of Fire Olatunji Afolayan & Gideon Stephen – Aljana Victor Akpan – Suky Thabiso Senne – Inimba
Best Costume Design
Mary Chukwuma – The Serpent’s Gift Deola & Darey Art Alade – The Real Housewives Of Lagos Valerie Okeke – Colours Of Fire Yolanda Okereke – Something About The Briggs Ikechukwu Urum & John Joseph Angel – To Kill A Monkey
Best Makeup
Mojisola Imam – Behind The Scenes Adeola Bamgboye – Lisabi: A Legend Is Born Dablaq Artistry – Gingerrr Adeola Bamgboye – Abanisete Hakeem Effect – Warlord Ruth Harcourt – Suky Adeola Bamgboye – Labake Olododo
Writing & Production Categories
Best Writing (TV Series)
The Wives MTV Shuga Mashariki Our Husband Addis Fikir Baba Oh The Party Gizat
Best Writing (Movie)
The Herd My Father’s Shadow Blackout Cards On The Table Gingerrr Suky 3 Cold Dishes
Best Documentary
Beyond Olympic Glory The Good, The Bad of Afrobeat The People Shall Not Addressing This Anymore BOU
Series & TV
Best Scripted Series
To Kill A Monkey The Yard The Chocolate Empire Inimba Kash Money
Best Unscripted Series
The Real Housewives Of Lagos Nigerian Idol Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa Offair With Gbemi And Toolz Out N’ About (Harar)
Directing & Overall Movie
Best Director
Akinola Davies Jr – My Father’s Shadow Tunde Kelani – Cordelia James Omokwe – Osamede Daniel Etim Effiong – The Herd Yemi Filmboy Morafa – Gingerrr Asurf Amuwa Oluseyi – 3 Cold Dishes
Best Overall Movie
Gingerrr The Herd My Father’s Shadow 3 Cold Dishes The Serpent’s Gift Behind The Scenes
The MOBO Awards 2026 took place on March 26, 2026, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, marking a 30th anniversary for one of the most influential celebrations of Black music and culture.
The night was dominated by Olivia Dean, who emerged as the biggest winner, securing three of the most important awards (Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year).
Alongside the night’s biggest wins, Wizkid reached a historic milestone, becoming the most awarded African artist in MOBO Awards history with seven wins, following his victory in the Best African Music Act category.
Other major winners included Central Cee, RAYE, and FLO, highlighting a strong showing for UK talent across multiple categories.
See Full Winners and Nominees List
Major Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Male Act
Central Cee Dave Fireboy DML Headie One Jim Legxacy (Winner)
Best Female Act
Ayra Starr FLO Jorja Smith Justine Skye Olivia Dean (Winner)
Album of the Year
Back to the World – Dave CLB – Central Cee Frames – FLO The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean (Winner) Voyager – Wizkid
Song of the Year
Baby Steps – Ayra Starr Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake Energy – FLO Man I Need – Olivia Dean (Winner) Sunset – Fireboy DML
Ain’t Safe – Ayra Starr Come Closer – Wizkid ft. Drake Energy – FLO Man I Need – Olivia Dean Where Is My Husband! – RAYE (Winner)
Genre Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best Hip‑Hop Act
Central Cee (Winner) Dave Headie One Knucks Unknown T
Best R&B / Soul Act
Ayra Starr FLO (Winner) Jorja Smith Tems Victoria Monét
Best Jazz Act
Alfa Mist Ezra Collective (Winner) Nubya Garcia Sons of Kemet Theon Cross
Best Gospel Act
DC3 ((Winner) Guvna B Joel Amadi Limoblaze Preye Odede
Best Alternative Music Act
Black Midi EVERGIB Georgia Nova Twins (Winner) Smerz
Best Grime Act
AJ Tracey Chip (Winner) Frisco Wiley Yungen
Best Drill Act
Headie One Kay Flock M1llionz Unknown T Twin S (Winner)
Best Electronic Act
Bicep Fred Again.. Jamie xx Peggy Gou Sherelle (Winner)
Regional & International Categories – Nominees & Winners
Best International Act
Cardi B Gunna Kehlani Lizzo Ayra Starr (Winner)
Best African Music Act
Ayra Starr Burna Boy Davido Rema Wizkid (Winner)
Wizkid has made history as the African artist with the most MOBO Awards, earning a total of seven wins across multiple categories and years.
His MOBO Awards include: 2011 – Best African Act 2016 – Best African Act 2017 – Best International Act 2020 – Best African Act 2021 – Best… pic.twitter.com/N2IKn30iCt
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has officially revealed its nominees for the Class of 2026, setting up one of the most stylistically diverse ballots in recent memory.
From classic rock and heavy metal to R&B, hip-hop, and global pop, this year’s list reflects the institution’s ongoing evolution and its widening definition of what “rock and roll” represents.
Inductees will be announced in April 2026, with the official ceremony scheduled for later in the year.
The Full List of 2026 Nominees
The artists nominated for induction are:
The Black Crowes Jeff Buckley Mariah Carey Phil Collins Melissa Etheridge Lauryn Hill Billy Idol INXS Iron Maiden Joy Division / New Order New Edition Oasis P!nk Sade Shakira Luther Vandross Wu-Tang Clan
The Rock Hall has increasingly embraced a broader interpretation of its mission, inducting artists across genres beyond traditional rock. The 2026 ballot continues that trajectory.
Hip-hop’s influence is represented by Wu-Tang Clan and Lauryn Hill. R&B and soul appear through Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Sade, and New Edition. Meanwhile, rock traditionalists will point to Iron Maiden, Oasis, The Black Crowes, and Billy Idol.
Jeff Buckley’s nomination underscores the Hall’s recognition of short but culturally significant careers, while Joy Division/New Order represents one of the most influential transitions in alternative music history from post-punk to synth-driven new wave.
The inclusion of Shakira highlights the growing acknowledgment of global pop influence, while Sade’s nomination carries particular resonance across the UK, US, and Africa. For Nigerian audiences, Sade remains one of the most internationally successful artists of Nigerian heritage.
Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. From this ballot, a select number will be voted into the Class of 2026.
The final inductees will be announced in April 2026, followed by a ceremony later in the year.
The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards (2026) delivered a night that balanced mainstream dominance with a growing global outlook. While pop, rap, and songwriting heavyweights controlled the Academy’s biggest prizes, the Global Music and African categories once again reinforced the Grammys’ slow but steady shift toward cultural inclusivity.
Below is a list of major GRAMMY categories alongside the Global and African-focused awards.
Major GRAMMY Categories (General Field)
Record of the Year
Winner: “luther” — Kendrick Lamar with SZA
Nominees:
“DtMF” — Bad Bunny
“Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“WILDFLOWER” — Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra” — Lady Gaga
“The Subway” — Chappell Roan
“APT.” — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
Album of the Year
Winner: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — Bad Bunny
Nominees:
SWAG — Justin Bieber
Man’s Best Friend — Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse
MAYHEM — Lady Gaga
GNX — Kendrick Lamar
MUTT — Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA — Tyler, The Creator
Song of the Year
Winner: “WILDFLOWER” — Billie Eilish & FINNEAS
Nominees:
“Abracadabra” — Lady Gaga
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“APT.” — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
“DtMF” — Bad Bunny
“Golden” — HUNTR/X
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar with SZA
“Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
Best New Artist
Winner: Olivia Dean
Nominees:
KATSEYE
The Marías
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young
Songwriting & Production
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)
Winner: Cirkut
Nominees:
Dan Auerbach
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical)
Winner: Amy Allen
Nominees:
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Laura Veltz
Global & African Categories
Best African Music Performance
Winner: “Push 2 Start” — Tyla
Nominees:
“Love” — Burna Boy
“With You” — Davido ft. Omah Lay
“Hope & Love” — Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
“Gimme Dat” — Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid
Best Global Music Performance
Winner: “EoO” — Bad Bunny
Nominees:
“Cantando en el Camino” — Ciro Hurtado
“Jerusalema” — Angélique Kidjo
“Inmigrante Y Qué?” — Yeisy Rojas
“Shrini’s Dream (Live)” — Shakti
“Daybreak” — Anoushka Shankar ft. Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
Best Global Music Album
Winner: Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo — Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia
Nominees:
Sounds of Kumbha — Siddhant Bhatia
No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy
Éclairer le monde – Light the World — Youssou N’Dour
Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) — Shakti
Chapter III: We Return to Light — Anoushka Shankar
From latest announcement, Bruno Mars has been confirmed to perform live at the ceremony this Sunday, February 1, 2026. The iconic singer, songwriter, and performer is known for delivering unforgettable shows, and this year’s performance is expected to be no exception.
Bruno Mars’ appearance was officially announced by the Recording Academy, confirming his spot among a star-studded lineup that includes Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, and Rosé. The ceremony will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will air live on CBS from 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT, with streaming available on Paramount+.
The singer is also in contention for three GRAMMY awards this year:
Record of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
All three nominations are tied to his latest collaboration with Rosé, the hit track “APT.”
Bruno Mars has a long history of delivering show-stopping performances at award shows. From his memorable Super Bowl halftime shows to previous GRAMMY appearances, he has consistently shown an ability to blend high-energy choreography, live vocals, and charismatic stage presence.
For music lovers, this performance is a chance to see one of the most versatile entertainers of our time, blending pop, R&B, funk, and soul into a single unforgettable stage experience.
For viewers in the United States, the GRAMMYs will air live on CBS and stream via Paramount+. International fans, including those in Nigeria, can watch through official GRAMMY streaming partners or cable networks broadcasting the ceremony.
With Bruno Mars and other star stud taking the stage, the 2026 GRAMMYs are shaping up to be a must-watch event for music fans around the world. Expect big surprises, high energy, and, of course, a performance that will dominate social media conversations for days.
The 53rd Annual Saturn Awards have announced their 2026 nominations, spotlighting the year’s standout achievements in science fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero, action-adventure, and animation across both film and television.
This year’s list reflects a highly competitive awards season, with major franchise releases and prestige TV series dominating the conversation. Films like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Superman, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning lead the movie categories, while shows including Andor, Severance, The Last of Us, and Stranger Things anchor the television slate.
Notably, DC Studios recorded a strong showing with 13 total nominations, driven by Superman, Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and Harley Quinn, highlighting the studio’s growing momentum across live-action and animated storytelling.
Below is the complete list of 2026 Saturn Awards nominations, ahead of the ceremony scheduled for March 8, 2026.
FILM CATEGORIES
Best Science Fiction Film
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Bugonia
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Predator: Badlands
The Running Man
Tron: Ares
Best Fantasy Film
Freakier Friday
Hamnet
How to Train Your Dragon
The Life of Chuck
Lilo & Stitch
Wicked: For Good
Best Horror Film
28 Years Later
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Final Destination: Bloodlines
Frankenstein
The Monkey
Weapons
Best Thriller Film
Highest 2 Lowest
The Housemaid
The Long Walk
Marty Supreme
Sinners
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Best Action / Adventure Film
Ballerina
F1: The Movie
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Novocaine
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
One Battle After Another
Best Film Adaptation (From Another Medium)
Black Phone 2
Captain America: Brave New World
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
A Minecraft Movie
Superman
Thunderbolts: The New Avengers
FILM PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
Best Actor in a Film
David Corenswet (Superman)
Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning)
Tom Hiddleston (The Life of Chuck)
Oscar Isaac (Frankenstein)
Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
Pedro Pascal (The Fantastic Four: First Steps)
Sam Worthington (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
Best Actress in a Film
Rachel Brosnahan (Superman)
Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good)
Elle Fanning (Predator: Badlands)
Julia Garner (Weapons)
Vanessa Kirby (The Fantastic Four: First Steps)
Zoe Saldaña (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
Emma Stone (Bugonia)
Best Supporting Actor (Film)
Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
Edi Gathegi (Superman)
Jeff Goldblum (Wicked: For Good)
Stephen Lang (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
Delroy Lindo (Sinners)
Mads Mikkelsen (Dust Bunny)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Fantastic Four: First Steps)
Best Supporting Actress (Film)
Oona Chaplin (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
Mia Goth (Frankenstein)
Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good)
Amy Madigan (Weapons)
Hailee Steinfeld (Sinners)
Florence Pugh (Thunderbolts: The New Avengers)
Sigourney Weaver (Dust Bunny)
FILM TECHNICAL CATEGORIES
Best Director
James Cameron (Avatar: Fire and Ash)
Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein)
James Gunn (Superman)
Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning)
The 98th Academy Awards nominations, announced on January 22, 2026, have delivered one of the most competitive and wide-ranging Oscars line-ups in recent memory. From record-breaking nomination tallies to the rise of technically ambitious filmmaking, this year’s list reflects an industry that continues to evolve in scale, storytelling, and global reach.
The ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
This year’s race is led by Sinners, which emerged as the most nominated film with 16 nods, setting a new Academy record. Close behind is One Battle After Another, which secured 13 nominations, firmly positioning it as a top Best Picture and directing contender.
Other major players include Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, Bugonia, and Train Dreams, each earning recognition across acting, writing, and technical categories.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has officially entered the history books. The supernatural period thriller has earned 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, making it the most-nominated film in Oscars history.
The feat sees Sinners surpass the long-standing record of 14 nominations, previously shared by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016). With this milestone, Coogler’s film now stands alone at the top of the Academy’s nomination leaderboard.
Set in the 1930s American South, Sinners blends historical drama with supernatural horror, following twin brothers both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan as they confront racism, faith, and an emerging vampire threat within their community.
The film’s sweeping nomination haul reflects broad Academy recognition across acting, directing, writing, music, and technical craft, signaling rare consensus support from voters.
All 16 Oscar Nominations for “Sinners”
Sinners received nominations in the following categories:
Best Picture
Best Director — Ryan Coogler
Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
Best Supporting Actor — Delroy Lindo
Best Supporting Actress — Wunmi Mosaku
Best Original Screenplay — Ryan Coogler
Best Casting
Best Costume Design
Best Production Design
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Sound
Best Visual Effects
Best Original Score
Best Original Song — “I Lied to You”
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien set to host. While final outcomes remain unpredictable, Sinners enters the ceremony as the clear frontrunner and the most talked-about film of the season.
The 2026 MOBO Awards nomination list has officially been revealed, spotlighting the biggest names across Black music and culture and African artists, particularly Nigerians, are once again at the center of global recognition.
Among the headline moments is Rema’s nomination for Best African Music Act, placing the Afrobeats star alongside heavyweights like Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Tiwa Savage in one of the ceremony’s most competitive categories.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold later this year in Manchester, United Kingdom, continuing MOBO’s tradition of celebrating music of Black origin across the UK, Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.
Nigeria dominates the Best African Music Act nominations, reinforcing the country’s sustained influence on the global Afrobeats movement.
Best African Music Act – Nominees
Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Moliy (Ghana)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Major Categories: Full List of Nominees
Best Male Act
Central Cee
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy
Nemzzz
Odeal
Skepta
Best Female Act
FLO
kwn
Little Simz
Olivia Dean
PinkPantheress
Sasha Keable
Album of the Year
Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness
Ezra Collective – Dance, No One’s Watching
FLO – Access All Areas
Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
Little Simz – Lotus
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
Song of the Year
AJ Tracey ft. Jorja Smith – “Crush”
Donae’o ft. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – “Nights Like This”
Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – “Victory Lap”
Jim Legxacy & Dave – “3X”
kwn – “Do What I Say”
Myles Smith – “Nice To Meet You”
Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
Raye – “Where Is My Husband!”
Tim Duzit – “Kat Slater”
Best Newcomer
DC3Es
DeeKid
Finessekid
Jim Legxacy
kwn
namesbliss
Nia Smith
Sekou
Skye Newman
YT
International & Diaspora Representation
Best International Act
Ayra Starr
Cardi B
Clipse
Gunna
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah The Scientist
Moliy
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Best Caribbean Music Act
Ayetian
Lila Iké
Masicka
Shenseea
Vybz Kartel
Yung Bredda
Music Beyond Charts: Performance, Media & Production
The 2026 nominations also recognize excellence beyond music releases, with categories spanning film, television, media personalities, production, and genre-specific innovation.
Notable nominees include Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Stephen Graham, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, and Inflo, highlighting MOBO’s broad cultural scope.
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)
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)
“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.
