“57TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS” CELEBRATE BLACK EXCELLENCE AT NOMINEES LUNCHEON HOSTED BY AMBYR MICHELLE AND MELVI
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Posted By: Tanisha Grant on February 10, 2026 Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 7, 2026) – Today, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” recognized nominees in more than 90 categories across film, television and streaming, music, literature, and podcasts at its Nominees Luncheon at nya studios WEST in Los Angeles. The celebration of Black excellence was hosted by Ambyr Michelle (Beyond the Gates) and Melvin Gregg (The Paper), and featured a performance from singer-songwriter Elijah Blake. The Nominees Luncheon marked the first of several premiere events leading up to the “57th NAACP Image Awards” live telecast, airing from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, on BET and CBS. The celebration was attended by NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, NAACP Vice Chair, Karen Boykin-Towns, Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Tyriq Withers (HIM), Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent), Karen Pittman (Forever, The Morning Show), William Stanford Davis (Abbott Elementary), Lil Rel Howery (One Of Them Days, Dog Man), Vanessa Bell Calloway (One of Them Days), Adrian Holmes (Bel-Air), Jimmy Akingbola (Bel-Air), Lisa Raye McCoy, Bozoma St. John (On Brand with Jimmy Fallon), Yvette Nicole Brown (Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown), DeVon Franklin (Ruth & Boaz), Crystle Stewart (Beauty in Black), Kim Coles (ReLiving Single with Erika Alexander & Kim Coles), Kyla Pratt (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder), Jerrie Johnson (Harlem), Edwina Findley (The Residence), Melyssa Ford (Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford), Aisha Hinds (9-1-1), Kym Whitley, Graceyn Hollingsworth (Gracie’s Corner), Madison McFerrin (Musician), Lee Vasi (Musician), Kennedy Ryan (author), Claudia Jordan, Khloe Thomas (Digital Creator), Jackie Aina (Digital Creator), and more. Event Highlights: Event hosts Ambyr Michelle and Melvin Gregg set the tone for the afternoon, creating space for culture and community to shine. Nominees and luncheon attendees enjoyed a soulful and illuminating performance from Elijah Blake. In a moment of silence, attendees honored the life and legacy of Malcolm Jamal-Warner, followed by an invocation led by Rev. George Hurtt. “57th NAACP Image Awards” nominees were presented with an official nomination certificate in celebration of their impact and achievements across categories. On stage, NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson shared: “This room is filled with artists, creators, and changemakers who remind us that our stories don’t just deserve to be told, they deserve to be valued, protected, and celebrated. That responsibility matters now more than ever. Because while we celebrate, we are also mindful of communities around the country that are under attack from an Administration that vowed to protect them. As we gather during a moment of both challenge and possibility, let us remember that seeing one another is an act of power. When we see each other fully, we affirm dignity. We build community. And we create space for generations to come. This Image Awards, we say, we see you, not just with our words, but by honoring your contributions.” In remarks, NAACP Vice Chair, Karen Boykin-Towns shared: “The Image Awards were born from a simple but bold idea: when the world refuses to recognize our excellence, we recognize it ourselves. When the industry overlooks us, we gather, we affirm, and we celebrate one another our way. That spirit is still alive in this room today. This luncheon is not just an event; it’s a continuation of a legacy. Your legacy of Black artists and creators choosing to define their own standards, their own narratives, and their own measures of success.” By visiting www.naacpimageawards.net, the public can vote to determine the winners of the “57th NAACP Image Awards'' in select categories. Voting closes on February 13, 2026, at 12:00 midnight (ET.) Winners will be revealed during the “57th NAACP Image Awards'' telecast on Saturday, February 28 live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, on BET. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories at the “57th NAACP Image Awards” Creative Honors Thursday, February 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus Monday, February 23-Wednesday, February 25. Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose. One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Kamala Harris, Dave Chapelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Don Cheadle, Laverne Cox, Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Courtney B. Vance, Sherri Shepherd, Colman Domingo, Mike Epps, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Damson Idris, Michelle Buteau, Victoria Monét, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more. Instagram: @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook:/naacpimageaward ### About NAACP The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race–based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP–LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Tanisha Grant
Entertainment Reporter, S Cheyney University of Pennsylvania class of 1995 Member Since February 2014 |
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