5 Best Moments from the 2026 NAACP Image Awards
Black excellence was on full display in Pasadena, in what was a big night for ‘Sinners,’ as Deon Cole roasted Nicki Minaj and the BAFTAs.
Michael B. Jordan, winner of the Outstanding Actor In A Motion Picture award for “Sinners” and Entertainer of the Year award, poses in the press room during the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
The 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards served as a reminder that, as glitzy and glamorous as award season is, there’s nothing quite like being celebrated by your own. Black excellence was in the building as Deon Cole emceed a night of gratitude, glory and greatness, with luminaries from Delroy Lindo and Ryan Coogler to Colman Domingo and Cynthia Erivo all taking the stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Here are our picks for the 5 Best Moments From the 2026 NAACP Image Awards.
5. Salt-N-Pepa receiving their flowers
The love fest for Salt, Pep and Spin continues! The three legendary ladies were honored by being inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. With MC Lyte inducting the beloved trio, Salt took the time to kick a freestyle for the occasion that captured how everyone was feeling about the vibe in the room: “Here’s to my kings and my queens / Hip-hop and rap fiends / I ain’t talking pipes / I’m talking about rap dreams”
4. Viola Davis celebrates self-worth and perseverance
Honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, the iconic actress gave a speech for the ages, reflecting on her tumultuous upbringing. "Little chocolate girl with thick lips and wide nose in Rhode Island in 1965. I didn't see hope. I didn't see dreams. I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance. And no one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope, searching for God, and the girl living a transcendent life."
3. Samuel L. Jackson honors the late Rev. Jesse Jackson
Dressed in traditional African attire, the legendary actor paid tribute to the civil rights icon who passed away on Feb. 17. ““For over half a century — which is a long damn time to be on the front lines — he advocated for the poor, the disenfranchised, for those who needed work,” Jackson said. “And he found jobs for our community in every endeavor, including entertainment.” And Jackson also noted the late Rainbow PUSH founder’s influence on his own life. “He inspired a young man who has the same last name as his — one Samuel L. Jackson.”
2. Deon Cole’s opening “prayer”
The funnyman served as the night’s host, and the star of Average Joe decided to offer a prayer to kick things off right. But, of course, that prayer turned into a comedic rundown of some of the most talked-about stars of the moment, including firing shots at Teyana Taylor, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj and one priceless reference to Tourette’s advocate John Davidson and the BAFTA n-word controversy.
1. A Big night for 'Sinners'
The night turned into a victory lap for Ryan Coogler’s 2025 epic vampire film Sinners. The film dominated, winning 13 awards after scoring 18 nominations, including best motion picture. Michael B. Jordan took home the NAACP Image Awards’ top honor of Entertainer of the Year, with Miles Caton being named breakthrough performer. And in the wake of the BAFTA controversy, Delroy Lindo, who won the NAACP Image Award for best supporting actor, shared some of his first public comments on the incident.
“I’d just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us.”
