Ap photo gallery: ap collection from the NAACP Image Awards celebrates Black excellence
The final night of the 57th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena closed with Director Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners dominating the ceremony, and stars gathering for a multi-night celebration of film, television, music, books and more. The event—held Saturday near the end of Black History Month—was captured in a photo gallery curated by photo editors.
Viola Davis accepts Chairman's Award in Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Viola Davis accepted the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and used her stage time to press at length on personal and national growth. She said, "There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth, " and warned, "We either move forward together or not at all. " The 60-year-old traced her rise from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success and said, "I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance. " She added, "No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope, to the girl living a transcendent life. " A photo of Davis at the ceremony was taken by Chris Pizzello.
Sinners dominates fourth and final night; 18 nominations yield 13 wins
Director Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-nominated blockbuster Sinners arrived at the fourth and final night as the leading film nominee and left with 13 NAACP Image Awards after entering the awards with 18 nominations across the four-night event. The film won Outstanding Motion Picture, and Michael B. Jordan won Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his dual performance as twin brothers in Sinners. Miles Caton received Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture for his work in Sinners.
Michael B. Jordan named Entertainer of the Year and offers tribute
Michael B. Jordan capped the night by winning Entertainer of the Year, defeating nominees Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar and Teyana Taylor for the top honor. Jordan also took home the best actor award for Sinners and became emotional while acknowledging late actor Chadwick Boseman, saying, "My best friend, Chad … I miss you every day. " He thanked his family and community and urged those watching from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to pursue their goals with humility and compassion. Last year’s Entertainer of the Year was Keke Palmer.
Salt-N-Pepa inducted; supporting winners, ensemble and behind-the-scenes honors
Hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa—Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton and DJ Spinderella—were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and reflected on their legacy and influence. Spinderella, the stage name of Deidra Muriel Roper, said, "We didn’t know we were building a movement. " The group was recognized for hits including "Push It, " "Shoop" and "Whatta Man. "
On the film side, Delroy Lindo won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture and Wunmi Mosaku won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. Sinners’ key actors won Outstanding Ensemble in a Motion Picture, and Ryan Coogler picked up awards earlier in the week during the NAACP Creative ceremonies for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture; the film had claimed eight of its 13 awards during those creative ceremonies.
Deon Cole opens with sharp jokes; ceremony details and winners list highlights
Comedy star Deon Cole hosted the ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and opened with sharp political humor that included a censored jab referencing immigration enforcement and a nod to the recent disruption involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the British Academy Film Awards. Cole joked about removing anything associated with "ICE" from the guest list before moving into a comedic prayer segment that touched on celebrities and current headlines. The 2026 NAACP Image Awards ceremony on Saturday was broadcast live on CBS and streamed live on BET.
A selection of winners and nominees named during the event included Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures) as a winner; Michael B. Jordan for Sinners as a winner; Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good as a winner; and other nominees listed for film categories such as André Holland for Love, Brooklyn; Denzel Washington for Highest 2 Lowest; Nnamdi Asomugha for The Knife; Tyriq Withers for HIM; Danielle Deadwyler for 40 Acres; and Keke Palmer for One of Them Days. One of Them Days was connected to Sony Pictures Releasing and Sinners to Warner Bros. Pictures.
photo gallery context and a roundup of other headline items in the gallery
The photo gallery that accompanied coverage captured more than the awards: it showed Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Megan Keller and Hilary Knight continuing a post-Olympic victory lap at 30 Rock; an image tied to Arman Tsarukyan bringing "a little too much MMA" to a wrestling event on Saturday; and moments from the 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber, described as having played out "like a show written with one sole goal in mind — and not in a good way. " The gallery also included lighter and regional briefs: a Wordle hint and answer feature, an item noting "No one ever said you needed a hit to win a softball game, " and sports updates such as the Red Raiders winning their third straight game since losing star JT Toppin for the season; reports that the Jets will leave the combine in a strong position with five first-round picks in 2026 and 2027; a stretch of brilliance from Darryn Peterson that helped the Jayhawks cut a deficit to two points before the Wildcats staged another run; and Brandon Miller scoring 26 for Charlotte as that team extended a run to 16 wins in its past 20 games. The gallery also carried a consumer finance blurb: these are today's mortgage and refinance rates, noting the 30-year rate was near three-year lows on a popular lender marketplace and advising readers to shop for their best rate today.
