The 2026 NAACP Image Awards are led by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with a commanding 18 nominations, more than double its nearest competitor, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which earned 9. In television, Bel‑Air tops the field with 7 nominations, followed by Abbott Elementary, Reasonable Doubt, and Ruth & Boaz, each with 6. Among individual contenders, Teyana Taylor and Kendrick Lamar lead with six nominations each, while the marquee Entertainer of the Year category features Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor.
This year’s theme — “We See You” — highlights and celebrates Black creativity across film, television, music, and literature.
KEY NOMINEES
Outstanding Motion Picture
- Sinners — 18 nominations total
- Highest 2 Lowest — 9 nominations
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
- Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
- Denzel Washington — Highest 2 Lowest
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
- Jayme Lawson — Sinners
- Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited Series, or Dramatic Special
- Bel‑Air — 7 nominations total
- Abbott Elementary — 6 nominations
- Reasonable Doubt — 6 nominations
- Ruth & Boaz — 6 nominations
INDIVIDUAL NOMINEES
Entertainer of the Year
- Cynthia Erivo
- Doechii
- Kendrick Lamar
- Michael B. Jordan
- Teyana Taylor — 6 nominations total
Outstanding Album
- Am I The Drama? — Cardi B
- Beloved — GIVĒON
- Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse
- Mutt Deluxe: Heel — Leon Thomas
- SOS Deluxe: LANA — SZA
NEW CATEGORIES
- Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism
- Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special
The 57th NAACP Image Awards will air on BET on February 28 at 8:00 OM ET/PT.