Last night, the glamour and excitement of awards season continued with the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, an event dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Black performers and artists across various fields, including film, television, music, and literature. Held at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the 57th annual ceremony was hosted by the charismatic Deon Cole. This year’s theme, “We See You,” resonated deeply as it celebrated Black creativity, excellence, and humanity in all facets of storytelling. Stars like Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, Chase Infiniti, Miles Caton, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, and Sterling K. Brown graced the stage to present awards and honor their peers.
Among the evening’s highlights was Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners, which dominated the night with an impressive 18 nominations, ultimately taking home 13 awards. Among its accolades were best picture, best actor for Michael B. Jordan, and breakthrough performer for the talented Miles Caton. The event also featured significant honors, including the esteemed Chairman’s Award, which was presented to the legendary Viola Davis for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Additionally, Colman Domingo received the President’s Award, a testament to his remarkable achievements and influence. A moment of nostalgia was felt when Salt-N-Pepa, along with DJ Spinderella, were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, celebrating their lasting impact on the music industry.
The awards ceremony showcased a broad spectrum of talent, with notable wins throughout various categories. Cynthia Erivo earned the title of best actress in a motion picture for her role in Wicked: For Good, while Angela Bassett triumphed as best drama actress for her performance in 9-1-1. Sterling K. Brown also shone bright, winning best drama actor for his work in Paradise. Meanwhile, in a pre-award reception and fashion show, A$AP Rocky was acknowledged with the Vanguard Award for Fashion, further highlighting the intersection of culture and style within the awards ceremony. Equally deserving of homage was Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer for Sinners, who won the award for best costume design, solidifying her place as a standout in her field.
The fashion at the NAACP Image Awards never disappoints, and this year was no exception. The red carpet was ablaze with stunning ensembles. Wunmi Mosaku captured attention in a creamy pink and aubergine gown by Christian Siriano, exuding elegance and grace. Teyana Taylor turned heads in a sculptural Ashi Studio couture gown, solidifying her status as a fashion trailblazer. Colman Domingo made a statement in an impeccable, triple mustard ensemble by Sergio Hudson, showcasing his flair for bold colors and daring designs. Chase Infiniti dazzled in a playful look, boasting posey pink feathers and fuchsia gloves by Tamara Ralph. Finally, the enchanting Halle Bailey stole the spotlight with a slinky, poufy-collared dress from Stephanie Rolland’s couture line, epitomizing contemporary sophistication.
As the night progressed, attendees celebrated not only the incredible achievements within the Black community but also the stunning display of fashion that complements the artistry being honored. From moving speeches to jaw-dropping red carpet moments, the 2026 NAACP Image Awards reaffirmed its significance in recognizing and uplifting Black voices across all creative mediums. Below, you’ll find a curated collection of the best looks from this year’s extraordinary ceremony.
