Michael B. Jordan was crowned the Entertainer of the Year at the prestigious NAACP Image Awards. In his acceptance speech, Jordan paid a touching tribute to his late co-star from Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, who passed away at the age of 43 in 2020.
"I was pondering the essence of a lead actor and what it truly means to me. And honestly, I have to dedicate this award to Chadwick Boseman," Jordan said on stage. "He was my brother, and our time on this planet is fleeting. As I watched the 'In Memoriam' segment and saw how swiftly careers and lives pass by, I realized that what we do while we're here on Earth is precious. I just want to be here, present with you all, as much as possible."
The Outstanding Motion Picture award went to Sinners, which also won 11 other awards in the film category. Jordan also claimed the Outstanding Actor honor. In the TV category, Cynthia Erivo was awarded Outstanding Actress for her role in Wicked: For Good.
Deon Cole, an actor, comedian, and writer, hosted the two-hour live telecast from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. The 57th NAACP Image Awards concluded a four-night virtual event series.
Sinners won multiple awards on Wednesday and Thursday in the film category, while Abbott Elementary triumphed in three TV categories. Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar were the big winners in music on night two, with Cardi taking home Outstanding Female Artist and Lamar winning Outstanding Male Artist.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements and performances of people of color across over 80 competitive categories. Here's a summary of some of the highlights from 2026:
- Entertainer of the Year: Michael B. Jordan
- Outstanding Motion Picture: Sinners
- Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
- Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Delroy Lindo (Sinners)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)
- Outstanding Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary
- Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: Cedric The Entertainer (The Neighbourhood)
- Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)
- Outstanding Drama Series: Reasonable Doubt
- Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
- Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Angela Bassett (9-1-1)
- Outstanding Male Artist (Music): Kendrick Lamar (Luther)
- Outstanding Female Artist (Music): Cardi B (Am I the Drama?)
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