The NAACP has revealed the nominees for the 57th NAACP Image Awards. The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Deon Cole, airs live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS.
Singer and actress Teyana Taylor has six nominations across multiple categories, including for Entertainer of the Year for her roles in One Battle After Another and Tyler Perry’s Straw. (Taylor recently won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for the former film.) Entertainer of the Year also includes rappers Kendrick Lamar and Doechii, as well as Wicked star Cynthia Erivo and Sinners star Michael B. Jordan.
Three of Taylor’s nominations are in the music recording category, including Outstanding Female Artist for her Grammy-nominated album Escape Room. It’s worth noting Lamar is the most-nominated in the recording field (six nods), followed by Chris Brown and Leon Thomas with four nominations each. The two artists share a nod in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) category for Thomas’ “Mutt (Remix)” with Brown.
“The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that ‘We See You,’ affirming Black creativity, excellence, and humanity across every space where our stories are told,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. “From film, television, and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.”
Louis Carr, president of BET, added, “The NAACP Image Award nominations underscore what we’ve always known to be true – our people are the heartbeat of culture. Their creativity, excellence, and commitment to telling our stories with authenticity and purpose continue to set the standard. We’re honored to stand alongside the NAACP in celebrating the voices and visionaries who move our culture forward.”
The public can vote to determine winners in select categories at naacpimageawards.net. Voting is open now through Feb. 7 at midnight. ET. Winners will be announced during the telecast on Feb. 28. The NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on Feb. 21 and virtually via YouTube from Feb. 23 through Feb. 25.
See the nominees for the 2026 NAACP Image Awards below.
Entertainer of the Year
Cynthia Erivo
Doechii
Kendrick Lamar
Michael B. Jordan
Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Female Artist
Alex Isley
Cardi B
Doechii
SZA
Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Male Artist
Bryson Tiller
Chris Brown
GIVĒON
Kendrick Lamar
Leon Thomas
Outstanding New Artist
Elmiene
Lee Vasi
Madison McFerrin
Monaleo
Ravyn Lenae
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Bed of Roses” — Teyana Taylor
“Burning Blue” — Mariah the Scientist
“Folded” — Kehlani
“It Depends” — Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller
“Yes It Is” — Leon Thomas
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
“Safe” — Cardi B, Kehlani
“It Depends (Remix)” — Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher
“The Mood (Remixes)” — FLO
“Worst Behaviour” — kwn feat. Kehlani
“MUTT (Remix)” — Leon Thomas & Chris Brown
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
“Boots on the Ground Remix” — 803Fresh feat. Fantasia
“Chains & Whips” — Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice
“For Good” — Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
“Jesus I Do” — Mariah Carey, The Clark Sisters
“Let Freedom Ring” — Travis Greene & Andra Day
Outstanding Album
Am I The Drama? — Cardi B
Beloved — GIVĒON
Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse, Pusha T, Malice
Mutt Deluxe: Heel — Leon Thomas
SOS Deluxe: LANA — SZA
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Church” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat. John Legend
“Constant – Live” — Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula
“Do it Again” — Kirk Franklin
“Don’t Faint” — Jekalyn Carr
“Jesus I Do” — Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters
Outstanding International Song
“In Our Sight” — Skip Marley
“Is It” — Tyla
“Love” — Burna Boy
“With You” — Davido feat. Omah Lay
“You4Me” — Tiwa Savage
Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
Boots
Eyes of Wakanda Original Soundtrack
Marvel’s Ironheart: Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack)
One of Them Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score)
Outstanding Jazz Album
Beneath the Skin — Nnenna Freelon
For Dinah — Ledisi
Griot Songs — Omar Thomas Large Ensemble
Live-Action — Nate Smith
We Insist! 2025 — Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“Boots on the Ground” — 803Fresh
Escape Room — Teyana Taylor
“Folded” — Kehlani
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 (Original Series Soundtrack)
Highest 2 Lowest (Original Soundtrack)
Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Season 3 (Music from the Series)
Wicked: For Good (The Soundtrack)
Visit naacpimageawards.net to vote in select categories and to see the full nominations list.
