BET and NAACP proudly celebrated the best in Black culture at the “57th NAACP Image Awards,” hosted by beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, February 28. The evening was a powerful tribute to Black excellence, honoring leaders, visionaries, and creatives making a remarkable impact across entertainment, advocacy, and culture.
In a night rooted in pride, community, and culture, Colman Domingo was presented with the President’s Award in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Legendary group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the prestigious NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, which celebrates trailblazers whose enduring influence continues to shape the music industry for generations. Viola Davis received the Chairman’s Award, which honors individuals who excel in public service and use their platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.
Colman Domingo attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)Cheryl James, DJ Spinderella, and Sandra Denton of Salt-N-Pepa attend the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)Viola Davis attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)
In a moving tribute led by Samuel L. Jackson, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” honored a life defined by legacy, service, and an unwavering commitment to others, commemorating the remarkable impact of Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose tireless advocacy changed the world. Members of the Jackson family were also in attendance during tonight’s ceremony.
Presenters for the evening included Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, Janelle James, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Lionel Richie, MC Lyte, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Reg-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sterling K. Brown, and the cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas.
MC Lyte was the voice of the evening, returning as the in-show announcer.
Kyla Pratt, Quinta Brunson, and Terrence J attend the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)Halle Bailey attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)Ernestine Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Daphnée Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Clifton Davis, Ambyr Michelle, Sheila Ducksworth and Mike Manning attend the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET) Keke Palmer attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET) Deon Cole attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California.Teyana Taylor attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and Sev Ohanian attend the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP attends the 57th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)Sonya Jenkins – Publisher of Sonya’s Spotlight, Filmmaker, Author
Title: 57th NAACP Image Awards 
