With the 57th NAACP awards quickly approaching, communities in media eagerly await the winners for dozens of awards across 13 categories.
2025 was the year of media and entertainment heavy hitters, where we saw an extraordinary caliber of music, film, television, journalism, etc.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular names, underdogs, and highly anticipated awards from a few categories of this year’s Image Awards.
Motion Picture
One of the most stacked lineups of nominees is the Motion Picture category. Established creatives gave career performances, behind-the-scenes crews took world-building to the next level, and cinematographers turned the visions into reality.
Currently, the biggest name in the conversation is “Sinners”, the blockbuster Action/Horror film directed by Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan as two separate characters in the film.
Other films from last year took viewers by surprise, not only with their quality, but also with the international followings built after their release.
Entertainer of The Year
The term entertainer spans a variety of mediums and platforms, making this a heavily sought-after and often controversial award.
This award is determined by whichever entertainer excels the most in their field, is publicly admired, and is influential to Black culture in their subjective spaces.
Nominees include Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor.
Directing
Your favorite shows, movies, and specials are probably as good as they are because of the director behind them guiding their creative vision.
The Directing category highlights some of the best creative minds behind documentaries, comedies and television specials.
Some standout directors for their categories include Tyler James Williams (“Abbott Elementary” – “The Science Fair”), Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson (“Sly Lives!” (aka The Burden of Black Genius), Angela Barnes (Reasonable Doubt – “Feelin’ It”), and Troy A. Scott (“I’ll Never Let You Go”).
Digital Content Creators
One of the new categories added this year is for Digital Content Creators.
The nominees for this award are some of the biggest names on social media who have brought their own unique shine to their corners of the internet.
This category is split into creators focused on comedy/art, fashion/beauty, fitness/wellness/food, and gaming/technology.
Some prominent nominee names that are pioneering the category are Darren Watkins Jr.
(@IShowSpeed), Jackie Asamoah (@jackieaina), Keith Lee (@Keith_Lee125), and Elizabeth Booker Houston (@bookersquared).
Recording
Music will forever hold a special place in culture around the world and media attention in the Black community.
The recording awards are set to honor some of the artists who released the most popular singles and projects of the year.
Nominees include Doechii, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Leon Thomas, and Giveon.
The scene’s newcomers get a spotlight as well, with the outstanding new artist category sporting nominees like Ravyn Lenae and Madison McFerrin.
Television & Streaming
Similar to the motion picture category is the television and streaming category, which highlights the best of online streaming platforms.
Some of the hottest nominated streaming shows are Gracie’s Corner, Iyanu, Abbott Elementary, The View, and more.
Some big names nominated include Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Scott Evans (“House Guest”), Cedric the Entertainer (“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”), and Michael Cooper Jr. (“Forever”).
Literacy & Journalism
The literacy and journalism section of the awards highlights the black voices that narrate journeys of the past and present, both in fiction and non-fiction.
Among the nominated literary works, autobiographies and poetic tellings of the Black experience contrast with the more lighthearted graphic novels that use original perspectives to create a safe space for readers looking to embrace the joys of their reality.
Podcast
With podcasting at a peak in popularity, it’s only right that some of the best podcasts are given recognition for their meaningful discussions on art, entertainment, life tips, news, and societal development.
Some impactful names in the podcasting space are Michelle Obama (IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson), Don Lemon (The Don Lemon Show), Keke Palmer (Baby, This is Keke Palmer), and Trevor Noah (What Now? with Trevor Noah).
Additional Sections and Subsections
While each section, creator, and production, there are some sections with fewer nominees that have been newly added to the awards lineup.
The remaining sections for the awards show are: documentary, writing, editing, stunt and hair, makeup, and costume.
Who are you excited to see take home accolades at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards?
