The 2026 NAACP Image Awards began announcing winners Monday, starting with non-televised categories such as literary works, short-form content, and creator awards. Michelle Obama, nominated five times, secured the award for outstanding literary work in biography/autobiography for her book The Look, which reflects on her fashion as the former first lady.
Among music nominees, Kendrick Lamar, with six total nods including entertainer of the year, took home the award for outstanding short-form series or special with his Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance. Filmmaker and producer Will Packer earned the award for outstanding literary work in the instructional category for his 2025 self-help book Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big.
The winners were revealed during the initial night of a three-day virtual event hosted by actress and writer Angel “ThatChickAngel” Laketa Moore and actor/rapper Khleo Thomas. The event streamed exclusively on the NAACP Image Awards YouTube channel. Additional non-televised awards will be announced Tuesday and Wednesday. Reverend Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant is scheduled to receive the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award on Thursday, followed by A$AP Rocky being honored with the Vanguard Award at Friday’s Reception and Fashion Show.
The 57th NAACP Image Awards ceremony, hosted by comedian and Average Joe star Deon Cole, will air live on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Special honorees include Viola Davis, who will receive the Chairman’s Award, and Colman Domingo, who will be presented with the President’s Award.
Literary and Creative Achievements Recognized Across Multiple Categories
The first night’s non-televised award winners include multiple distinguished authors, creators, and entertainers, showcasing a diverse range of work across literature, digital content, and short-form media.
Leading Literary Award Recipients
Michelle Obama won the biography/autobiography award for The Look, which details her personal fashion journey during her years as first lady. Among other nominees were Kamala Harris for 107 Days, Dana A. Williams, Lionel Richie, and Dawn Staley, whose book detailed life lessons learned from basketball and family.
In non-fiction literary work, Juanita Tolliver received top honors for A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics, emphasizing pivotal moments in political history. Other nominated works included titles exploring topics from hospitality in the Black community to civil rights history.
Will Packer’s winning instructional book Who Better Than You? focuses on self-help strategies surrounding confidence and ambition. This category’s nominees also featured poignant food history and cultural culinary narratives.
Additional Notable Literary Winners
- Journalism: Anissa Durham’s article “On Borrowed Time” was recognized as the outstanding work among submissions from various news outlets.
- Debut Author: Charles B. Fancher won for his novel Red Clay, competing with debut works from Anela Malik and Judith Joseph.
- Fiction: Nnedi Okorafor’s Death of the Author received the top honor in fiction, with other nominees including Kennedy Ryan and Victoria Christopher Murray.
- Poetry: Patricia Smith’s collection The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems earned recognition.
- Children’s Literature: Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark by Allen R. Wells, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge, was awarded in this category.
- Youth/Teens: Angie Thomas’s Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi won against titles by Ibi Zoboi and Tiffany D. Jackson.
- Graphic Novel: The adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Talents, by Damien Duffy with illustrations by John Jennings and David Brame, received honors.
Short-Form and Digital Content Creators Receive Recognition
In the category of outstanding short-form series or special, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was celebrated for its influence and production, standing out against contenders including ESPN’s College Gameday: Michael Vick and other documentaries and specials.
Among digital content creators, Berlin Edmonds (@Berleezy) received the gaming/tech award, while Keith Lee (@Keith_Lee125) earned the award in fitness, wellness, and food categories.
Upcoming Celebrations and Honors at the Main Event
The continuation of the NAACP Image Awards will bring further accolades to influential figures across entertainment and activism. The presentation of Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant’s social justice impact award and A$AP Rocky’s Vanguard Award will underscore the commitment to honoring significant contributions to culture and social progress.
When the primary televised ceremony takes place on February 28 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, viewers will experience a comprehensive celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and leadership. Hosts and honorees such as Deon Cole, Viola Davis, and Colman Domingo will highlight achievements in film, television, music, and community engagement.
The early victories by Will Packer and Michelle Obama further demonstrate their influential role in shaping narratives that inspire and empower communities, reinforcing the significance of the Will Packer NAACP Award in recognizing creative excellence and leadership.
