NAACP Opens Submissions to African Creators Across the Continent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA — The NAACP is expanding its celebration of Black excellence on a global scale with the introduction of 10 new African categories for the 58th NAACP Image Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in motion pictures, television, streaming and music across the African continent.
This landmark expansion underscores the NAACP's ongoing commitment to elevating diverse voices, amplifying authentic storytelling and celebrating the extraordinary talent shaping the global entertainment landscape. For the first time, African creators and entertainment professionals will have the opportunity to submit their work for consideration in dedicated categories recognizing artistic excellence and creative contributions from across the continent.
The initiative welcomes eligible submissions from creators representing all five African Union regions — Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Africa — encompassing all 55 African Union member states.
As African film, television and music continue to captivate audiences worldwide, these new categories aim to provide an expanded platform for African storytellers, performers, filmmakers and recording artists whose work is influencing culture and redefining entertainment on an international stage.
TEN NEW AFRICAN CATEGORIES
The newly introduced categories will recognize excellence across three major entertainment disciplines:
MOTION PICTURE
- Outstanding African Motion Picture
- Outstanding Actor in an African Motion Picture
- Outstanding Actress in an African Motion Picture
- Outstanding Directing in an African Motion Picture
TELEVISION & STREAMING
- Outstanding African Television Series
- Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series
- Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series
RECORDING
- Outstanding African Album
- Outstanding African New Artist
- Outstanding African Song
ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSION DETAILS
The NAACP invites eligible African filmmakers, actors, directors, television creators, musicians, recording artists and entertainment professionals to submit qualifying work released between January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Any project or performance from years prior or re-broadcasted do not meet the eligibility requirements.
Submissions are open to eligible creators from all 55 African Union member states across the following regions:
- Central Africa: Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Eastern Africa: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Northern Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Tunisia.
- Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Western Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Applicants are encouraged to review the complete eligibility criteria, submission guidelines and requirements before submitting their work.
Only submitted work will be reviewed for consideration. All entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five in each category by members of the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees, which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others), NAACP Board members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff, partners, and others.
The final submission deadline is Friday, November 13, 2026.
For eligibility requirements and to submit work for consideration, visit https://naacp.submit.live/.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Colman Domingo, Sterling K. Brown, Kamala Harris, Dave Chapelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Deon Cole, Cynthia Erivo, June Ambrose, Usher, New Edition, Fantasia Barrino, Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Courtney B. Vance, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Amanda Gorman, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Tems, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis | NAACPImageAwards@ssmandl.com
Ariana Drummond | ImagePublicist@naacpnet.org
Questions: imageafrica@naacpnet.org