Submissions for the 58th NAACP Image Awards are Now Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES (September 1, 2026) – Submissions for nomination consideration for the "58th NAACP Image Awards" in 108 categories spanning motion picture, television + streaming, recording, literature, and podcasts are now open on  www.naacpimageawards.net.

With ten new African categories, the NAACP Image Awards expands its historic mission of recognizing Black excellence, building a cultural bridge between Africa and the global Black diaspora while celebrating the continent's growing influence across film, television and music — and establishing the Image Awards as a global standard-bearer for Black creative achievement. Categories include:

• Motion Picture:  Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture; and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture
• Television + Streaming:  Outstanding Guest Performance by an Actor; Outstanding Guest Performance by an Actress; Outstanding Scripted Vertical Series; Outstanding African Television Series; Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series; and Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series
• Recording: Outstanding African Album; Outstanding African Song, and Outstanding African New Artist

"The 58th NAACP Image Awards" will also mark the return of the highly sought-after Daytime Drama Category, which includes: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series; Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series; Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series;  Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series. A full list of categories is below.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the "58th NAACP Image Awards" will continue its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values. "The 58th NAACP Image Awards" show date will be announced at a later date.

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.

A performance or project that occurs between January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 qualifies to be submitted this year. Any project or performance from years prior or re-broadcasted do not meet the eligibility requirements. Information and guidelines for submitting are available on the website.  

Key submission dates are as follows:

• Submissions Open – August 31, 2026
• Early Bird Submissions Closes – October 9, 2026
• Literary Submissions Closes – November 6, 2026
• Online Submissions Closes – November 13, 2026
• Nominating Committees begin voting – December 4, 2026
• Nominating Committees voting close – December 18, 2026
• Nominees Announcement; Open Public Voting Begins – January 7, 2027
• Public Voting Closes – February 1, 2027
• 58th NAACP Image Awards Show – TBA

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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Full List of "58th NAACP Image Awards" Categories:

*New and returning categories are noted in bold

 MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES

• Outstanding Motion Picture
• Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
• Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
• Outstanding International Motion Picture
• Outstanding Documentary (Film)
• Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
• Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
• Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
• Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by and Actor in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by and Actress in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance - Motion Picture
• Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Breakthrough Creative in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
• Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Film)
• Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or TV Series/ Special
• Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Stunt Ensemble
• 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

LITERATURE CATEGORIES

• Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Children 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens 
• Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel

 TELEVISION + STREAMING CATEGORIES

• Outstanding Comedy Series
• Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Drama Series
• Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Daytime Drama Series
• Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
• Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
• Outstanding African Television Series
• Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series
• Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series
• Outstanding Scripted Vertical Series
• Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
• Outstanding Actor in Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
• Outstanding Actress in Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
• Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
• Outstanding Talk Series
• Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)
• Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
• Outstanding Children's Program
• Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)
• Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
• Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
• Outstanding Guest Performance by an Actor
• Outstanding Guest Performance by an Actress
• Outstanding Animated Series
• Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
• Outstanding Short Form Series - Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary
• Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
• Outstanding Documentary (Television)
• Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
• Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
• Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
• Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
• Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television)
• Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie or Special
• Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture)
• Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV)

RECORDING CATEGORIES

• Outstanding New Artist
• Outstanding Male Artist
• Outstanding Female Artist
• Outstanding Jazz Album
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
• Outstanding International Song
• Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
• Outstanding Album
• Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
• Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
• Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
• Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
• Outstanding African Album
• Outstanding African New Artist
• Outstanding African Song

PODCASTS CATEGORIES

• Outstanding News and Information Podcast
• Outstanding Lifestyle / Self-Help Podcast
• Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
• Outstanding Podcast - Arts, Sports and Entertainment
• Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form 

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ABOUT NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for 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.

NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis | NAACPImageAwards@ssmandl.com

Ariana Drummond | ImagePublicist@naacpnet.org