NAACP Image Awards add 10 categories dedicated to African creators

The new honors will recognize African talent across film, television and music at the 58th annual NAACP Image Awards.

The NAACP Image Awards are inviting African filmmakers, television creators and musicians to compete in 10 dedicated categories at the 58th annual ceremony. The awards previously honored Tems in 2024 for “Me & U” and Tyla in 2026 for “Is It,” both winners of Outstanding International Song. The additions give African productions and performers dedicated recognition.

In an October 21 announcement, the NAACP encouraged submissions from creators across all 55 African Union member states, representing Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Africa. The general entry window opened Aug. 31, and the African categories were also outlined in a September announcement.

Four categories cover film: Outstanding African Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor in an African Motion Picture, Outstanding Actress in an African Motion Picture and Outstanding Directing in an African Motion Picture.

Television and streaming will recognize Outstanding African Television Series, Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series and Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series. Recording honors include Outstanding African Album, Outstanding African New Artist and Outstanding African Song.

Eligible projects and performances must fall within the Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, eligibility period. Previous years’ work and rebroadcasts do not qualify. Only formally submitted entries will be reviewed, the NAACP said.

Entertainment professionals and NAACP representatives will help review submissions and narrow each category to five nominees. The broader awards calendar sets Jan. 7, 2027, for the nominee announcement and the start of public voting, with voting scheduled to close Feb. 1.

The 58th NAACP Image Awards will consider work in 108 categories overall, spanning film, television and streaming, music, literature and podcasts. This edition will also bring back daytime drama awards and introduce an award for scripted vertical series.

The ceremony date has not been announced. African creators seeking consideration must submit eligible work through the NAACP’s official awards portal by Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.