The NAACP Image Awards have added 10 new categories to recognize achievements by African artists, marking the first time the awards have included dedicated African categories.
The new categories span film, television and music: Outstanding African album, Outstanding African new artist, Outstanding African song, 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, Outstanding African television series, Outstanding actor in an African television series and Outstanding actress in an African television series.
The NAACP said the expansion “recognizes 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.”
The 58th NAACP Image Awards will also restore four daytime drama categories. Submissions across 108 total categories are now open on the NAACP Image Awards website. Nominees will be announced January 7, with public voting opening the same day and closing February 1. The ceremony date will be announced later. Eligible work must have been released between January 1 and December 31, 2026.
Source: Billboard
