The NAACP Image Awards is expanding its recognition of African creative talent with 10 new categories covering film, television, streaming and music, strengthening the awards’ connection with artists across the African continent and the wider Black diaspora.
The new categories will be introduced at the 58th NAACP Image Awards, with submissions for the 2026 awards cycle now open. The NAACP said the expansion reflects the growing influence of African creativity in global entertainment and is intended to build a stronger cultural connection between Africa and Black communities around the world.
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In motion pictures, the new African-focused honours include 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. The awards also introduce categories recognising breakthrough performances by an actor and actress in a motion picture.
Television and streaming will receive several new distinctions, including Outstanding African Television Series, Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series, Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series and Outstanding Scripted Vertical Series. Two additional categories will recognise outstanding guest performances by actors and actresses.
The recording field will also give African music a more prominent place at the ceremony with new awards for Outstanding African Album, Outstanding African Song and Outstanding African New Artist. The categories provide a dedicated platform for musicians whose work is helping African sounds reach increasingly international audiences.
The expansion comes as African artists, filmmakers, actors and producers continue to play a larger role in the global entertainment industry. The NAACP said the new categories will help position the Image Awards as a global platform for Black creative achievement while recognising the artistic contributions emerging from Africa.
The 58th Image Awards will feature 108 competitive categories spanning motion pictures, television and streaming, recording, literature and podcasts. The organisation is also bringing back its Daytime Drama categories, further expanding the scope of the awards.
Eligible work must have been released or performed between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Submissions opened August 31, with general online submissions scheduled to close November 13. Nominees are expected to be announced on January 7, 2027, when public voting will also begin.
The move represents a significant broadening of the Image Awards’ original mission of celebrating Black excellence. By creating dedicated categories for African film, television and music, the NAACP is giving artists from the continent greater visibility within one of the most prominent celebrations of Black culture and creative achievement.
