ABFF Honors Announces 2026 Honorees, Celebrating Legacy, Vision, and the Work That Carries Us

The American Black Film Festival has announced the honorees for the 2026 ABFF Honors, its annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in motion picture and television. Presented by Nice Crowd, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Monday, February 16 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills..

2026 ABFF Honors Recipients

Renaissance Award
Jennifer Hudson
An EGOT winning artist and host of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson is recognized for her enduring influence across music, film, and television, and for her continued impact on representation in entertainment.

Evolution Award
Salli Richardson-Whitfield
An Emmy nominated director and executive producer, Richardson-Whitfield is honored for a career marked by growth, leadership, and trailblazing achievements, including her historic Emmy nomination for directing Winning Time.

Horizon Award
Damson Idris
Best known for his lead role in Snowfall, Idris is recognized for his expanding body of work, including roles in F1 and the upcoming Miles & Juliette, and for his continued ascent in film and television.

Dwayne Johnson
Entertainment Icon Award

His filmography reflects that evolution. Whether leading blockbuster franchises like Fast & Furious, bringing humor and heart to Jumanji and Jumanji: The Next Level, stepping into action with San Andreas, Skyscraper, and Rampage, or lending his voice to stories like Moana, Johnson’s presence has remained both commanding and accessible.Special Tribute to the Creative Team of Sinners

The 2026 ABFF Honors will pay special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners, recognizing the extraordinary cinematic achievement led by writer, producer, and director Ryan Coogler, alongside producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. The evening will also acknowledge the lasting legacy of Angela Bassett, an Honorary Academy Award recipient whose influence continues to shape generations of storytellers.

ABFF Honors exists to pause long enough to name the work. To recognize the artists and architects whose stories stretch beyond a single season and into culture itself. It is a space created to honor Black creativity with care, clarity, and intention, centering the voices shaping film and television from the inside out.

The evening will be guided by KevOnStage, whose presence brings both comedy and truth. A room where honorees, festival partners, and industry leaders communion.