AFRICA'S CREATIVITY. GLOBAL RECOGNITION.
Become part of a Pan-African network connecting exceptional talent in film, television and music to the 58th NAACP Image Awards.
A new chapter in the international recognition of African creative excellence is beginning.
The 58th NAACP Image Awards will introduce ten dedicated African categories, celebrating outstanding achievements in African motion pictures, television, streaming and music.
This landmark expansion represents a significant opportunity for African filmmakers, producers, performers and musicians to gain international recognition through one of the world's most established platforms celebrating excellence.
THE PAN-AFRICAN OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
To support this historic initiative, Black Factual Entertainment (BFE), the principal partner working with the NAACP, and Yanibes Foundation are joining efforts to raise awareness and encourage participation across Africa and its diaspora.
Through the Pan-African Ambassador Program, industry professionals will help identify and connect eligible African creatives with information about the new categories and the official submission process.
The campaign aims to ensure that African talent from across the continent has the opportunity to participate and receive international visibility.
Deadline to become an Ambassador: 30 October 2026
Official Submission Deadline: 13 November 2026
Program Partner: Black Factual Entertainment (BFE)
Program Coordination: Yanibes Foundation
THE NAACP AND THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HISTORY & GLOBAL IMPACT
Over a century of advocacy, six decades of excellence.
Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is one of the oldest and most influential civil rights organisations in the United States, championing equality, representation and opportunities for Black communities for more than a century.
Established in 1967, the NAACP Image Awards have become one of the most prestigious celebrations of Black achievement in entertainment, arts and culture.
Over the decades, the awards have honoured internationally acclaimed figures, including Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler, among many others.
The introduction of ten African categories builds upon this extraordinary legacy, strengthening cultural connections between Africa and the global African diaspora.
THE 58TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS | FEBRUARY 2027
The 58th edition will celebrate creative achievements from the 2026 eligibility year, with the awards ceremony anticipated in February 2027.
Key Dates
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13 November 2026: Official submission deadline
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7 January 2027: Nominees announced and public voting opens
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1 February 2027: Public voting closes
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February 2027: Awards ceremony (exact date to be confirmed)
Discover the NAACP and its history:
https://naacp.org/about/our-history
Explore the NAACP Image Awards and past winners:
https://naacpimageawards.net/award/
AFRICAN CATEGORIES AT THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
The newly introduced categories will recognize excellence across three major entertainment disciplines:
Motion Pictures
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Outstanding African Motion Picture
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Outstanding Actor in an African Motion Picture
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Outstanding Actress in an African Motion Picture
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Outstanding Directing in an African Motion Picture
TV & Streaming
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Outstanding African Television Series
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Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series
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Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series
Recording
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Outstanding African Album
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Outstanding African New Artist
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Outstanding African Song
ABOUT THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
One Continent. Three Creative Sectors. A Network of Industry Leaders.
The Pan-African Ambassador Program seeks to mobilise experienced professionals with established networks in African film, television and music.
Ambassadors act as outreach representatives, helping to ensure that eligible creators and entertainment companies receive information about the new African award categories.
The Ambassadors' participation is intended to increase awareness, strengthen professional connections and encourage qualified applicants to submit their work directly through the official NAACP submission platform. The Ambassador Program:
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Establish an outreach network across 54 African countries.
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Identify representatives in film, television and music.
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Connect eligible creators and companies with submission information.
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Encourage submissions across the ten African categories.
The Ambassador Program campaign will cover all 54 African countries inlcuding:
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North Africa: 6 countries
Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia
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Western Africa: 16 Countries
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
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Central Africa: 10 Countries
Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe
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East Africa: 14 Countries
Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
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Southern Africa: 10 countries
Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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Ambassadors Registration — OPEN NOW
Applications are open across Africa. Ambassadors are selected and onboarded on a rolling basis.
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Creative Nominations & Submissions — OPEN NOW
Appointed Ambassadors identify eligible African creatives in film, television and music. Selected creatives to submit their work directly through the official NAACP Image Awards platform.
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Final Submission Deadline — 13 NOVEMBER 2026
All eligible entries must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for the 58th NAACP Image Awards.
Useful Links: NAACP Image Awards — Official Website
Ambassador recommendations are program referrals, not official NAACP nominations. Only entries submitted through the official awards process are considered.
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR
Your Network. Your Expertise. Africa's Creative Future
Who Can Become an Ambassador
The programme is intended for professionals with knowledge of and connections within Africa's entertainment industries.
Relevant profiles may include producers, directors, broadcasters, music executives, recording professionals, distributors, festival organisers, talent representatives, cultural professionals and industry association leaders.
The Role of the Ambassador
Film Ambassador: Identify and refer eligible films, filmmakers, actors, directors and production companies
TV & Streaming Ambassador: Identify and refer eligible television productions, broadcasters, streaming professionals and performers
Music Ambassador: Identify and refer eligible recording artists, albums, songs, labels and music companies
What does the Ambassador do?
Once confirmed, an ambassador will:
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Read the program information on this page
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Identify relevant professionals, companies and eligible creative works.
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Identify potential applicants to submit their work to NAACP Image Awards
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Invite applicants to review the award categories and submission requirements.
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Record their referrals through the Ambassador Portal.
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Encourage eligible creators to complete their own official NAACP submissions.