The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors has unveiled the recipients of its 2026 awards, celebrating trailblazers in film and television whose work continues to move culture forward.
Presented by NICE CROWD, the 8th annual ceremony will take place Monday, February 16, 2026, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by comedian, author, and cultural creative KevOnStage. The evening remains one of the most anticipated events of awards season — an intimate, non-televised gathering that honors artistry, collaboration, and Black excellence in its purest form.
This year’s ceremony will pay special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners — filmmaker Ryan Coogler, producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian — honoring their visionary achievement in crafting one of 2025’s most celebrated and conversation-shifting films.
The evening will also recognize:
- Jennifer Hudson – Renaissance Award
- Salli Richardson-Whitfield – Evolution Award
- Damson Idris – Horizon Award
“This year’s honorees each represent the spirit of what ABFF stands for — creativity, excellence, and purpose,” said NICE CROWD CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday. “Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian have redefined the power of collaboration and vision with Sinners. Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation. We’re honored to celebrate each of them — artists who remind us why we tell stories: to inspire, to uplift, and to move the culture forward.”
The Sinners Creative Team | Special Tribute
Few films in recent years have stirred conversation quite like Sinners. The Southern Gothic epic from Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian became a cultural moment — a bold, genre-bending story that fused mythology, the blues, and the Black spiritual experience into something hauntingly original.
Set in 1930s Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers — both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan — as they return home to open a juke joint that becomes a lifeline for their community. But when darkness descends, the story turns into an allegory about faith, legacy, and the power of music to heal.
Jennifer Hudson | Renaissance Award
Jennifer Hudson has always been more than a voice — she’s a force. From Dreamgirls to The Jennifer Hudson Show, she’s built a career rooted in reinvention and generosity. Her daytime talk show has become a space for joy and community, bridging celebrity and everyday storytelling with sincerity.
An EGOT-winning icon, Hudson continues to find new ways to inspire. Her 2024 holiday album The Gift of Love showcased her signature blend of soul and optimism, reminding audiences that she’s still writing new chapters of her artistic journey.
The Renaissance Award celebrates artists who redefine representation through authenticity — and few do that better than Hudson.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield | Evolution Award
Salli Richardson-Whitfield is proof that evolution is power. Once a familiar face on screen, she has transformed into one of television’s most respected directors and executive producers, steering acclaimed series like Winning Time, The Gilded Age, and Task.
Her 2024 Emmy nomination for Best Director in a Drama Series — a first for a Black woman — marked both a milestone and a mirror, reflecting the excellence that’s always been there. Richardson-Whitfield’s career is a masterclass in growth, leadership, and creative fearlessness, making her the perfect recipient of the Evolution Award.
Damson Idris | Horizon Award
Damson Idris stands firmly in that rare space between now and next. Following his acclaimed run on Snowfall, the British-Nigerian actor has stepped into global stardom with Apple’s F1 alongside Brad Pitt, and will soon channel Miles Davis in Miles & Juliette.
The Horizon Award recognizes rising forces whose artistry signals the future — and Idris, with his balance of vulnerability and confidence, is one of Hollywood’s clearest examples.
Continuing the Legacy
Since its founding in 2016, ABFF Honors has served as the awards-season extension of the American Black Film Festival, spotlighting artists and innovators whose work pushes the industry forward. Executive produced by Jeff and Nicole Friday and Rikki Hughes in association with dePasse Jones Entertainment, the 2026 ceremony is backed by Ally (Presenting), Sony Pictures Entertainment (Supporting), and the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills (Contributing).
As ABFF enters another year of celebrating Black storytelling on every level — from emerging creators to industry giants — its Honors ceremony remains a reflection of what Black cinema has always been: powerful, purposeful, and profoundly human.