The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) has announced the honorees and programming lineup for its 2026 Annual Summit, set to take place Saturday, March 21 at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center. The annual gathering celebrates and advances Black women across film, television, and digital media while bringing together creatives, executives, and emerging talent from across the country.
This year’s theme, “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” highlights the collective strength and collaboration that continue to move Black women forward both on screen and behind the camera.
Six industry leaders will be recognized for their contributions across acting, storytelling, production, and executive leadership.
S. Epatha Merkerson will receive the On Her Shoulders Preservation Award, honoring her decades-long impact in television. Merkerson is widely recognized for her role as Lt. Anita Van Buren on Law & Order, one of the longest-running characters in primetime television history, and currently stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s Chicago Med. Throughout her career, she has earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, along with multiple NAACP Image Awards and Tony nominations.
Danielle Brooks will be honored with the AcceleratHER Award, celebrating her dynamic presence across television, film, and stage. Brooks first gained widespread attention for her role as Taystee on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. She most recently received Academy Award, BAFTA, and SAG nominations for her performance as Sofia in Warner Bros.’ The Color Purple. Brooks has also earned a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.
Felicia Pride will receive the StorytellHER Award for her work as a writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Pride is currently leading the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved sitcom A Different World, continuing the legacy of storytelling that centers Black life, culture, and education.
Sheila Ducksworth will receive the ProducHER Award for her leadership and work behind the scenes in television production. Ducksworth currently serves as President of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture and is an executive producer on the CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates, which marked a historic milestone as the first Black-cast daytime soap opera in decades.
Vanzil Burke, founder of Burke Entertainment Partners, will be honored with the AmpliphiHER Award for his work amplifying diverse stories and creators across film and television through his production company and industry partnerships.
Angela Cannon, EVP of Networks and Content Strategy at UP Entertainment and General Manager of AspireTV+, will receive the PowerbrokHER Award. Cannon has played a key role in shaping content strategy and expanding programming that centers diverse voices and audiences.
In addition to the awards presentation, the summit will feature a slate of conversations addressing both the creative and business realities of today’s entertainment industry.
Panels will explore topics such as branded content as a funding strategy, documentary filmmaking and distribution, mental health in media, and navigating the path from script to greenlight. Additional sessions will focus on emerging technologies and formats, including AI tools for film and digital production and new monetization opportunities in short-form storytelling.
Founded in 1997, the Black Women Film Network continues to serve as a platform dedicated to mentorship, advocacy, and industry access for Black women working across entertainment. The organization’s annual summit remains its flagship event, bringing together industry leaders, creatives, and rising voices to share knowledge and build community.
The 2026 summit is presented in partnership with NBCUniversal, AspireTV+, Amazon, and Fulton Films. Tickets are currently available (HERE), and the event is open to the public.