Celebrating Black Excellence: Inside the 2026 ABFF Honors
The 8th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors ceremony is set to celebrate excellence and groundbreaking contributions to the film and television industry. The 2026 gala, hosted by comedian KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks), will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. This intimate, non-televised event, presented by NICE CROWD, is a highlight of the awards season, dedicated to recognizing and amplifying Black artistry and achievement in Hollywood.
Honoring the Icons of 2026
The 2026 ABFF Honors will recognize several individuals and creative teams for their contributions to entertainment. This year's honorees include:
Jennifer Hudson, an EGOT winner, receiving the Renaissance Award for her impact on changing perceptions of people of color.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield, an Emmy-nominated director and executive producer, being presented with the Evolution Award for her creative growth and expanding opportunities.
Damson Idris, the British-Nigerian actor, awarded the Horizon Award for his recent achievements and future potential.
A Special Tribute to the creative team of the film Sinners, including writer, producer, and director Ryan Coogler, and producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian.
The Legacy of the ABFF
Established in 2016, the ABFF Honors is an annual event that celebrates Black artists who have significantly contributed to the industry. It is an extension of the American Black Film Festival, founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, which aims to empower emerging talent and showcase content by and about people of African descent. The ceremony is a key platform for celebrating creativity and promoting diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
