2026 NAACP Image Award-Nominated Films, TV Shows, and Books

Last updated: January 22, 2026

The NAACP Image Awards stand as one of the most important and long-standing celebrations of excellence for communities of color in the United States. For 59 years and counting, this iconic event has recognized outstanding achievements in film, television, music, and literature, spotlighting the most celebrated contributions of people of color in the entertainment industry. This year's lineup of exceptional nominees offers an array of titles catering to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking for your next great read, a binge-worthy show for the whole family, or a captivating movie, our detailed reviews will help you make the right choice. Tune in to the award show on Saturday, February 28, on BET or CBS. And if you're interested in last year's nominees, check them out here.

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Disney Jr.'s Ariel TV Show Poster: Ariel, a Black kid mermaid, swims underwater with Flounder and Sebastian

TV

Disney Jr.'s Ariel

age 2+

Fresh take on beloved mermaid will delight littlest viewers.

Disney Junior , Disney+ Educational (2024)

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Sesame Street Poster Image

TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)

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Reading Rainbow TV show poster: Diagonal stripes different colors with the title in red in the middle, against a blue background.

TV

Reading Rainbow

age 3+

Series revival has renewed energy, same passion for books.

YouTube Educational (2025)

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Weather Hunters TV show poster: The Hunter family stands in the snow

TV

Weather Hunters

age 3+

Sunny show with a forecast of STEM, adventure, and family.

PBS Kids Educational (2025)

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The History of We book cover: An elegant painted portrait of a young Black child surrounded by vibrant green foliage and a purple flower

BOOK

The History of We

age 4+

Beautiful exploration of humankind's original family tree.

Nikkolas Smith Picture Book (2025)

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Dog Man Movie Poster: An animated dog wearing a police uniform stands on a green lawn

MOVIE

Dog Man

age 6+

Amusing adaptation is true to book's silly humor, slapstick.

2025 PG (89 minutes)

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Elio Movie Poster: Elio and the other main characters appear against a purplish-blue background

MOVIE

Elio

age 6+

Moments of peril in heartfelt adventure about lonely boy.

2025 PG (99 minutes)

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The Bad Guys 2 movie poster: A collage of the animated main characters against in an engaging and colorful action-packed layout.

MOVIE

The Bad Guys 2

age 6+

Funny sequel mixes action, heart, and a bit of violence.

2025 PG (104 minutes)

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Iyanu TV poster image: Iyanu poses with a bow and arrow near her friends Toye and Biyi, and a magical jaguar

TV

Iyanu

age 8+

Epic celebrates Nigerian mythology, powerful women.

Cartoon Network , Max Kids' Animation (2025)

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Sneaks movie poster: Characters in front of the New York City skyline

MOVIE

Sneaks

age 8+

Mostly lighthearted animated adventure has star-filled cast.

2025 PG (92 minutes)

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Black girl with sparkles in her fist and animal on shoulder in foreground; two Black boys background

BOOK

The Manifestor Prophecy: Nic Blake and The Remarkables, Book 1

age 8+

Wild tale of girl's guest to save family and learn secrets.

Angie Thomas Fantasy (2023)

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Zootopia 2 movie poster: Nick, Judy, and a blue snake run, with many other animals gathered behind/around them

MOVIE

Zootopia 2

age 8+

Charming sequel mixes humor, peril, positive messages.

2025 PG (107 minutes)

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Iyanu: Age of Wonders TV show poster: Iyanu and friends stand powerfully with magical adults behind them

TV

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders

age 9+

Epic prequel celebrates Nigerian mythology and family.

Cartoon Network , HBO Max Kids' Animation (2025)

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV Poster: Percy, a white 12-year-old boy, stands with friends and a magical sword

TV

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

age 9+

Tween demigod's rousing TV adventures have dark moments.

Disney+ Drama (2023)

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Abbott Elementary TV show poster: Teachers and staff smile from inside a bus

TV

Abbott Elementary

age 10+

Empathetic mockumentary about teaching has comedic chops.

ABC Comedy (2021)

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Kpop Demon Hunters movie poster: The members of the band pose with weapons, a tour poster behind them

MOVIE

KPop Demon Hunters

age 10+

Creepy demons, violence in action-comedy animation.

2025 PG (95 minutes)

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Sarah's Oil movie poster: Naya Desir-Johnson stands with a dog, looking to the sky in front of Zachary Levi holding a shotgun

MOVIE

Sarah's Oil

age 10+

Inspiring historical biopic has some violence, language.

2025 PG (103 minutes)

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The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Poster Image

TV

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

age 10+

Life lessons and lots of laughs in star-studded reboot.

Disney+ Kids' Animation (2022)

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Eyes of Wakanda TV: A gold mask is barely seen in the dark except for bright white eyes; series title Eyes of Wakanda in the lower half of the poster.

TV

Eyes of Wakanda

age 11+

Spies raid history in Marvel anthology series; violence.

Disney+ Drama (2025)

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Wicked: For Good movie poster: Elphaba and Glinda stand opposite each other across a chasm

MOVIE

Wicked: For Good

age 11+

More romance, darker moments in emotional musical sequel.

2025 PG (138 minutes)

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