‘Sinners’ Cast and Teyana Taylor Win on Night 3 of NAACP Image Awards’ Virtual Pre-Show; Malcolm-Jamal Warner Gets Posthumous Award

The virtual portion of the 57th NAACP Image Awards has wrapped, culminating in a major victory for Ryan Coogler's "Sinners." The film, which led all nominees with an impressive 18 nods, claimed three key awards: Outstanding Stunt Ensemble, Outstanding Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and the marquee prize for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture. This win continues a remarkable streak for Coogler and his frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan; their previous blockbusters, "Black Panther" and "Wakanda Forever," also secured the ensemble honor in their respective years, highlighting a consistent mastery in assembling and directing celebrated casts.

Hosted by Angel "ThatChickAngel" Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, the non-televised ceremony honored achievements across film, television, and literature. Among the winners was Teyana Taylor, a six-time nominee this season, who secured Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in Netflix's "Tyler Perry's Straw," with her co-star Glynn Turman winning the supporting actor category. A poignant posthumous award was presented to Malcolm-Jamal Warner for Outstanding Guest Performance. Warner, best known for his defining role as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking 80s sitcom "The Cosby Show," passed away last year at 54, making this recognition a meaningful capstone to a career that profoundly shaped television representation for a generation.

The awards season now pivots to the main televised gala, set for Saturday, February 28th. Comedian and actor Deon Cole will host the live broadcast from the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium—a venue with a rich awards history, having been the home of the Primetime Emmy Awards for more than twenty years. The ceremony will air across BET, CBS, and Paramount networks. While "Sinners" is the film frontrunner, the television categories are led by Peacock's drama "Bel-Air," which enters the finale with seven nominations. The prestigious Entertainer of the Year race remains wide open, featuring a diverse slate of nominees including Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor.

This year's telecast will also feature a suite of special honors that reflect the breadth of cultural influence. Viola Davis will be presented with the Chairman's Award, while Colman Domingo will receive the President's Award. The pioneering hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa, including DJ Spinderella, will be inducted into the Image Awards Hall of Fame, cementing their status as icons who reshaped music and fashion in the late 80s and 90s. Additional honorees include A$AP Rocky, who will accept the Vanguard Award for his impact on fashion, and Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, recipient of the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award. As cultural critic Dr. Lena Wright noted, "This slate intentionally bridges entertainment and activism, recognizing that true influence often exists at the intersection of art, style, and social consciousness."

Notable wins were also distributed during the earlier virtual events. The second night belonged to Cardi B, who emerged as a dominant force by securing three awards, including Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album for "Am I the Drama?" This sweep dramatically expanded her NAACP Image Awards footprint, as she had previously won only a single trophy. In podcasting, awards were shared by veteran journalist Don Lemon's talk show and Michelle Obama's "IMO" podcast. The first night had established a high bar, with Michelle Obama winning in a literary category for her book "The Look" and Kendrick Lamar earning an award for his critically hailed Super Bowl halftime show—a performance celebrated for its layered social commentary and meticulous artistic vision.