Michael B. Jordan took home two major trophies at the 57th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday night, but his biggest moment came when he stopped to remember his late friend and Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman. The 39-year-old actor won both Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, for his powerful dual performance in Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners .
The ceremony, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, celebrated the best in Black entertainment across film, television, music, and literature. Hosted by comedian Deon Cole, the evening aired live on BET and CBS, drawing Hollywood’s biggest stars . But the moments that resonated most were deeply personal, especially when Jordan used his time on stage to speak about loss, love, and what truly matters.
A Win Dedicated to a Fallen Friend
When Jordan accepted the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award for his role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Sinners, he could have simply thanked his cast and crew. Instead, he looked out at the audience and made the moment about someone else .
“I was thinking about lead actor, and I was thinking about what lead actor meant to me, and, honestly, I’ve got to dedicate this award to Chadwick Boseman,” Jordan said from the stage .
It was a brief but powerful tribute to the actor who starred alongside him in the 2018 Marvel blockbuster Black Panther. Boseman died in 2020 at age 43 after a private four-year battle with colon cancer. His passing shook Hollywood and hit his co-stars especially hard .
Jordan didn’t stop there. Later in the evening, when he returned to accept the Entertainer of the Year award, he expanded on those feelings. He spoke about attending the NAACP Image Awards as a teenager and how the organization always made him feel seen .
“As my brother, our time on this planet is short,” Jordan reflected, thinking about Chadwick Boseman . “That’s why I want to be here and be as present as I can with you guys as much as possible.”
He ended his speech on a powerful, joyful note that brought the house down. “Man, I love being Black, I love y’all,” he said .
‘Sinners’ Dominates the Night
Jordan’s wins were just part of a massive night for Sinners. The Ryan Coogler-directed film entered the ceremony with 18 nominations and walked away with an astounding 13 awards .
The movie, which blends blues music, vampire lore, and 1930s Jim Crow-era Southern Gothic storytelling, took home the top prize of the evening: Outstanding Motion Picture . Director Ryan Coogler won for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture .
Supporting actors Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku both won for their roles. Young actor Miles Caton also won Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture . The film swept technical categories too, winning for Outstanding Stunt Ensemble, Outstanding Costume Design, and Outstanding Cinematography .
When Coogler accepted the Best Motion Picture award, he used his speech to send a message to the Black community in the room.
“Since our people have been here for over four centuries, there have always been a lot of lies told about us,” Coogler said . “And a lie — no matter how powerful the person saying it is — it’s still a lie. And the truth — no matter how little power the person that’s saying the truth has — is still the truth. And the truth is that y’all are loved, y’all are beautiful, and y’all are powerful and mighty” .
The film has been on an incredible run this awards season. Sinners currently leads the Oscar nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods, making it one of the most nominated films in Academy Awards history . It has also earned more than $368 million at the global box office.
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Stars Speak Out on Unity and Resilience
The NAACP Image Awards always mix celebration with substance, and this year was no exception. Several stars used their platform to address recent events and call for unity.
Viola Davis received the prestigious Chairman’s Award and delivered one of the night’s most memorable speeches . The EGOT winner spoke about growing up as “a little chocolate girl with thick lips and a wide nose” in 1965 Rhode Island and learning to accept her own worth .
“I’m still learning how to step into the feeling that I deserve moments like this,” Davis admitted .
She ended with a call for togetherness. “There is no soul of a nation without the soul of its people — not just those breathing in this room, but those who are no longer here,” she said. “We move forward together, or not at all” .
Colman Domingo received the President’s Award and spoke spontaneously from the heart, abandoning four prepared speeches . He credited his stepfather for teaching him to think deeply and act with purpose .
Music legends Salt-N-Pepa — Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella — were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame . They join icons like Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.
“We didn’t know we were building a movement,” Spinderella told the crowd. “But looking back, we changed what women in hip-hop were allowed to be” .
Quinta Brunson won Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary and spoke about the importance of having a space to celebrate Black excellence, especially during challenging times .
Other Big Winners of the Night
Beyond the Sinners sweep, several other stars took home trophies :
- Cynthia Erivo won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Wicked: For Good
- Angela Bassett won Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for 9-1-1
- Sterling K. Brown won Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise
- Abbott Elementary won Outstanding Comedy Series
- Reasonable Doubt won Outstanding Drama Series
- Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B won multiple awards in music categories
Lionel Richie presented the Entertainer of the Year award to Jordan, joking with the audience by opening with a line from his hit “All Night Long” .
A Night to Remember
For Michael B. Jordan, the 2026 NAACP Image Awards will likely stand out as a career highlight. Winning two awards in one night is special. But sharing that moment with the memory of a friend made it unforgettable.
Jordan’s words about Chadwick Boseman — “our time on this planet is short” — served as a reminder to everyone in the room and watching at home. Life moves fast. Moments matter. And sometimes, the best way to honor those who left too soon is to show up fully, love deeply, and stay present.
As Jordan said at the end of his speech, with a smile and his hand over his heart: “Man, I love being Black. I love you all” .
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The 57th NAACP Image Awards reminded everyone why celebrating Black excellence matters, and Michael B. Jordan’s heartfelt tribute to Chadwick Boseman gave the night a emotional anchor that won’t soon be forgotten. For more exclusive coverage and updates on your favorite stars, keep it locked on VvipTimes.
