Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Leads 2026 ABFF Honors as Ceremony Celebrates Black Excellence in Film and Television

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors has revealed the honorees for its eighth annual awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to film and television. Presented by NICE CROWD, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place Monday, February 16, 2026, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award-winning comedian KevOnStage. The exclusive, non-televised dinner will bring together honorees, industry leaders, and festival partners for an evening recognizing creativity, artistry, and cultural impact.

This year’s ceremony will pay special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners — the acclaimed film directed by Ryan Coogler and produced alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, starring Michael B. Jordan. The film’s visionary team includes Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, and Production Designer Hannah Beachler, all of whom helped bring Coogler’s Southern Gothic epic to life.

Other honorees include Jennifer Hudson, receiving the Renaissance Award for her groundbreaking work as host of The Jennifer Hudson Show and her continued excellence as an EGOT-winning entertainer; Salli Richardson-Whitfield, honored with the Evolution Award for her trailblazing achievements as a director and executive producer on acclaimed series including HBO’s Task and The Gilded Age; and Damson Idris, recipient of the Horizon Award for his dynamic performances in FX’s Snowfall and Apple’s F1.

“This year’s honorees each represent the spirit of what ABFF stands for — creativity, excellence, and purpose,” said NICE CROWD CEO and President Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “These artists remind us why we tell stories: to inspire, to uplift, and to move the culture forward.”

Since its founding in 2016, ABFF Honors has become one of Hollywood’s most respected celebrations of Black artistry, serving as the awards-season companion to the American Black Film Festival, which continues to champion diverse storytelling and elevate emerging Black voices in entertainment.

Executive produced by Jeff Friday, Nicole Friday, and Rikki Hughes, the 2026 ABFF Honors is supported by sponsors including Ally, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and the SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills.