Dwayne Johnson, Angela Bassett & More Honored at 2026 ABFF Honors in Beverly Hills

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

This week, the 2026 ABFF Honors took over the SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Beverly Hills — and the room felt exactly how it should when Black excellence is being celebrated at the highest level: powerful, polished, and deeply personal.

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

This year’s honorees reflected the full spectrum of impact. Dwayne Johnson received the Entertainment Icon Award, presented by Jon M. Chu. Angela Bassett was honored with the Excellence in the Arts Award, presented by Keke Palmer. Jennifer Hudson took home the Renaissance Award, with Sheryl Lee Ralph doing the honors. Damson Idris received the Horizon Award from Jerry Bruckheimer, while Salli Richardson-Whitfield was recognized with the Evolution Award, presented by Mario Van Peebles.

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

A special tribute honored the creative force behind Sinners — Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian — with Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku stepping in to present, underscoring just how collaborative and community-driven this industry truly is.

Photo Credit: Kelvin Bulluck

Hosting duties were handled by comedian KevOnStage, who kept the evening moving with humor and heart, striking that perfect balance between celebration and sincerity.

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

Behind the scenes, the night was shepherded by ABFF Honors Executive Producers Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday of NICE CROWD, alongside Suzanne de Passe and Rikki Hughes — a powerhouse team that continues to elevate the culture with intention.

Photo Credit: Aaron J. Thornton /ABFF

The guest list read like a who’s who of film, television, and music: Dondré Whitfield, Jimmy Akingbola, Lance Gross, Michael Jai White, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Tabitha Brown, Terrence Jenkins, Tika Sumpter, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vivica A. Fox, and Zainab Johnson, among others — all gathered to honor legacy, celebrate momentum, and look ahead to what’s next.