NAACP Image Awards: Michelle Obama, Will Packer and Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Among Night One Non-Televised Winners

Hollywood Reporter

by Brande Victorian

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The 2026 NAACP Image Awards kicked off with a virtual ceremony on YouTube, honoring achievements in literary, short-form, and creator categories. Among the notable winners were Michelle Obama, who earned the award for outstanding literary work — biography/autobiography for *The Look*, her insightful memoir about her fashion choices during her time as First Lady. Rapper Kendrick Lamar also took home a prize for his Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, which won in the outstanding short-form series or special category. Filmmaker and producer Will Packer was recognized for his self-help book *Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big*, securing the award for outstanding literary work — instructional. The ceremony, part of a three-night virtual event hosted by Angel “ThatChickAngel” Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, also highlighted other significant wins. Juanita Tolliver’s *A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics* claimed the prize for outstanding literary work — non-fiction, while Lisa Respers France’s article “Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection” earned the award for outstanding literary work — journalism. These selections underscored the awards’ commitment to celebrating diverse contributions across Black culture. The NAACP Image Awards continue to honor trailblazers in entertainment, film, and beyond, providing a platform to amplify Black voices. As the event progresses, additional awards will be announced, including the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award for Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant and the Vanguard Award for A$AP Rocky. The main ceremony, hosted by comedian Deon Cole, will air live on BET and CBS on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT, featuring special honorees Viola Davis and Colman Domingo. This year’s awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the importance of storytelling in preserving Black history and culture. By recognizing works that span biographies, journalism, and self-help, the NAACP Image Awards continue to serve as a vital celebration of excellence within the Black community. For readers interested in entertainment and social justice, these awards offer a glimpse into the influential voices shaping modern media and culture.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/24/2026