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The NAACP has once again shone a spotlight on young talent with the announcement of nominees for the 57th annual awards ceremony. This year, the category for Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture highlights the exceptional abilities of young actors making waves in the film industry.
In a live broadcast on CBS Mornings, host Deon Cole, alongside NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, revealed the talented nominees. The announcement was a moment of celebration for the creativity and promise shown by these young performers.
- Amari Price (The Knife)
- Estella K. Kahiha (The Woman in the Yard)
- Jahleel Kamara (Shadow Force)
- Naya Desir-Johnson (Sarah’s Oil)
- Peyton Jackson (The Woman In The Yard)
Derrick Johnson emphasized the importance of the NAACP Image Awards, stating, “The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that ‘We See You,’ affirming Black creativity, excellence, and humanity across every space where our stories are told.” He highlighted how the nominees’ work in film, television, music, and literature honors the past, celebrates identity, and underscores storytelling’s cultural impact.
Echoing Johnson’s sentiments, Louis Carr, President of BET, remarked, “The NAACP Image Award nominations underscore what we’ve always known to be true – our people are the heartbeat of culture. Their creativity, excellence, and commitment to telling our stories with authenticity and purpose continue to set the standard.” He added that BET is proud to partner with the NAACP in recognizing the voices and visionaries that propel cultural progress.
The nominations were announced live on CBS Mornings by host Deon Cole. He was joined by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
“The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that “We See You,” affirming Black creativity, excellence, and humanity across every space where our stories are told,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “From film, television, and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.”
Louis Carr, President of BET echoed the NAACP president’s sentiments saying, “The NAACP Image Award nominations underscore what we’ve always known to be true – our people are the heartbeat of culture. Their creativity, excellence, and commitment to telling our stories with authenticity and purpose continue to set the standard. We’re honored to stand alongside the NAACP in celebrating the voices and visionaries who move our culture forward.”
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates achievements across film, television, music, and literature. The live ceremony will air Saturday, February 28, 2026, from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with a simultaneous broadcast on CBS.
Want to vote for your favorite Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture? Click here. Public voting is now open through February 7, 2026. Winners will be announced during the February 28 broadcast.
