The NAACP has introduced ten new African categories for the 58th NAACP Image Awards, opening its awards to creators across the continent for the first time. In a press statement dated 21 October, the organisation said the categories will recognise outstanding work in motion pictures, television, streaming, and music.

Submissions are open to creators from all 55 African Union member states, spanning the AU’s five regions: Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Africa. Eligible work must have been released between 1 January and 31 December 2026. Projects or performances from earlier years, and re-broadcasts, don’t qualify, and only submitted work will be reviewed.

The ten categories are:

  • Outstanding African Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Actor in an African Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Actress in an African Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Directing in an African Motion Picture
  • Outstanding African Television Series
  • Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series
  • Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series
  • Outstanding African Album
  • Outstanding African New Artist
  • Outstanding African Song

Entries will be narrowed to the top five in each category by the Image Awards’ Nominating Committees. The NAACP says these are made up of entertainment industry professionals, including studio and network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, and literary agents, alongside NAACP board members, foundation trustees, staff, and partners.

The final submission deadline is Friday, 13 November 2026. Creators can find the full eligibility criteria and submit their work at naacp.submit.live, and questions can be sent to imageafrica@naacpnet.org. The NAACP says the expansion reflects its commitment to elevating diverse voices and authentic storytelling on a global scale, giving African filmmakers, performers, and recording artists a dedicated platform within one of the best-known annual celebrations of Black excellence.