The 2026 NAACP Image Awards brought out the culture’s finest, and let’s just say — the girls (and the guys) understood the assignment. From Teyana Taylor’s pixie cut taking over the night to Keke Palmer giving prom queen, the ceremony wasn’t just about awards, it was about fashion moments that had us zooming in and double-tapping. Now, let’s get into who really shut it down.
Teyana Taylor Looking Like The Trophy
Teyana Taylor stepped onto the NAACP Image Awards red carpet looking like she was the award herself. She rocked a structured black gown tailored to absolute perfection, paired with a sleek pixie cut, flawless face beat, and pointed matching black heels. Minimal yet striking, the ensemble was sharp, powerful, and effortless — every angle screamed confidence. From the silhouette to the details, Teyana proved that sometimes less really is more, and she fully owned the spotlight.
Keke Palmer Serving Pixie Cut Royalty At Awards
Keke Palmer clearly got the pixie memo and said, “Bet!” She stepped onto the red carpet rocking her signature fiery red pixie, paired with an off-white gown and a luxurious fur wrap that screamed prom queen elegance. Dangling ice-cube earrings caught the light with every move, while a diamond necklace added extra sparkle. Her sharp cat-eye and bold purple lip completed the look, making it clear she didn’t just show up. She fully ate the carpet that night.
Michael B. Jordan Owns The Awards Red Carpet
Michael B. Jordan came through looking like the definition of sleek in a red velvet tuxedo top paired with a crisp white button-up, black pants, and polished black shoes. The velvet hit just right, giving him full-on trophy energy, and honestly, he looked ready to walk away with all the awards. From the fit to the flawless grooming, Michael proved why he’s still one of Hollywood’s most dapper leading men.
#1
Halle Bailey Served A Museum-Worthy Look
Halle Bailey came through like a full-on walking art exhibit on the red carpet. She stunned in a brown gown with striking white artistic detailing cascading down the front, paired with a soft, natural beat that let her glow shine through. Chunky white earrings added a sculptural touch, giving serious “gallery opening” vibes, while her poise and presence made every camera click worth it. The look was thoughtful, elevated, and completely unforgettable — Halle proved once again that she can turn the carpet into a masterpiece.
#2
Tyla Stays Unbothered At NAACP Image Awards
Tyla pulled up in a sleek black dress with a dramatic updo that framed her face perfectly, giving major elegance vibes. The iced-out choker? Absolutely the real scene stealer that had cameras clicking nonstop. From her polished look to the effortless confidence, she was clean, classy, and dripping — and somebody clearly put her in some Chanel, okay! The whole look screamed “power and poise,” making it one of the night’s standout moments.
#3
Skyh Black & KJ Smith Give Power Couple Energy
Skyh Black kept it classic in an all-black tux and appeared to have grown his hair out a bit — polished and steady. Beside him, KJ Smith gave full beauty pageant queen in a nude-toned gown and a bouncy side-part bob that framed her face flawlessly. Together? Picture perfect.
#4
JaNa Craig Giving Cream & Gleam
JaNa Craig floated onto the red carpet in a cream long-sleeve lace gown encrusted with gems, giving pure elegance and old-Hollywood vibes. Her auburn hair perfectly complemented the sparkle of the gown, catching the light with every step she took. And that smile? It radiated joy and confidence, saying loud and clear, “I’m happy to be here,” and honestly, we felt every bit of that energy. From the delicate lace details to the gem accents, JaNa’s look was effortlessly regal, proving she knew exactly how to own the moment.
#5
Colman Domingo Has A Mustard Mood & Funky Vibes
Colman Domingo turned heads in a mustard-colored Sergio Hudson FW26 ensemble that was anything but basic. He paired the suit with Christian Louboutin Kennywood Alta boots in funky, unexpected colors that honestly looked like they could’ve been plucked straight from Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour. To top it off, he rocked Cartier Panthère rectangular sunglasses that gave extra luxe energy. From the bold color choices to the statement accessories, Colman came through proving that fashion at the NAACP Image Awards isn’t just about elegance — it’s about making a statement.
#6
Chloe Bailey Is A Glowing Work Of Art
Chloe Bailey also served an art-piece moment in a black and sheer gown with dramatic statement arm details. And can we talk about her skin? Absolutely glowing. Radiant doesn’t even begin to cover it. Definitely giving Black butterfly!
#7
Don Lemon Shines In All-Black
Don Lemon showed up in a sleek all-black tuxedo paired with matching black shoes, proving sometimes simplicity is the ultimate flex. His smile? Absolutely contagious — you could feel the relief and joy that he’s out and enjoying the spotlight again. From the classic fit to his effortless energy, Don exuded confidence and good vibes all night. It was a reminder that some moments on the red carpet are just about celebration and being fully present.
#8
Viola Davis Reigns Supreme On The Carpet
And then there’s Viola Davis, who stepped out in a rich burgundy gown giving “I am the queen mother.” Regal, commanding, and timeless. Oh — and she didn’t just serve a look. She walked away with an award, too.
#9
Tyler James Williams Brings The Energy
Tyler James Williams pulled up in a classic black tuxedo paired with a crisp white button-up and a bright red flower pinned on one side of his chest. The look was sleek, polished, and gave full-on “ready to tango with my lady” vibes. To top it off, Tyler didn’t just serve the style — he walked away with an award, proving he knows how to own the night both on the carpet and on stage. From the tailored fit to the confident energy, he reminded everyone why he’s a red-carpet standout.
