The ABBF, or American Black Film Festival, announced its honorees on Tuesday for this year’s ABFF Honors, an award ceremony recognizing “excellence in the motion picture and television industry.”

For its annual ceremony this year, the event will honor the creative team of Sinners, including director-producer-writer Ryan Coogler, producers Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, production designer Hannah Beachler, and costume designer Ruth E. Carter. Also at the ceremony was Jennifer Hudson, host of The Jennifer Hudson Show and an EGOT recipient, with the Renaissance. Salli Richardson-Whitfield, director and executive producer of The Gilded Age and Task, will receive the Evolution Award, and F1 star Damson Idris is set to receive the Horizon Award.

In a statement presenting the ABFF honors, the CEO and presidents of Nice Crowd, Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday, wrote,

This year’s honorees each represent the spirit of what ABFF stands for — creativity, excellence, and purpose. Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian have redefined the power of collaboration and vision with Sinners, creating something that speaks to our shared humanity while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation. We’re honored to celebrate each of them — artists who remind us why we tell stories: to inspire, to uplift, and to move the culture forward.

The ABFF Honors ceremony is set to take place on February 16th, 2026, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The event will be hosted by comedian and author KevOnStage.