Dwayne Johnson is gearing up to take the spotlight at one of the industry’s biggest celebrations next year.
The American Black Film Festival Honors is returning for its eighth edition with a full slate of honorees, and comedian/bestselling author KevOnStage has been announced as host, per Variety. The ceremony is set for February 16, 2026, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The night’s top honor, the Entertainment Icon Award, will go to none other than the artist once known as The Rock. The recognition comes as Johnson continues to draw major attention for his role in The Smashing Machine, A24’s upcoming Benny Safdie–directed film.
Johnson plays MMA legend Mark Kerr, whose rise, battles, and personal struggles drive the story. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September, taking home the Silver Lion. Emily Blunt stars alongside him as Kerr’s girlfriend.
The ABFF Honors will also highlight a range of standout talent across film and TV.
Jennifer Hudson—who has both an Oscar and multiple Grammys to her name—will be honored with the Renaissance Award. Salli Richardson-Whitfield, celebrated for her directing and executive producing across acclaimed shows, will receive the Evolution Award. Rising star Damson Idris, fresh off leading the Formula 1-inspired movie F1, will be presented with the Horizon Award.
The ceremony will also feature a special tribute to the creative team behind Sinners, the Ryan Coogler–produced horror film starring Michael B. Jordan.
Nice Crowd co-CEOs and presidents Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday praised Johnson as the perfect recipient for the night’s biggest honor, saying, “Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon. From his trailblazing career in sports entertainment to his extraordinary success in film and television, he has become one of the most influential and beloved figures in global culture. His journey embodies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and charisma — values that reflect the spirit of ABFF.”
