The Best Awards Shows, Film Festivals, and Places to Look Out for in 2026

From the red carpets of Hollywood to the cultural stages that spotlight Black excellence, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years in entertainment. Whether it’s the Oscars, Grammys, BET Awards, or the iconic Pan African and ABFF film festivals, this year offers power moments you cannot miss. Knowing who, where, and what to watch is essential—so plan now, align your calendars, and elevate your lifestyle. Remember to follow The Power Player Lifestyle Magazine at https://thepowerplayermag.com/ for the ultimate insider guide.

Lifestyle Event Report By Lela Christine

Los Angeles Awards & Festivals Calendar (January – August 2026)

Critics’ Choice Awards (31st Annual)

• Date: January 4, 2026

• Website: www.criticschoice.com

• About: The Critics’ Choice Awards unite film and television critics to honor the finest achievements of the year. Held in Los Angeles, the show is widely considered an Oscars predictor, spotlighting the artistry, storytelling impact, and creative voice of today’s cinema and television talent.

AFI Awards 2025 (Honorees-Only Event)

• Date: January 9, 2026

• Website: www.afi.com

• About: The AFI Awards luncheon at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills highlights outstanding film and television productions. Rather than competitive categories, it honors entire creative teams, fostering a spirit of collaboration and excellence across Hollywood, while spotlighting the projects that defined artistry, innovation, and impact in 2025.

Golden Globe Awards (83rd Annual)

• Date: January 11, 2026

• Website: www.goldenglobes.com

• About: Hosted at The Beverly Hilton, the Golden Globes celebrate excellence in both domestic and international film and television. With Nikki Glaser returning as host, the 83rd ceremony mixes Hollywood glamour, global attention, and cultural influence, officially launching the energy and excitement of awards season.

Sundance Film Festival (42nd Annual)

• Date: January 22 – February 1, 2026

• Website: festival.sundance.org

• About: Held in Park City, Utah, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the U.S. Renowned for discovering groundbreaking talent and bold storytelling, the 2026 edition will showcase premieres, industry panels, and global film debuts that influence Hollywood and inspire future cinema worldwide.

Grammy Awards (68th Annual)

• Date: February 1, 2026

• Website: www.grammy.com

• About: Returning to Crypto.com Arena, the 68th Grammy Awards celebrate music’s biggest achievements. With new categories including Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover, the event highlights diverse artistry, underlining the continued influence of Black musicians and performers who shape global culture and creative innovation.

NAACP Image Awards (57th Annual)

• Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026

• Website: www.naacp.org • opportunityagenda.org

• About: A cultural highlight, the NAACP Image Awards honor outstanding achievements by people of color across film, television, music, literature, and podcasts. Traditionally hosted in Pasadena, the show blends celebration with advocacy, spotlighting Black excellence, storytelling power, and the continued call for equity in entertainment industries.

Slamdance Film Festival (Los Angeles Edition)

• Date: Late February 2026 (week-long festival)

• Website: slamdance.com

• About: A curated platform for emerging filmmakers, Slamdance in Los Angeles is a week-long festival featuring independent films under $1 million. Through screenings, competitions, and workshops, it champions new voices and creative storytelling outside the mainstream studio system.

ABFF Honors (Exclusive Awards Gala)

• Date: February 2026 (Los Angeles)

• Website: nicecrowd.com/abff-honors

• About: An exclusive awards season gala presented by the American Black Film Festival, ABFF Honors celebrates excellence in motion picture and television. Held in Los Angeles, the event spotlights Black creative achievements, connecting creators, executives, and industry tastemakers with prestige and cultural resonance.

Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF)

• Date: February 2026 (Annual Festival – exact dates TBA)

• Website: paff.org

• About: The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is the largest Black film festival in the U.S., promoting cultural understanding through film and art. Founded in Los Angeles, it presents films by and about people of African descent, connecting global storytellers to audiences and industry alike.

SAG Awards (32nd Annual)

• Date: March 1, 2026

• Website: www.sagawards.org

• About: The Screen Actors Guild Awards recognize exceptional performances in film and television, where actors honor actors. Streaming live on Netflix, the ceremony emphasizes authenticity, community, and craft, offering a heartfelt celebration of artistry, diversity, and storytelling from the perspective of peers within the acting profession.

Academy Awards (Oscars – 98th Annual)

• Date: March 15, 2026

• Website: www.oscars.org

• About: Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the Oscars remain the film industry’s pinnacle. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 98th Academy Awards honor creativity, cinematic innovation, and global storytelling. This night defines cultural moments and sets the bar for filmmaking excellence and recognition worldwide.

ABFF Film Festival (30th Anniversary – “The Homecoming”)

• Date: June 3–7, 2026

• Website: abff.com

• About: Celebrating three decades of Black storytelling, the American Black Film Festival will mark its 30th anniversary in Miami Beach, titled “The Homecoming.” Featuring screenings, industry panels, and premieres, the festival unites creators, artists, and audiences in honoring legacy, innovation, and cultural connection.

Cannes Film Festival (79th Annual)

• Date: May 12–23, 2026

• Website: festival-cannes.com

• About: Held in Cannes, France, the festival is the world’s most prestigious platform for international cinema. Known for red-carpet glamour and artistic credibility, Cannes 2026 will showcase global premieres, award the coveted Palme d’Or, and set the tone for critical acclaim and global distribution success.

Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF)

• Date: August 7–15, 2026

• Website: www.mvaaff.com

• About: The MVAAFF celebrates 24 years of Black excellence in film. Held annually in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, this nine-day festival presents films, panels, and cultural programming that spotlight Black storytelling, heritage, and creative community—including star-studded moments with icons like Issa Rae and Michelle Obama.

BET Awards (26th Annual)

• Date: June 2026 (TBD)

• Website: www.bet.com

• About: Hosted at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, the BET Awards celebrate Black excellence in music, film, sports, and television. Known for electrifying performances and cultural resonance, the show reflects the voices, artistry, and stories driving today’s entertainment landscape across multiple platforms.

BET Experience (BETX Festival)

• Date: June 2026 (TBD – alongside BET Awards)

• Website: www.bet.com/bet-experience

• About: A multi-day cultural festival in Los Angeles, the BET Experience features concerts, panels, and fan activations alongside the BET Awards. It transforms L.A. Live into a hub of creativity, celebrating Black artistry, music, fashion, film, and community-driven culture through immersive, vibrant, and inspiring programming.

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Monthly Festival (NFMLA)

• Date: Ongoing through 2026

• Website: filmfreeway.com

• About: NFMLA runs monthly editions showcasing curated shorts with press and industry panels. It offers emerging filmmakers real exposure in L.A.—ideal for discovering voices outside traditional festival cycles.

Optimized Timeline (Chronological Order)