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Hosted for the second consecutive year by Deon Cole, the 57th NAACP Image Awards air on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. PT/ET. Since the ceremony will be broadcast on both BET and CBS, cord-cutters can watch it live via streaming services that carry either of those networks, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Philo, Fubo (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Since Paramount+ Premium (formerly Paramount+ with Showtime) gives subscribers access to their local CBS channel, the 57th NAACP Image Awards will also livestream on the streaming service, however Paramount+ does not offer a free trial. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not be able to watch the awards show live, and it is yet to be confirmed whether they’ll have access on-demand the following day.
At a Glance: How to Watch 57th NAACP Image Awards
Since select streamers are offering free trials and limited-time discounts, viewers can catch the star-studded evening at no cost; keep reading to learn more about each option, and scroll down for this year’s nominees.
Where to Watch NAACP Image Awards 2026: Air Date and Time, Stream Free Online
The 57th NAACP Image Awards air on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. PT/ET on BET and CBS, which can be livestreamed via DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Philo, Fubo (with a five-day free trial), Paramount+ Premium (which gives subscribers access to their local CBS channel), Sling or Hulu + Live TV.
While the easiest way to watch the ceremony is through DirecTV’s trial period or Paramount+ Premium, The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each streaming option ahead.
DirecTV
Five-day free trial; packages from $19.99 per month
Both BET and CBS are included in any of DirecTV’s signature packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier. Plus, DirecTV is offering a five-day free trial for its streaming service, meaning new subscribers can catch the performance at no cost.
Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.
Philo
$25 first month; $33 per month thereafter
Watch BET on Philo, one of the most affordable cable alternatives.
The streamer is offering $8 off for the first month, and packages are just $33 per month thereafter.
Fubo
Five-day free trial; packages from $55.99 per month ($45.99 for first month)
Watch both BET and CBS with a subscription to Fubo, which offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial, plans start at $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 monthly thereafter.
Paramount+
Packages from $8.99 per month
While Paramount+ packages start at $8.99 per month (or $89.99 annually) for the ad-supported Essential plan, in order to livestream CBS (and therefore, the NAACP Image Awards), subscribers need Paramount+ Premium for $13.99 per month (or $139.99 per year), which is ad free, except for live TV and a few shows.
Sling
Half off first month for select plans
BET is included in Sling’s Blue Plan (starting at $45.99 per month) as well as Sling’s Orange Plan (starting at $50.99 per month or $4.99 for a 1-Day Pass).
For the best bang for your buck, new customers can sign up for Sling’s Orange & Blue plan, which is currently half off for the first month: $33 for the first month and $65.99 monthly thereafter.
Hulu + Live TV
Three-day free trial; packages from $89.99 per month
Watch CBS and BET for free with a three-day trial to Hulu + Live TV, which comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, starting at $89.99 per month.
NAACP Image Awards Nominations 2026
Sinners leads in overall nominations with a total of 18, followed by Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest with a total of nine nods. Leading television nominees is Bel-Air with seven, followed by Abbott Elementary, Reasonable Doubt and Ruth & Boaz with six apiece.
Teyana Taylor and Kendrick Lamar lead in overall individual nominations with six each, including Entertainer of the Year. Cynthia Erivo, Doechii and Michael B. Jordan are also nominated for this top honor.
See here for the full list of 2026 NAACP Image Awards nominees.
NAACP Image Awards Winners 2026
The Hollywood Reporter is updating both non-televised and televised NAACP Image Awards winners here.