How to Stream the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards, With Nominees Like Doechii & Kendrick Lamar
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Coming hot off the Grammys and right before the Oscars, the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards take center stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA, this Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. The four-hour event celebrates “outstanding achievements by people of color across film, television, music, and literature,” according to the organization.
At a Glance: How to Watch the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards Online
- Channel: BET, CBS
- Stream: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Philo, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+
- Date, time: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at 8 p.m. EST
The nominations this year feature some of the best in the business. Teyana Taylor, fresh off her Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture win at the Golden Globes, is up for Entertainer of the Year. Michael B. Jordan is also nominated in the same category and is an Oscar contender set to be revealed in March. And Doechii, another Entertainer of the Year nominee, has been on an unstoppable rise, from Coachella to sold-out concerts.
Founded in 1967 by activist and Hollywood stuntwoman Toni Vaz, the NAACP Image Awards have honored legends like Jennifer Hudson, Chadwick Boseman, and Will Smith. Typically held in February or early March, this year’s ceremony will feature actor and comedian Deon Cole, returning as host.
For viewers without a traditional cable subscription, there are several ways to watch the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards live. The show airs on CBS and BET, and streaming services with free trials make it easy to tune in from home.
How to Watch the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards Online for Free
Expect live performances, surprise wins, and unforgettable fashion moments. If you want to watch the awards without paying for cable, our comprehensive guide below shows you how to stream CBS and BET for free.
Editor’s Pick
DirecTV
➤ $39.99/month
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
For viewers planning to tune in to the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards, DirecTV is a strong option for watching live without a traditional cable subscription.
DirecTV offers multiple package tiers. Its Entertainment package includes 90+ channels and is priced at $89.99 per month, making it a comprehensive choice for awards season and beyond (this includes BET).
For those primarily interested in news and local coverage, the more affordable MyNews package delivers more than 10 channels, including major networks like CBS, NBC, Fox, and CNN, starting at $39.99 per month.
All plans come with a five-day free trial, allowing cord-cutters to test the service and stream the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards live before committing to a subscription.
Free trial
Fubo
➤ $55.99/month
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 400+ channels
Cord-cutters looking to stream the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards have another free-trial option to consider: Fubo. The streaming platform is currently offering new subscribers a five-day free trial.
You can sign up for the Pro package trial, which includes BET along with access to more than 235 channels (starting at $73.99). Fubo also carries CBS across all of its packages (starting at $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 after that).
top choice
Hulu + Live TV
➤ $89.99/month
➤ 95+ channels
➤ Three-day free trial
When it comes to value, Hulu + Live TV stands out as a top option for watching the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards. Subscribers get access to 95 channels, including CBS, plus other major networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC. After a three-day free trial, the service is priced at $89.99 per month, offering a comprehensive streaming package for cord-cutters who want it all in one place.
affordable option
Paramount+
➤ $12.99/month
➤ 170+ channels
➤ Seven-day free trial
For viewers seeking an inexpensive way to stream CBS and watch the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards without cable, Paramount+ is a strong option. New subscribers can start with a seven-day free trial, and after that, the plan costs $12.99 per month.
best for long-term
Sling
➤ Starting at $45.99/month
➤ 30+ channels
➤ No free trial
While it doesn’t include a free trial, Sling TV remains a top pick for streaming live events like the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards. Its Orange plan gives you access to 34 channels, including BET, ESPN, TNT, and more, starting at just $45.99 per month.
7-Day Free Trial
Philo
➤ $33.00/month
➤ 70+ channels
➤ Seven-day free trial
Fans can stream the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards without cable using Philo. The service includes a variety of networks, including BET, and offers a seven-day free trial.
What Is the Best Way to Watch the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards for Free?
One of the easiest ways to watch the awards is by signing up for a free trial with DirecTV. Details are below.
Who Is Nominated at the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards?
This year’s nominees include Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Cynthia Erivo, Michael B. Jordan, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, Ruth E. Carter, and many more.