57TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS TO HONOR A$AP ROCKY WITH VANGUARD AWARD FOR FASHION

Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor, and fashion icon to be recognized for his singular and transformative influence on style, creativity, and self-expression

WATCH THE "57th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS" CEREMONY LIVE ON FEBRUARY 28 ON BET AND SIMULCASTING ON CBS

LOS ANGELES (January 29, 2026) - Today, the NAACP announced that multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and style icon A$AP Rocky will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show on Friday, February 27. He is also nominated for three NAACP Image Awards for his role in Highest 2 Lowest, which has garnered a total of nine nominations.

From defining signature streetwear to reimagining the boundaries of high fashion, A$AP Rocky has consistently challenged convention and reminded us all that fashion is a powerful form of storytelling. His vision has left an undeniable mark on fashion and culture, inspiring artists, fans, and audiences alike to take risks, embrace individuality, and express themselves with confidence.

This award recognizes not only his influence but the energy, originality, and spirit he brings to everything he does, solidifying his place as one of the most prolific style icons of his generation. Previous Vanguard Award honorees include ESSENCE, June Ambrose, Bethann Hardison and Ruth E. Carter.

"This year's Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry. As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations," said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors. "Honoring A$AP Rocky with the Vanguard Award celebrates his lasting influence, and the legacy he continues to build."

"A$AP Rocky represents the fearless evolution of Black creativity," said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. "His influence extends far beyond fashion. He has reshaped how culture, music, art, and personal expression intersect on a global stage. The NAACP honoring him with the Vanguard Award celebrates not only his style, but his vision, leadership, and lasting impact on the next generation of creators."

Most recently, Rocky released his fourth studio album DON'T BE DUMB to unprecedented global demand, reaching over 1 million pre-saves on Spotify before release and debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rocky's first project in 8 years features cover art by the visionary filmmaker and illustrator Tim Burton and features collaborations from BossMan Dlow, Brent Faiyaz, Danny Elfman, Doechii, Gorillaz, Jessica Pratt, Jon Batiste, Slay Squad, Thundercat, Tyler, The Creator, Westside Gunn, and will.i.am.

Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala with the theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" showing off a full wardrobe of his own passion project and brand AWGE and later in the year, he received the 2025 CFDA Fashion Icon Award. 2025 also saw Rocky demonstrate his incredible acting prowess in two films produced by A24 - Highest 2 Lowest directed by Spike Lee and the Golden-Globe-winning If I Had Legs I'd Kick You directed by Mary Bronstein.

He is currently the Creative Director of both Ray-Ban and PUMA and has been a part of many high-profile commercial campaigns including Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Courvoisier, Mercedes Benz, Guess, Fenty Skin and more. He was also the first Black male face of Dior Homme. Rocky's creative agency AWGE has launched partnerships with Marine Serre, Amina Muaddi, Selfridges, JW Anderson, MTV, and more. In addition, AWGE has launched the careers of notable artists such as Playboi Carti, slowthai, Smooky MarGielaa, and more. In June of 2025, AWGE put on their second annual Paris Fashion Week show to rave reviews.

By visiting www.naacpimageawards.net, the public can vote to determine the winners of the "57th NAACP Image Awards'' in select categories. Voting closes on February 13, 2026, at 12:00 midnight (ET.) Winners will be revealed during the "57th NAACP Image Awards'' telecast on Saturday, February 28 live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, on BET and will simulcast on the CBS Television Network. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories at the "57th NAACP Image Awards" Creative Honors Thursday, February 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus Monday, February 23-Wednesday, February 25.

For information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards and visit www.bet.com/naacp-image-awards.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the "57th NAACP Image Awards" will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Kamala Harris, Dave Chapelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Don Cheadle, Laverne Cox, Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Courtney B. Vance, Sherri Shepherd, Colman Domingo, Mike Epps, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Damson Idris, Michelle Buteau, Victoria Monét, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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Through a powerful portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, BET connects audiences across cable, streaming, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms, delivering culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.