Dwayne Johnson will be honored at the 8th American Black Film Festival in February.
The “Smashing Machine” star will receive the Entertainment Icon Award. Presented by Nice Crowd, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Feb. 16 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.
“Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon,” said Nice Crowds co-CEOs and presidents Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. “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. We are thrilled to honor him with this year’s Entertainment Icon Award and to celebrate his incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.”
Johnson stars in A24’s “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film tells the story of Kerr’s rise to fame and his battle with addiction. Emily Blunt co-stars as his girlfriend. “The Smashing Machine” premiered in September at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion.
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As previously announced, Oscar-winner and talk show host Jennifer Hudson will receive the Renaissance Award, the Evolution Award will go to director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield and “F1” star Damson Idris will be recognized with the Horizon Award.
ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler’s hit horror movie starring Michael B. Jordan.
The event will be hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award-winning comedian KevOnStage.
