Dwayne Johnson will be honored at the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors in February.
‘Smashing Machines’ star receives Entertainment Icon Award. The 2026 ABFF Honors, presented by Nice Crowd, will be held on February 16th at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.
“Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon,” said Jeff and Nicole Friday, Co-CEOs and Presidents of Nice Crowds. “From his pioneering career in sports entertainment to his extraordinary success in film and television, he has become one of the most influential and beloved figures in world culture. His journey embodies perseverance, integrity and the power of charisma – values that reflect the spirit of ABFF. We are thrilled to award him this year’s Entertainment Icon Award and celebrate his incredible contributions to the world of entertainment.”
Johnson stars as MMA fighter Mark Carr in A24’s Smashing Machines, directed by Benny Safdie. The film tells the story of Carr’s rise to fame and struggle with addiction. Emily Blunt co-stars as his girlfriend. “Smashing Machine” premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September and won the Silver Lion.
Read more: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie’s underdog ‘Smashing Machine’: In a whirlwind year, don’t count them out for Oscar glory
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 Sally Richardson-Whitfield, and “F1” star Damson Idris will receive the Horizon Award.
ABFF Honors will also pay special tribute to the team behind the hit horror film “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan.
This event is hosted by KevOnStage, a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning comedian.
