Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Set to Receive the Entertainment Icon Award

LOS ANGELES - APR 4: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Poses at the "Rampage" Premiere at Microsoft Theater on April 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA

Credit: Kathy Hutchins via Shutterstock

By: Joshua Martin

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors is gearing up for a star studded celebration in 2026 and this year’s spotlight shines brightly on one of the world’s most recognizable figures. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known globally as “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment”, will receive the coveted Entertainment Icon Award, honoring his remarkable rise from WWE superstar to one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved talents.

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Johnson’s career has been defined by his versatility and undeniable charisma. Over two decades, his seamless transition from wrestling to entertainment has earned him a loyal global fan base across film, television and sports entertainment. His latest role in Benny Safdie’s critically acclaimed The Smashing Machine has only increased his notoriety. The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September, earning the prestigious Silver Lion and widespread praise for Johnson’s transformative performance.

“Dwayne Johnson is the very definition of an entertainment icon. 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.” - Nice Crowds co-CEOs Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday. 

The 2026 ABFF Honors will also celebrate several other influential creatives. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will be recognized with the Renaissance Award, acclaimed director Salli Richardson-Whitfield will receive the Evolution Award and Damson Idris, star of Netflix’s F1, will be honored with the Horizon Award.

Hosted by award winning comedian KevOnStage, the ceremony will take place February 16th, 2026, at the luxurious SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.

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Dwayne Johnson Makes 7-figure Donation to SAG-AFTRA Relief Fund

Dwayne ‘The Rock Johnson attends the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 12, 2023. (Getty Images/Gilbert Flores)

By: Joshua Martin

In a surprising move, A-List Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson contributed a “landmark” seven-figure donation to SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund set up for struggling actors amidst their ongoing strike against major Hollywood studios which began on July 13th. Leaders of the foundation President Courtney B. Vance and Executive Director Cyd Wilson sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors explaining the financial strains the strike would cause.

This is the first industry shutdown in 60 years, but it will take a while for viewers to notice a change in what is airing on television and streaming platforms since most of the content that is getting ready to be released was shot a year ago. Right now late night shows are showing re-runs due to the writers strike.

“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,' “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.” - Courtney B. Vance

Shortly after the announcement that thousands of film and television stars were going on strike, “The Rock” decided to step up for his fellow Screen Actors Guild members. In a statement Vance expressed how thankful he was and how the donation will help those in need of assistance during such a difficult time.

"Everyone knows what happens when you go on strike, when you stand for something — as the saying goes, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything," he added. "You can’t stand unless you have support underneath you, on the side, up top and up front. So Dwayne is letting everyone know, ‘I’m here. What are you going to do?” - SAG President Courtney B. Vance

For the first since 1960, both Hollywood actors and writers are on strike simultaneously. Members of SAG-AFTRA are seeking pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions and regulating the use of artificial intelligence. The Screen Actors Guild has more than 160,000 members, although the strike only affects the union’s roughly 65,000 actors.  

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