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The American Black Film Festival Honors has long been one of the most anticipated celebrations in the entertainment calendar. Started in 2016 (the actual ABFF has been around since 1997), the event not only spotlights the achievements of Black filmmakers and storytellers but also showcases Black love on the red carpet. 

But beyond the awards and accolades, ABFF Honors has also become a place where Black love is on full display. The red carpet moments are just as meaningful as the on-stage tributes, offering a glimpse into the relationships that sustain, inspire, and ground some of our favorite creatives. At the recent ABFF Honors event in Beverly Hills, a number of notable duos stepped out together, turning the celebration into a beautiful showcase of partnership in its many forms.

At the recent 2026 ABFF Honors event in Beverly Hills, a number of notable duos attended together. While some of the couples have been together for years, others are newly paired. From Hollywood’s top director and producer couple to festival founders whose partnership built a cultural institution, these pairs represent love, collaboration, and shared vision.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler attend the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic) Ryan and Zinzi Coogler

Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler went from college sweethearts to Hollywood power couple and a fan favorite. The two met during their undergraduate years at Cal State Sacramento many moons ago and have built a life and career partnership that has stood the test of time.

Married since 2016, the Cooglers have built both a family and a film legacy together. Zinzi is an accomplished producer with credits on major projects alongside her husband, including entries in the Creed franchise and other critically acclaimed films. Ryan has often spoken about Zinzi’s unwavering support from the very beginning of his journey, even sharing how she invested in his dreams when he was still an aspiring filmmaker. She is being honored at this year’s ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event for her contributions to film, including Sinners.

Dondré Whitfield and Salli Richardson-Whitfield at the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors held at SLS Hotel on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images) Dondré Whitfield and Salli Richardson-Whitfield 

The longtime couple stunned on the red carpet, which is something they do so easily. Married since 2002, they met while working on the short-lived sitcom Between Brothers. Dondré was a star on the project alongside Kadeem Hardison and Tommy Davidson. The pair remain solid as a rock, and went on to have a daughter named Parker and son named Dre. While the actor has become an accomplished author and podcast host, most recently appearing on Queen Sugar and The Upshaws, Salli has taken her talents behind the camera to produce and direct. Her latest projects include HBO hits Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, The Gilded Age, and Task.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Melissa Fredericks and Kevin Fredericks attend the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic) Kevin and Melissa Fredericks

Comedian and digital creator Kevin Fredericks and his wife, Melissa Fredericks, brought their warmth to the ABFF carpet. Married since their college years, the Fredericks have grown together through career pivots, entrepreneurship, and the ups and downs of public life. Popularly known as KevOnStage and MrsKevOnStage, the couple have built a brand rooted in transparency, faith, and humor. The parents of two are expanding their creative empire and stunning on red carpets.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Lance Gross and Rebecca Gross attend the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honorsat SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/WireImage) Lance and Rebecca Gross

Another longtime couple, actor Lance Gross and his wife Rebecca Gross made a striking appearance at ABFF Honors. The couple, who married in 2015, have built a strong family foundation and are always a pleasure to see. Rebecca, a respected stylist, has been a steady presence throughout Lance’s acting career, from his breakout television roles to more recent projects.

Parents to two children, the Grosses are vocal about prioritizing their relationship amid busy schedules. Lance has spoken publicly about maintaining date nights (he said they have them every Thursday back in 2025) and continuing to invest in their marriage. Their red carpet appearance reminds us that love can have longevity when you balance romance and work.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Nicole Friday and Jeff Friday attend the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honorsat SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/WireImage) Jeff and Nicole Friday

While many couples at ABFF are celebrated entertainers, Jeff Friday and Nicole Friday are the architects behind the very institution bringing these creatives together. As co-founders of the American Black Film Festival, the Fridays have spent decades building a platform dedicated to elevating Black filmmakers and storytellers.

Since launching the festival in 1997, they have created opportunities for emerging talent while honoring established voices in the film and television industry. Together, they’ve built not only a successful marriage but also a lasting cultural legacy.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Gillian White and Michael Jai White attend the 8th annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) Michael Jai White and Gillian White

Actor Michael Jai White and wife Gillian, married since 2015, are both actors and action film buffs. They’ve co-starred in projects like The Outlaw Johnny Black, Take Back and a few other films. But before tying the knot in 2015, they met years before in 1997 when timing wasn’t right. Once the stars aligned, the pair, who both love fitness and told ESSENCE years ago that they barely ever argue, were locked in for life.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: Anthony Hamilton (R) attends the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors at SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills on February 16, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic) Anthony Hamilton

Grammy Award–winning singer Anthony Hamilton was also spotted at the celebration, accompanied by a date. The singer, who divorced his ex-wife, Tarshá Hamilton, in 2015 after 10 years of marriage, has kept much of his personal life private recently. Nonetheless, he looked happy and healthy with his date on his arm. 

TOPICS:  abff honors black celebrity couples Black Love

The post Celebrating Black Love At The 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors appeared first on Essence.