Iyanu's NAACP Image Award Nominations

 

Iyanu's popularity continues to soar. Now, the hit animated series is up for prestigious industry awards! NAACP members: check out this cool family-friendly series!

Here's all the info from Lion Forge: 

 

Lion Forge’s Iyanu Earns Three NAACP Image Award Nominations

The global phenomenon earns nominations for Outstanding Children’s Program, Outstanding Animated Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special

 

Iyanu, the hit animated series from Lion Forge Entertainment that premiered last year on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, has been nominated for three NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Children’s Program, and Outstanding Animated Series. In addition, the season finale movie special, Iyanu: The Age of Wonders earned a nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special for writers Roye Okupe and Brandon Easton.



“These nominations are an incredible honor for Iyanu and a powerful moment for the entire team at Lion Forge Entertainment,” said David Steward II, Founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “This series represents exactly why we built this studio: to champion culturally rich storytelling at the highest level and ensure that Black creators have the platform and resources to bring their visions to life. We’re proud to see Iyanu recognized by the NAACP for both its excellence and its impact.”

Based on the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the NAACP for recognizing Iyanu in these categories,” said Okupe, creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the series. “From the very beginning, my goal was to tell a story rooted authentically in Yoruba culture, one that could inspire kids everywhere and expand what people believe is possible in animation. This recognition belongs to Lion Forge Entertainment, the extraordinary artists, cast, crew, and partners who poured so much care and love into bringing Yorubaland to life. I’m proud of what we’ve built together.” Okupe is also credited with co-writing Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, along with Iyanu story editor, Brandon Easton.

The nominations highlight the growing global momentum behind the franchise as it heads into its next chapter. Season 2 is set to premiere in Spring 2026 on Cartoon Network and HBO Max, continuing Iyanu’s journey as she grows in her power and faces new threats to protect the kingdom of Yorubaland.

"IYANU was the first series where I led a writers room. It was an amazing experience to work with Roye and Lion Forge Entertainment to craft this incredible and unprecedented Nigerian fantasy adventure. Our writer's room was a fantastic mix of brilliant minds who worked hard to bring Iyanu to life and we all grew as humans and as creators through our strong collaboration. It was an honor to help produce this show." said Easton.

 

 

The 57th annual NAACP Image Awards will take place Saturday, Feb. 28, live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on CBS. Actor, comedian, and writer Deon Cole will host this year’s ceremony, themed “We See You.” Two of Iyanu’s NAACP nominations:  Outstanding Animated Series and Outstanding Children’s Program, fall under public voting. Voting is open now:  Outstanding Animated Series https://naacpimageawards.judge.live/categories/4f9eb425-4f88-4c6b-a421-08de2c5a3e90/entrants Outstanding Children’s Program https://naacpimageawards.judge.live/categories/af543eb5-2622-416a-a41c-08de2c5a3e90/entrants Fans can currently stream Season 1 of Iyanu, including the finale movie special Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, now on HBO Max in the U.S. The series is also available internationally, streaming on Showmax across 44 African countries, ITVX in the United Kingdom, ABCiview in Australia, and in the United Arab Emirates and wider MENA region on Ejunior Kids TV and STARZPLAY. ### About Lion Forge Entertainment Lion Forge Entertainment (LFE), one of the few Black-owned entertainment studios of scale in North America, was founded in 2019 by David Steward II to amplify authentic, diverse voices in both animated and live-action content. With “Diverse Stories, Authentically Told” as its mission, LFE has won an Academy Award for Hair Love and multiple Emmy® awards. LFE is part of Polarity, a media and sports-focused firm whose portfolio includes publishers Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group and Magnetic Press, within the broader Steward Family holdings spanning technology, sports, and music. LFE is led by President and CCO Stephanie Sperber, an award-winning media executive and franchise builder in the kids and family space. Follow @lionforge to learn more.

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Thanks to Kosi Harris PR for sharing this announcement with us.