Keke Palmer, Jennifer Hudson & Angela Bassett Lead 2026 ABFF Honors in Louboutin “So Kate” and Aquazzura “Gatsby” Pumps

Keke Palmer, Jennifer Hudson, and Angela Bassett served looks in black-and-white gowns at the SLS Hotel for the 8th Annual American Black Film Festival, each pairing their dresses with matching heels to complete the classic look and elevate the timeless palette.

Hudson received the Renaissance Award for her work in the industry and for helping to change how people of color are represented in entertainment. Bassett, introduced by Palmer, received the Excellence in the Arts Award for her decades-long, culture-defining career.

Other honorees included Dwayne Johnson, who received the Entertainment Icon Award; Damson Idris received the Horizon Award; and Salli Richardson-Whitfield earned the Evolution Award.

Keke Palmer, Jennifer Hudson, and Angela Bassett stun in classic black and white gowns with matching heels at the 8th American Black Film Festival Honors at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles on February 16, 2026 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Let’s take a look at the standout fashion moments from this year’s event.

Keke Palmer Revives Old Hollywood Glamour in a Sculpted Black Gown and Christian Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps

Keke Palmer looked incredible in a long black dress that highlighted every inch of her figure. Knowing her recent love for vintage fashion, I wouldn’t be surprised if this was another archival moment. Either way, the look felt timeless and on-brand for her.

The dress itself was sleek and simple. Showcasing her enviably slim figure, the dress featured a bodycon fit in smooth black fabric that hugged her like a glove. The plunging neckline and halter straps framed her shoulders beautifully, while the waist cinched in just right before flowing into a sleek column skirt.

A side slit added just enough edge, giving her room to move and the perfect chance to show off her toned leg.

Keke Palmer highlights her figure in a long black bodycon dress with a halterneck strap and a plunging neckline, styled with a vintage Dior choker (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

A Retro-Modern Finish: Galliano Dior Jewelry, Bold Beauty, and Black Pumps

Palmer elevated the look with a mix of vintage Dior, Anita Ko, and Cartier jewelry. Around her neck was a standout choker designed by John Galliano for Dior in 1998, featuring 284 black Swarovski crystals set on interconnected stainless steel triangular segments, each intricately detailed with openwork filigree. I loved how it added that bold, retro touch. Keke paired it with Anita Ko “Sienna” Diamond Huggies, sparkling with 0.81 carats of diamonds and 0.12 carats of marquise. On her wrists, she stacked bangles, including three Cartier white-gold-and-diamond Love bracelets that added even more shine.

I loved her pixie cut, which added a bit of retro flair. Her makeup pulled everything together, with dramatic eyeliner, full lashes, and deep burgundy lipstick that made her features pop.

Keke finished her look with black Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps in lamb leather. The pointed toes and tall stiletto heels elongated her silhouette, and the low-cut vamp subtly showed her toe cleavage.

Personally, I might have gone for something playful, such as strappy gold heels, but you can’t go wrong with classic black pumps.

Keke Palmer pairs her timeless gown with the classic favorite Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps in black lamb leather (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Jennifer Hudson Shines in a White Sequin Gown With Aquazzura “Gatsby” Slingback Pumps

Jennifer Hudson looked radiant on the red carpet, wearing a white gown from Jean-Louis Sabaji’s Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Priced at $4,600, it shimmered from every angle! The entire dress was covered in delicate white sequins, giving it a liquid, glowing finish under the lights.

What caught my eye was the silhouette, which reflected the avant-garde, sculptural feel Sabaji is known for. Fitted through the top, the strapless corseted bodice hugged her figure perfectly, and the skirt flowed into an asymmetrical wrap-style design that gathered at the side hip, creating a dramatic 3D flower detail.

The fabric looked artfully twisted and tucked, adding dimension and personality to the design. A thigh-high slit brought just the right amount of drama, showing off her legs without taking away from the elegance.

Jennifer Hudson looks radiant in a white sequin gown by Jean-Louis Sabaji, featuring a corset bodice and a wrap-style skirt with a dramatic 3D flower detail on the hip (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Jennifer Hudson Finishes the Look With Aquazzura “Gatsby” Pumps and Barely-There Glam

Her beauty look was soft and polished. Hudson kept her makeup neutral, with subtle smoky eyeshadow, mascara, heavy blush, and a complementary lipstick that balanced the dress’s shimmer. Accessories were minimal, which made sense. She wore a thin silver necklace and a pair of earrings, though it was hard to see them with her voluminous, tight curls framing her face.

Jennifer didn’t stop at the dress when it came to shine. The glam continued to her fingertips, where long gold nail art added a fun pop of warmth against the icy white gown.

On her feet, she wore the Aquazzura “Gatsby” pumps, and they were the perfect match. With D’Orsay open cutouts at the sides and clear PVC straps across the front and the slingback, these pumps create a barely-there effect that makes legs look even longer.

The open-toe shoes were finished with delicate crystal braiding, adding just the right amount of sparkle to tie everything together. These Aquazzura Gatsby 75 embellished slingback pumps are on sale for $1,000 (from $1,250) at Mytheresa.

Jennifer Hudson pairs her shimmering gown with the Aquazzura “Gatsby” pumps featuring crystal braids and PVC straps (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Angela Bassett Commands the Red Carpet in a Black Gown and Height-Boosting Platform Peep-Toe Pumps

Angela Bassett stepped onto the red carpet radiating regal energy. Wearing an embellished black dress with a matching blazer from Falguni Shane Peacock, she looked powerful and polished. The Indian fashion house is known for high-glamour, edgy designs, and this look delivered exactly that.

Designed with a one-shoulder silhouette and a flattering sweetheart neckline, the bodice hugged her beautifully, then skimmed over her hips and flowed into a sweeping skirt. A daring thigh-high slit added just the right amount of drama, while a short train trailed behind her, giving the whole look a red-carpet-worthy finish. What really made it stand out were the gold metal flowers and petals cascading diagonally from her shoulder down to her right hip. It looked like golden petals falling across the fabric!

I loved the dress on its own, and if I’m being honest, I kind of wished we could’ve seen it fully without the blazer. The matching scuba georgette blazer, priced at $3,950, featured the same gold floral appliqués that tied everything together but slightly diminished the gown’s impact.

Angela Bassett embraces royal glamour in a black Falguni Shane Peacock gown with gold metal flowers and petals, and a matching blazer (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Sleek Hair, Sculptural Jewelry, and Height-Boosting Platform Peep-Toe Pumps

Her hair was sleek and straight, parted down the middle and tucked behind her ears, putting her long sculptural gold earrings on full display.

A pair of black satin peep-toe pumps finished her look. The shoes featured thick platforms and sky-high heels that instantly added height to Angela’s petite 5ft 3 ½ (161.3 cm) frame.

Wide, structured vamp straps held the front securely in place, while the peep-toe detail softened the silhouette just enough. Slim ankle straps wrapped neatly around her ankles, adding extra support and a touch of elegance.

Angela Bassett completes her elegant look with black satin peep-toe pumps with ankle straps, thick platforms, and high heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

From Red Carpets to Real Life: How 2026 Shoe Trends Are Taking Shape

While events like the American Black Film Festival Honors spotlight timeless elegance through classic pumps and sculptural heels, they also reflect the broader footwear directions defining 2026.

From refined platforms and sleek slingbacks to modern takes on retro silhouettes, these red-carpet moments preview styles gaining momentum on runways and in everyday wardrobes. For a deeper look at the shoes shaping the year ahead, explore our curated 2026 trend coverage below.