The multi-Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, entrepreneur, and author will lead the November 2 ceremony at the American Museum of Natural History
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has named Keke Palmer as host of the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion. The ceremony will take place on November 2 at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, returning to the venue for the fourth consecutive year.
Palmer brings a career spanning film, television, music, publishing, and entrepreneurship to the role. After breaking out at age 12 in Akeelah and the Bee, she went on to appear in more than 25 films and 30 television shows, with recent credits including One of Them Days, Nope, Good Fortune, and The Pickup. She also hosts NBC’s Password and is the founder and CEO of KeyTV and Big Bosses Entertainment.
“Fashion is one of my favorite ways to tell a story before even saying a word,” Palmer said. “To host this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion is such an honor because it is a night that shines a spotlight on the visionary creatives who keep pushing culture forward with their imagination, craftsmanship, and fearless originality. I can’t wait to have some fun and celebrate the talents that are shaping the present and future of American fashion.”
The 2026 ceremony will once again recognize talent across American womenswear, menswear, accessories, and emerging design. Nominees and winners are determined by the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild, an invitation-only voting body comprising designers, editors, journalists, retailers, stylists, influencers, and other fashion industry professionals. Nominations opened August 4 and will close August 31.
This year’s event will also mark the 30th anniversary of the CFDA Scholarship Fund, with WYouth and Nuuly presenting a dedicated Student Viewing Section. Alongside presenting partner Amazon Fashion, additional supporters include Google Shopping for the American Emerging Designer of the Year award, M·A·C Cosmetics as Official Beauty Partner, and Krug as Official Champagne Partner.
Nominees, honorees, presenters, and further details for the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards will be announced in the coming months.