NAACP Image Awards kick off with recognition of Altadena residents impacted by wildfires
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., appears on stage at the 50th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 56th NAACP Image Awards kicked off Saturday at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with host Deon Cole honoring Altadena residents who were affected by a recent Los Angeles-area wildfire.
Cole then shifted tone and brightened the mood with a comedic prayer for Kanye West’s wife to find more clothes after her barely-there Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts.
The opening act was a lead-up to the evening’s first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series, for her role in “The Equalizer.”
The ceremony took place in Pasadena, just south of the Altadena area, and video of last month’s fire devastation played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage.
“Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered and over two dozens souls gone forever,” said Chestnut, a Los Angeles native who referenced impacted areas such as Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. He said 22 Altadena residents attended the show, panning towards them as many in the audience stood up and applauded.
“But what was not lost is the spirit of our community,” Chestnut said.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was to be honored during the ceremony, receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award, and the Wayans family was to be inducted into the NAACP Awards Hall of Fame.
Here is what you need to know about the awards show, including how to watch or stream live, entertainer of the year nominees and more details on featured honorees.
Harris, defeated by Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state’s attorney general.
In a statement, Harris was called a “force of change” by Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP’s national board of directors. He said the show would celebrate her “relentless dedication to justice, equality, and the betterment of our society.”
Other winners of the Chairman’s prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee.
The Wayans family — Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. — whose impact on film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy has shaped Hollywood on and off screen, were each being recognized.
Some of the their credits include the sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” created by Keenan Ivory Wayans in 1990, and Damon Wayans’ starring role in the 1995 comedy “Major Payne.”
Keenan Ivory Wayans also directed the 2000 slasher spoof “Scary Movie,” written by Marlon and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in “White Chicks” in 2004. Father-son duo Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. currently co-star in the CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House.”
Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama “Pariah.”
“Poppa’s House” was nominated for an NAACP Award, as were Damon Wayons and Damon Wayons Jr. for their acting on the show. Marlon Wayans’ guest appearance on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” was also up for an award.
The top nominees for the coveted honor included Kendrick Lamar, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe.
Lamar won over the masses for his rap battle with Drake, leading to chart-topping dis tracks including “Not Like Us,” which won him five Grammys. He headlined the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this month.
Erivo, who made her presence felt in her Oscar-nominated performance in “Wicked,” will be the host of the upcoming Tony Awards.
Sharpe, an NFL Hall of Famer, became an influential voice in media with his podcast “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” with Chad Ochocinco Johnson.
Hart showed off his comedic talents during “The Roast of Tom Brady” and starred in “Lift and Borderlands.”
Palmer starred in the buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC’s “Password.”
Dave Chappelle was to be honored with the president’s award for his “thought-provoking humor,” according to Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO.
Chappelle will be the first comedian to receive the honor. Past recipients include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.
DJ D-Nice was to honor music legend the late Quincy Jones, and Grammy winner Ledisi was set to perform alongside the Adam Blackstone Band.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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2025 NAACP Image Awards: ‘Six Triple Eight’ Wins Big – Complete Winners List
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Kerry Washington accepts the Outstanding Actress in a … [+]
The historical drama The Six Triple Eight won Oustanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Kerry Washington, while Keke Palmer was named Entertainer of the Year at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Saturday night in Los Angeles.
Earlier in the week, The Six Triple Eight won the NAACP Image Awards for Best Motion Picture Ensemble, while Ebony Obsidian for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance for the film.
Also at Saturday’s ceremony, Martin Lawrence won the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Among the special honors Saturday night, former Vice President Kamala Harris received the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award.
Harris was cheered on throughout her 4 1/2 minute acceptance speech, which she concluded by saying, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”
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Comedy icon Dave Chappelle was also honored at the event Saturday night with the NAACP President’s Award, while the Wayans Family—Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.—were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.
Additionally, Jotaka Eaddy was honored with the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors event on Friday night.
Saturday marked the conclusion of a week of celebrations for the 56th NAACP Image Awards. Saturday night’s celebration was preceded by the organization’s Creative Honors event, which was not televised. Saturday’s NAACP Image Awards celebration was broadcast on CBS and BET.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards, which were hosted by comedian Deon Cole, were held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
Below is a complete list of honors handed out at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Keke Palmer and Dave Chappelle attend the 56th NAACP Image … [+]
Entertainer of the Year
Keke Palmer
Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year
Shirley Raines
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Ebony Obsidian, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Nicole Avant, … [+]
Outstanding Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Martin Lawrence — Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Kerry Washington — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Samuel L. Jackson — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Sing Sing (A24)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian —The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
Blue Ivy Carter — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
Superman Doesn’t Steal
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture
Skylar Aleece Smith — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
Jomo Fray — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
How to Sue the Klan
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
Paul Tazewell — Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Makeup (Television or Film)
Debi Young — Shirley (Netflix)
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
Lawrence Davis — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis accept the Outstanding Comedy Series Award … [+]
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Damon Wayans Jr. — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Danielle Pinnock — Ghosts (CBS)
Outstanding Drama Series
Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Queen Latifah — The Equalizer (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Cliff “Method Man” Smith — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Lynn Whitfield — The Chi (Paramount+)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
Aaron Pierre — Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
Naturi Naughton — Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie (Lifetime)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
Samuel L. Jackson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
The ReidOut (MSNBC)
Outstanding Talk Series
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Original Score for Television/Motion Picture
Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack) (Walt Disney Records)
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)
Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (Netflix)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Outstanding Performance By A Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie Or Limited–Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries — Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Joy Reid — The Reidout (MSNBC)
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Keke Palmer — Password (NBC)
Outstanding Guest Performance
Marlon Wayans — Bel-Air (Peacock)
Outstanding Animated Series
Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Cree Summer — Rugrats (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction /Documentary
The Prince of Death Row Records (YouTube TV)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 01: Doechii performs onstage during the 67th GRAMMY Awards … [+]
Outstanding New Artist
Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding Male Artist
Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding International Song
“Hmmm” — Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
Outstanding Album
Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Wicked: The Soundtrack (Republic Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Working for Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding Jazz Album
Portrait — Samara Joy (Verve Records)
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Crystal Jenkins — No Good Deed – “Letters of Intent” (Netflix)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Ben Watkins — Cross – “Hero Complex” (Amazon Prime Video)
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Tiffany Johnson — How to Die Alone – “Trust No One” (Hulu)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Rapman — Supacell – “Supacell” (Netflix)
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special
Tina Mabry — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Dawn Porter — Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Fawn Weaver speaks at Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2024 on … [+]
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
One of Us Knows: A Thriller — Alyssa Cole (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction
Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest — Fawn Weaver (Melcher Media Inc.)
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
Grown Woman — Sarai Johnson (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America — JoyAnn Reid (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair — Tomesha Faxio (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets — Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown and Company)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator) (Zonderkidz – HarperCollins)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York — Samarra St. Hilaire (Samarra St. Hilaire)
Outstanding Graphic Novel
Punk Rock Karaoke — Bianca Xunise (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Kym Whitley accepts the Outstanding Podcast Arts, Sports and Entertainment Award for “Two Funny … [+]
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
Native Land Pod (iHeartPodcasts, Reasoned Choice Media)
Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast
We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Productions)
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
Club Shay Shay (Shay Shay Media & The Volume)
Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast
Two Funny Mamas (Mocha Podcasts Network)
Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
Stranded (Broadway Video)
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Cynthia Erivo Puts a Wickedly Stylish Twist on the Pinstripe Suit for the NAACP Image Awards
The ‘Wicked’ star is up for two awards at this year’s ceremony
GILBERT FLORES/VARIETY VIA GETTY
Cynthia Erivo meant business with her latest red carpet look!
On Saturday, Feb. 22, the actress and singer, 38, stepped out to the 2025 NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Center in California wearing a pinstripe power suit. Her sharp look featured a long, double-breasted black blazer with white stripes and matching black pants with a subtle flare.
Underneath the blazer, Erivo wore a crisp white dress shirt with a black tie. The Wicked star accessorized with three pins on the lapel: a red flower with a silver stem, a gold and silver cross and a gold star-like design. She also wore chainlink earrings and a pair of black sunglasses.
GILBERT FLORES/VARIETY VIA GETTY
The actress had her signature long nails on display, this time decorated with elaborate white and black designs with swirls of different shades of green as well as rhinestones.
Erivo is up for two awards at the awards show: entertainer of the year and outstanding actress in a motion picture for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked.
GILBERT FLORES/VARIETY VIA GETTY
The Broadway star is known for her head-turning fashion moments and dramatic acrylic nails. At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Feb. 7, Erivo continued her recent red carpet streak in a skin-baring Armani Privé Haute Couture black gown that appeared to consist of a low-cut peplum vest with beaded embellishments and a column skirt. She complemented the ensemble with a dreamy take on the classic French tip style featuring pastel blue accents and gold embellishments.
FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY
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On Sunday, Feb. 16, Erivo stepped out to the 2025 BAFTA Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall. She wore a custom figure-hugging white Louis Vuitton dress with a floral lace pattern and statement neckline. The actress accessorized with an array of dazzling Tiffany & Co. jewels and, of course, a manicure to match.
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This has been a big week for Erivo. On Feb, 19, the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League announced that she would host the 2025 Tony Awards.
“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” she said in a statement. “I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”
On Feb. 18, it was announced that the Tony winner will play the role of Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl’s 2025 production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Erivo expressed excitement for her new role on her Instagram Stories. “Just a little busy this summer,” she wrote alongside a wink face emoji. “Can’t wait!!”
Per the Hollywood Bowl website, the show will run from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3. While other cast members will be announced at a later date, the production will be directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo. Stephen Oremus will also conduct and direct the music.
