NAACP Celebrates Nominees During the “55th NAACP Image Awards” Gala
LOS ANGELES – Tonight, the NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the "55th NAACP Image Awards" nominees and winners at the Awards Gala at the Hollywood Palladium. Hosted by Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning talk show host, actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd, the event recognized talented individuals nominated in 20 categories. Queen Latifah will host the "55th NAACP Image Awards" premiering LIVE on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The 55th NAACP Image Awards Gala kicked off with an invocation by Dr. Thema Bryant. The evening continued with welcome speeches from NAACP Chair Leon W. Russell and NAACP Vice Chair Karen Boykin-Towns. The board members congratulated the nominees and celebrated the incredible contributions of Black women of Hollywood during Women's History Month.
Tonight's winners include Chloe Bailey for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special for "Praise This,"Ayo Edebiri for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for "The Bear," William Stanford Davis for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Keith Powers for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special for "The Perfect Find," The Jennifer Hudson Show for Outstanding Talk Series, Sherri Shepherd for Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) for "SHERRI," Cord Jefferson for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture for "American Fiction," Ava DuVernay for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture for "Origin," and more.
Winners including Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who received an Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture for her role as Young Celie in "The Color Purple," delivered an impassioned speech about the importance of representation and giving Black creatives the platforms they deserve to not only make meaningful art, but also an impactful statement. When Sherri Shepherd tearfully accepted her award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, she reflected on all of the studio executives who dismissed her, refusing to watch her sizzle reel when she tried to pitch her talk show idea.
"It took me 23-plus years to get to the place," Shepherd said. "Sometimes you have to mature into the dream that you've been dreaming about."
During the evening, NAACP Hollywood Bureau Senior Vice President Kyle Bower announced a book publishing partnership with Amistad, a venerable commercial African American publisher and an imprint of HarperCollins. Through the partnership, HarperCollins and Amistad will publish two original books and a reprint of existing work with the NAACP. Additionally, Amistad will republish the most highly regarded self-published book nominated for the NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Literary categories, which will be chosen by an independent group of judges.
"We realize that we are in a season of censorship and book banning," said Bowser. "This partnership gives us an opportunity to encourage you to continue to tell our stories in a very forthright way. "
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson called on the star-studded audience to use their influence to help mobilize voters ahead of the presidential election.
"We cannot take our freedoms for granted. We must continue to fight for them, and to protect them, with everything we have," said Johnson. "The NAACP was founded for this fight. We are committed now and forever, but we cannot fight alone. We need your commitment. Alone we cannot win. Together, we cannot lose."
During the Awards Gala, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, was honored with the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, virtually presented by Prince William and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The award acknowledges and supports a new generation of leaders that are creating transformational change at the intersection of social justice and technology — working to advance civil and human rights. Singer-songwriter Shanice performed her 1991 hit single "I Love Your Smile,"and NAACP Award winning singer Kenny Lattimore performed his 1997 hit "For You." Frankie Beverly received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and in a lively tribute, Lalah Hathaway, Kenyon Dixon, Kenny Lattimore and Luke James performed several of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly favorites, including "Golden Time of Day," "We are One," "Joy and Pain" and before closing the show with "Before I Let Go."
The Gala featured appearances from presenters including Aisha Hinds, Aja Naomi King, Coco Jones, Courtney B. Vance, Druski, Gail Bean, Jarrell Jerome, Jawn Murray, Justice Smith, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Kevin Fredericks (KevOnStage), Lisa Beasley (Corporate Erin), Luke James, Nicco Annan, Nicole Byer, Patina Miller, Shameik Moore, and Wendell Pierce.
The full list of winners from tonight can be found below:
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Cord Jefferson - American Fiction
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Ava DuVernay - Origin
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Chloe Bailey - Praise This
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Keith Powers - The Perfect Find
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Swarm
Outstanding Talk Series
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Sherri Shepherd - Sherri
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Gail Bean - Snowfall
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Adrian Holmes - Bel-Air
Outstanding Drama Series
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgeton Story
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri - The Bear
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
William Stanford Davis - Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi - The Color Purple
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Youth Performance (Motion Picture)
Mila Davis-Kent - Creed III
Outstanding Social Media Personality
Angel Laketa Moore
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Phylicia Rashad - Heaven Down Here
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Don Cheadle - Secret Invasion
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Brother
Winners of the "55th NAACP Image Awards" will be revealed via telecast on March 16, 2024 on BET and CBS. NAACP also recognized winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually March 11-13 on www.naacpimageawards.net. For information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.
The "55th NAACP Image Awards" is supported by the following sponsors, Wells Fargo, Google, Bank of America, Gushers, FedEx, Airbnb, Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Diageo, Denny's, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. Our partners include: Bacardi, CVS Health, Entergy, Hyatt, Intuit, L'Oréal, Lyft, Planned Parenthood, SheaMoisture, Uncle Nearest, Spill and Variety Magazine.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the "55th NAACP Image Awards" will continue its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars. Previous years' attendees and winners include Angela Bassett, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Tems, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.
Instagram: @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook: /naacpimageaward
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race–based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP–LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
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NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis | NAACPImageAwards@ssmandl.com
Luis Defrank | luis.defrank@bet.net
Ariana Drummond | ImagePublicist@naacpnet.org