On Saturday, NAACP and BET honored Black excellence in music, television, film, and sports across more than 70 categories at the “54th NAACP Image Awards”.
Hosted by artist, actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah, the iconic show aired live at 8 pm ET/ PT on BET live from the Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium in Pasadena.
NAACP and BET honored Black excellence in music, television, film, and sports across more than 70 categories at the “54th NAACP Image Awards”.
Host Queen Latifah opened the “54th NAACP Image Awards” with the liberating number “I’m Gonna Live Til I Die”. The Queen of Rao was also recognized Brittney Griner who made a special appearance onstage with her wife, Cherelle.
Attorney Benjamin Crump was honored with the Social Justice Impact Award by Tracee Ellis Ross.
Will Smith took home the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in Emancipation.
Viola Davis took the stage to accept her award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, presented by Issa Rae and Jonathan Majors.
Abbott Elementary cast members Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James presented the Outstanding Actor in a Drama series award to Nicco Annan for his role in P-Valley (STARZ).
23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was honored with the prestigious Jackie Robinson Sports Award by actress Kerry Washington.
Actors Damson Idris and Cliff “Method Man” Smith presented Angela Bassett with her award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
Chairman’s Award recipient Congressman Bennie Thompson was recognized for his advocacy efforts with a speech by NAACP Chairman Leon Russell.
The Best Man: The Final Chapters cast (Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard) presented the Abbott Elementary cast with their award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Bradley Ross Jackson and Derrick Lee Foward were recognized for their Youth Activist of the Year and Activist of the Year awards.
President’s Awards recipients Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade dedicated their award to their daughter Zaya after being honored by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast graced the stage to accept their award for Outstanding Motion Picture, presented by Zendaya.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” continued a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.
To close out the night, Angela Bassett received a standing ovation as she took home her award for Entertainer of the Year.
Presented by presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by Bank of America, Gushers, and Google among others, The 54th NAACP Image Awards” simulcast across Paramount Global networks including BET HER, CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, POP TV, Smithsonian, TV Land, and VH1.
