The NAACP and BET honoured Black excellence in music, television, and film across 90 categories at the “55th NAACP Image Awards”.
The “Me & U” hitmaker, Tems, bagged the “Outstanding International Song” award, marking her fourth NAACP Image Awards win. More Nigerians earned awards as Davido and Lojay won the category for “Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)” with their track “Sensational” from their collaboration with Chris Brown.
In the Literary Category, Aleema Omotoni emerged as the winner of the “Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens” award with her novel “Everyone’s Thinking It”.
The novel tells the story of two Nigerian cousins, Iyanu and Kitan, who are thrown into the middle of a schoolwide conspiracy when everyone’s juicy relationship secrets are released the week before the annual Valentine’s Day Ball.
British-Nigerian actor, Damson Idris, also won in the “Television + Streaming Category” for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” for his phenomenal role as Franklin Saint in the American crime drama television series, “Snowfall”.
Rising star, Ayo Edebiri also makes her third win into the NAACP Image Awards with the “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for playing the role of Sydney Adamu in “The Bear”.
Hosted by GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist, critically acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah (series star/executive producer of The Equalizer, CBS), the legendary show aired live on Sunday, 17 March at 19:00 WAT on BET Africa (DStv channel 129 & GOtv channel 21) from the Shrine Auditorium.
Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Mike Epps, Quinta Brunson, The Color Purple, Usher and more took top honors. Special awards recipients delivered moving speeches, including Amanda Gorman, New Edition, and Usher.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the “55th NAACP Image Awards” continues its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values.
Speaking on the African award winners, Senior Vice President of Paramount Africa and Peer Lead, BET International, Monde Twala, said, “We are immensely proud to illuminate the outstanding achievements of African talent being recognized on a global stage like the NAACP Image Awards.
This year’s wins by Tems, Davido, Ayo Edebiri, Lojay, Aleema Omotoni, and Damson Idris are a testament to the incredible artistry and storytelling that emanates from Africa, and at BET, we are fully committed to championing authentic African stories and talents to the global audience.”
The “55th Image Awards” Show Highlights Include:
- Blue Bloods (CBS) star and New Kids on the Block singer Donnie Wahlberg inducted New Edition into the NAACP Hall of Fame.
- Keke Palmer and Lil Rel Howery presented Quinta Brunson with her award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Abbott Elementary (ABC) and Mike Epps for his award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Upshaws (Netflix).
- Damson Idris accepted his award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series with a heartfelt and humourous speech.
- For host Queen Latifah’s birthday, American Fiction actress and Living Single (FOX) co-star Erika Alexander directed the audience to sing Happy Birthday, led by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.
- Colman Domingo took home the awards for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Rustin and The Color Purple, respectively.
- Chairman’s Award recipient Amanda Gorman delivered a powerful poetic speech while accepting her award, presented by NAACP Chairman Leon Russell.
- Fantasia Barrino took the stage to accept her award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, presented by Idris and Sabrina Elba.
- President’s Awards recipient Usher honored his mom and the Black community during his speech after being honored by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
- The Color Purple cast graced the stage to accept their award for Outstanding Motion Picture, presented by UnPrisoned (Hulu) stars Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo.
- To close out the night, Usher took home his award for Entertainer of the Year, presented by Oprah Winfrey in a surprise appearance.
NAACP also recognized winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually March 11-13 on www.naacpimageawards.net and at the Awards Dinner on March 14. 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 (presenting sponsor), 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.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood.
Previous years’ attendees and winners include Tems, Wizkid, Trevor Noah, Angela Bassett, Zendaya, 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, 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.
The complete list of winners for the “55th NAACP Image Awards” are:
RECORDING CATEGORIES
Outstanding International Song
“Me & U” – Tems
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
“Sensational” – Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay
Outstanding Jazz Album
“Brand New Life” – Brandee Younger
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard feat. Anthony Brown
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
“Father’s Day” – Kirk Franklin
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
“How We Roll” – Ciara feat. Chris Brown
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
“The Color Purple – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – Various Producers
Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” – Jongnic Bontemps
Outstanding Male Artist
“Good Good” – USHER with 21 Savage x Summer Walker
Outstanding Female Artist
“The Journey” – H.E.R.
Outstanding New Artist
“Jaguar II” – Victoria Monét
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
Outstanding Album
“Jaguar II” – Victoria Monét
TELEVISION + STREAMING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Damson Idris – Snowfall
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
India Ria Amarteifio – Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Mike Epps – The Upshaws
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 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 Actor in a Comedy Series
William Stanford Davis – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
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 Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries – “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Outstanding Animated Series
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder S2”
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Michelle Buteau – “Survival of the Thickest”
Outstanding Guest Performance
Michael B. Jordan – “Saturday Night Live”
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
“A Black Lady Sketch Show”
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
DC Young Fly – “Celebrity Squares”
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)
“Wild ‘N Out”
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“20/20” – Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water – A Conversation with Robin Roberts
Outstanding Children’s Program
“Gracie’s Corner”
Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series
Leslie Jones – “The Daily Show After The Cut”
Outstanding Short Form Series – Comedy or Drama
“Doggyland”
Outstanding Short Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction
“I Was A Soul Train Dancer”
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Kyla Pratt – “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”
LITERARY CATEGORIES
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“Everyone’s Thinking It” – Aleema Omotoni
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“Family Lore” – Elizabeth Acevedo
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
“The New Brownies’ Book” – Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“Rootless” – Krystle Zara Appiah
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
“Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement” – Dr. Tanisha C. Ford
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“Historically Black Phrases: From ‘I Ain’t One of Your Lil’ Friends’ to ‘Who All Gon’ Be There?’” – Jarett Hill, Tre’vell Anderson
Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel
“The Talk” – Darrin Bell
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Suddenly We” – Evie Shockley
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora” – Kahran Bethencourt
COSTUME DESIGN, MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Carol Rasheed, Saisha Beecham, Ngozi Olandu Young, Manny Davila, Milene Melendez
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Lawrence Davis, Tym Wallace, Andrea Mona Bowen, Angela Renae Dyson, Jorge Benitez Villalobos
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Usher
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY
Angel Laketa Moore
MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture
The Color Purple
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Colman Domingo – Rustin
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Colman Domingo – The Color Purple
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Taraji P. Henson – The Color Purple
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi – The Color Purple
Outstanding Youth Performance (Motion Picture)
Mila Davis-Kent – Creed III
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Brother
Outstanding Cinematography in a Feature Film
Eric K. Yue – “A Thousand and One”
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Blitz Bazawule – “The Color Purple”
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“Brother”
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
“The Color Purple”
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
“Creed III”
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
“The After”
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
“Lil’ Ruby”
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)
Issa Rae – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
DOCUMENTARY CATEGORIES
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
“High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
“Invisible Beauty”
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
“Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games”
WRITING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Cord Jefferson – American Fiction
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Norman Vance Jr. – “Saturdays”
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Carla Banks-Waddles – “Bel-Air”
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Dwayne Johnson-Cochran – “Heist 88”
DIRECTING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Ava DuVernay – Origin
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
neema barnette – “GRAND CREW”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Dawn Wilkinson – “Power Book II: Ghost”
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
Chris Robinson – “Shooting Stars”
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Allen Hughes – “Dear Mama”
PODCAST CATEGORIES
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
“Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams”
Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
“Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast”
Outstanding Podcast – Scripted Series
“Yes We Cannabis”
Outstanding Arts, Sports and Entertainment Podcast
“Here’s The Thing”
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
“The 85 South Show with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean”
Outstanding Lifestyle / Self-Help Podcast
“Black Money Tree”
BROADCAST RESTRICTIONS
News programs and services may excerpt portions of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” telecast during the seven days following the broadcast premiere on March 16, 2024, solely for reporting about the “55th NAACP Image Awards” as an event and subject to the following conditions.
Broadcast Restrictions:
- Up to three minutes in total, but no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance, may be used within the period ending the first day following the telecast.
- Up to one minute in total, not separate from the three minutes referenced above and no more than thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used within the period of the second through seventh days following the telecast.
- Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of NAACP/BET”.
Online Restrictions:
- Otherwise, up to thirty seconds of any single moment or performance may be used as part of a wrap-up package through the seventh day following the telecast (For purposes of clarification you may NOT use portions of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” as standalone video assets).
- Any display, exhibition or performance of the material must be accompanied by the chyron, “Courtesy of NAACP/BET”, and a link to www.bet.com
