Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, the NAACP Image Awards continue to be a shining beacon of Black excellence when it comes to highlighting creatives and projects other awards shows tend to overlook. This year's nominees include Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, Usher, Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, and Keke Palmer - all up for Entertainer of the Year, the ceremony's top prize.
Honorary awards will be bestowed at the ceremony, with winners revealed during the two-hour live TV special, airing March 16 on BET and CBS from the Shrine Auditorium. The ceremony will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories March 11-14 and will stream via naacpimageawards.net.
Keke Palmer, who has four nominations, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, 'It is such an honor to be recognized for doing something that you love.' Palmer's nominations span various categories, showcasing her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.
Kyle Bowser, senior VP of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, emphasized the significance of the Image Awards in celebrating meaningful and entertaining work that reflects the contributions of the Black community to culture. He highlighted the show's role in showcasing the depth and breadth of Black talent in the entertainment industry.
The NAACP Image Awards also address pay equity and on-screen representation issues for Black performers, distinguishing itself from other award shows by its nonprofit nature. Robin Harrison, VP of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, underscored the organization's commitment to honoring individuals who may have been overlooked in the past.
NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson expressed hope that the awards show will continue to shape a cultural narrative that promotes a more representative landscape in the entertainment industry and society at large. Johnson emphasized the awards show's role in recognizing outstanding contributions from diverse communities and driving positive change towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
