49th NAACP Image Awards
The fifth time was the charm for black-ish star Anthony Anderson as he hosted the 49th NAACP Image Awards live from Pasadena, California on TV One.
The evening celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr by honoring him on his day. It was the first time the Image Awards aired on MLK Day.
Anthony opened the 49th NAACP Image Awards by joking it was, “Oprah for president headquarters” and said, “Now that’s what you call a stable genius.”
He also said Oprah wouldn’t want to be president, “Why would she move to a smaller house.”
He mentioned the Confederate statues coming down and said, “Put big blacker statues up.”
He also said, “Donald Trump is opening a civil wrong museum.”
Anthony then joked about Tyrese and his social media meltdown over his daughter and said that wasn’t funny before then joked that it really was funny.
He mentioned Meghan Markle and said, “Princess Harry got jungle fever.”
He joked about Omarosa’s exit from the White House and how she’s getting 10 million dollars for a book deal. He joked, “Hasn’t that already been done. It’s called The Help.
Anthony then turned to host the show and said, “I do see the best and the brightest here together tonight.”
Kerry Washington, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Laverne Cox, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, and Angela Robinson delivered the first powerful message of the evening. Times up and get out and vote.
#TimesUp pic.twitter.com/tO5cu4v5sw
— TV One (@tvonetv) January 16, 2018
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture was the first category of the evening. The Image Award went to Octavia Spencer for Gifted. Octavia was not in attendance. It was an awkward moment.
Anthony Anderson won the Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for the fourth time. He thanked all the women in this life. “If I forgot anybody, charge it to my mind and not my heart.”
Chadwick Boseman, star of the Black Panther presented the award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, and the Image Award went to Taraji P. Henson. She was not in attendance, so he accepted the award for her.
Terry Crews and Jay Pharoah presented the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. The Image Award went to Tracee Ellis Ross for black-ish.
Omari Hardwick won Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Power.
Halle Berry received a standing ovation when she came out to present the Music Makes a Difference Award. She presented the award to Charlie Wilson. Nominated for 11 Grammy Awards, he was honored for his commitment to helping others through a prostate cancer organization. He also helps the homeless and those battling addiction.
He said, “I’ve been sober now for 22 years.” He wants to show the homeless that there is a way out.
He ended his acceptance speech by singing a few verses from his new song, I’m Blessed.
Outstanding Comedy Series Image Award went to black-ish for the fourth year. Tracee gave Jenifer Lewis a chance to speak, and something happened on their way off the stage. Anthony joked, “Just like my mother, can’t take her anywhere.”
Sanitation workers were honored as well. A nice moment for them. The NAACP Chairman Award went to William Lucy, the International Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for nearly 40 years.
Andra day and Common delivered a powerful performance with Stand Up For Something. They brought the audience to their feet and gave the Black Power fist at the end.
Danny Glover and Tanya Hart 49th NAACP Image Awards.
Derrick Johnson President and CEO of the NAACP presented the 2018 NAACP President’s Award to Danny Glover for his years of activism.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award” and he congratulated Bill Lucy as well.
He was moved and emotional throughout his acceptance speech and ended by thanking his wife.
The 49th NAACP Image Award for the Outstanding Drama Series went to Power.
The In Memoriam video followed. We always seem to lose a surprising number of people.
Sterling K. Brown presented the category of Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Image Award went of Daniel Kaluuya for Get Out. He was completely shocked. He said, “You think this is normal for me. This isn’t normal.” “You aren’t supposed to beat Denzel Washington in an award.” He also thanked many but made sure to thank Jordan Peele. They tried to play him off, but he joked he ain’t afraid of no music.
Michael B. Jordan of Black Panther presented the category of Outstanding Motion Picture. The Image Award went to Girls Trip. Shocker, but a good one.
Mary J. Blige presented the Entertainer of the Year Award and she said the audience determined the winner. The Image award went to Ava DuVernay. Her fourth nomination, and first win.
She said, “Please don’t play me off. I’ve got to say these names.” She mentioned as many names of other nominees as she could get out.
She ended her acceptance speech and closed the 49th NAACP Image Awards by reciting the words of Dr. King and said, “Live the dream.”
Great way to end the show.
Tanya Hart
Head over to Twitter to see my Red Carpet interviews starting with Jennifer Lewis.
#JenniferLewis part 2! @AURNOnline @tvonetv #ImageAwards pic.twitter.com/ECI7cxb3FY
— Tanya Hart (@TanyaHollywood) January 16, 2018
Follow me on Twitter at: @TanyaHollywood
