50th NAACP Image Awards
The 50th NAACP Image Awards aired live on TV One from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California. black-ish star, Anthony Anderson hosted the awards for the 6th consecutive year.
Anthony opened by welcoming everyone to the awards and “showing what Black excellence really looks like.” “It is our golden anniversary celebration.” He called out Maxine Waters in the audience for her strength throughout the years, and he added, “And ain’t a damn thing changed.”
He mentioned Princess Meghan Markle and said, “We finally landed a sister in Buckingham Place.” He congratulated Gayle King for demonstrating her great interview skills during her R. Kelly interview, and he added, “Robert.”
He saluted Michael B. Johnson, and said, “He’s had an amazing year.” And then he joked about the number of awards Sterling K. Brown wins.
He went on to John Legend and congratulated him. He’s an EGOT, the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony. John is one of only 15 people who have gained the honor.
“Give it up for Black Panther.” “The highest grossing superhero movie of all time.” And Anthony added, “People you can’t visit Wakanda.”
Anthony also called out racism and said that’s why tonight is so important. “A way for us to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go.”
Next up Trevor Noah took over and said the NAACP Image Awards made him believe he could make it in show business. He introduced a video of highlights looking back over 50 years of moments from the NAACP Image Awards.
Kate Beckinsale and Black Panther actress Danai Gurira introduced the category of
Chadwick opened his acceptance speech with, “You know they say Black people always thank God when they win, and I’m not going to let you down.”
“It’s a beautiful time in Black film making.”
They started to play him off and he said, “I don’t care, because I can do it through the music.” The next category was Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, and the NAACP Image Award went to Taraji P. Henson for Empire. She couldn’t attend the awards, so it was accepted on her behalf.
Mike Epps and Tika Sumpter presented the award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, and the NAACP trophy went to Anthony Anderson. His 14th nomination and his 5th win for his role on black-ish. Anthony brought his mother to the stage and gave his award to her in thanks for everything she’s done for him. Anthony then told his mother to wrap it up, and she said, “OK bye.”
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series was the next category, and the NAACP Image Award went to Omari Hardwick for Power. This was his 6th nomination and his second win. “Hey, you ‘all beautiful Black people.” “I’ll keep rocking for you ‘all. God bless you.”
The NAACP Chairman’s Award went to Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “Who is fearless, and no one is a better advocate for women and the poor.” She is also the first woman to serve as Chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee.
Champion of change and noted for reclaiming her time, congratulations to the
“If you come for me, I’m coming for you.” The audience gave her a standing ovation.
Maxine ended her acceptance speech with several powerful statements, “I haven’t forgotten about 45.” “I still think he needs to be impeached.” “I have the gavel and subpoena power and I’m not afraid to use it.
The next category was Outstanding Album of the Year, and the NAACP Image Award went to Ella Mai. She was also not in attendance and the award was accepted for her.
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series went to Tracee Ellis Ross. Her 17th nomination and her 8th win, her 5th for black-ish. She mentioned her mom, Diana Ross’ 75th birthday. “I am my mom’s baby.” “My mom is 75 and I’m so grateful for the pathway she made for me and all of us.” As she fought back tears by the end of her acceptance speech.
Chris Rock took the stage to loud applause. He said he was told no Jussie Smollett jokes. “What a waste of light skin.” “What the hell was he thinking?” His category was Outstanding Comedy Series, and the NAACP Image Award went to black-ish. The whole cast took the stage and Tracee and Anthony asked the TV kids to do the acceptance speech.
Actor Jimmy O. Yang from Crazy Rich Asians knocked out all the Asian stereotypes before he announced the nominations for the category of Outstanding Motion Picture.
David Alan Grier said his father introduced him to the NAACP when he was 8 years old, as he began his speech to celebrate Ne-Yo. Ne-Yo has 14 Grammy nominations and 3 Grammy wins. He won The Black and Positive Music Honor.
He brought his three young children to the stage. He said he started playing music to get rid of pent up energy when he was young. He also said he brought his kids up to, “Show you the reason I do what I do.” “Maybe one of them will be up here winning an award one day.”
Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Kamala Harris were also in attendance and took the stage together. Sen. Harris said they were there together to
Sen. Booker said, “We have got to pay it forward and speak out and take action.” He encouraged everyone to go to NAACP.org and get started.
The NAA
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP presented this year’s NAACP President’s Award to Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. “It’s not the amount of years in your life, it’s the amount of life in your years that counts.” He dedicated the award to his grandmother Hattie White who is 91 years old and raised 7 kids. He also dedicated it to his wife Beyoncé.
Outstanding Drama Series went to Power.
The In Memoriam segment paying tribute to all the talent we have lost was very powerful as the memories rolled over the voice of Aretha Franklin singing Let It Be.
Donna Brazile introduced the NAACP Vanguard Award and congratulated Tom Joyner with the honor as he stood beside her on the stage. “My journey started in Tuskegee.” “At the end of this year, I will be retiring from radio.” “Thank you, NAACP.”
Vin Diesel introduced the Outstanding Motion Picture category and thanked the NAACP for unwavering support and said, “Because for decades you were the only one.” The NAACP Image Award went to Black Panther. Danai Gurira ended the cast acceptance speech by saying, “We’re just getting started.” The audience gave them a standing ovation.
Viola Davis announced the nominees for the NAACP Entertainer of the Year Award and the trophy went to Beyoncé. She has a total of 19 nominations and 8 wins, and this was her second for Entertainer of the Year. “Thank you so much. I am so honored.” She celebrated all the other nominees in the category and said she was honored to be included with them all.
Jay-Z smiled big and Anthony closed the show by saying, “I’ve got the gavel and I ain’t afraid to use it.”
Congratulation to all of the 50th NAACP Image Awards winners!
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Tanya Hart
