52nd NAACP Image Awards
There was no in-person attendance at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards. The ceremony was hosted for the eighth time by the master of this ceremony, Anthony Anderson, and was simulcast live across multiple platforms.
The 52nd NAACP Image Awards honored the outstanding achievements of people of color in motion pictures, television, music, and literature during 2020. There are more than 40 categories of the Image Awards and they are voted on by members of the NAACP with a few categories open to public voting. Honorary awards are also included.
Anthony Anderson came to the stage and welcomed the viewing audience to the show. The nominees appeared on-screen virtually. He said we have been through a lot this past year, Corona, and crazy. He said he is a proud alumnus of Howard University and said he loves everything about Kamala Harris, ‘No one of you better say nothing bad about Kamala Harris around me.” She has got the toughest job in the world.”
The broadcast opened with President Joe Biden saying he is a lifetime member of the NAACP. He also introduced Kamala Harris. “As a nation, we are at a major turning point.” She pointed to the accomplishment of getting more than 100 million vaccine shots in arms. They ended this open when they both said, “Welcome to the 52nd NAACP Image Awards.”
Anthony introduced Misty Copeland who spoke about how it has never been easy for Black ballet dancers. She announced the nominees for the first category, Outstanding Actor, Drama Series. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Regé-Jean Page for Bridgerton. All the nominees were on screen at the same time when he was announced the winner. He was shocked, thrilled, and honored to win.
Anthony introduced Cynthia Erivo and Andra Day who announced the nominees for the Outstanding Actress, Drama Series. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Viola Davis for How to Get Away with Murder. “It was the joy and journey of my life.” She thanked Shonda Rhimes. “Thank you for the ride of my life. Thank you, NAACP.” Her husband tried to give her a kiss, but she was too excited about the win and missed it.
Jasmine Sullivan performed Pick Up Your Feelings.
Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP announced the President’s Award for activist and more than an athlete, LeBron James. LeBron said he wished he could be standing to accept the award. He was nursing an injury and he was following doctors’ orders. He thanked the NAACP and said this delves into everything that he is apart of. LeBron spoke of many of the organizations he supports for students and young people and ended his acceptance speech with, “Congratulations to everyone there.”
Tracy Morgan was the next presenter. He announced the nominees for Outstanding Actress, Comedy Series from the Apollo Theater. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Issa Rae for Insecure. Issa said, “Thank you to Tracee Ellis Ross for losing.” She thanked HBO, the NAACP, and the entire team.
The next presenter was Lin-Manuel Miranda. He announced the nominees for the Audubon Theatre in New York. The category, Outstanding Actress, Motion Picture. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Viola Davis for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. She caught her husband’s kiss this time. She thanked the entire cast by name and ended her acceptance speech with, “To the beautiful Chadwick Boseman. I love you Chad.”
Michelle Obama celebrated Stacy Abrams, winner of the Social Justice Impact Award. Her video followed her incredible career for a young woman to the powerhouse she is today. Michelle Obama said, “Her courage is contagious.” “It’s my honor to present this award to the unstoppable Stacy Abrams.” Stacy Abrams said, “I give thanks to those who came before.” “I share this award with all those who champion democracy.” “Thank you again for this incredible honor.”
Anthony went to Watts for Regina King to announce the nominees for Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. His wife gave an acceptance speech for Chadwick. Simone Boseman was already in tears when she began her acceptance speech. She pleaded with viewers to get screened for colon cancer. “Please get screened.” “This disease is preventable.” As she wiped her tears. It was heartbreaking.
Leon W. Russell, the Chairman of the NAACP announced the winner of the 52nd NAACP Chairman Award from Atlanta. The award went to Reverend James Lawson know for promoting non-violent activism.
The In-Memoriam segment was introduced by Anthony and began with Cicely Tyson, David Dinkins, Andre Harrell, Prince Markie Dee, Bill Withers, and many more, and ended with Chadwick Boseman.
Arsenio Hall was the appropriate presenter of the Hall of Fame Award to Eddie Murphy. “He’s my best friend so of course I’m a little bias.” “It is my honor to present the Hall of Fame Award to my friend, Eddie Murphy.” Eddie accepted from his home in front of a fireplace, “I’ve been making movies for 40 years now.” “Thank you very much I am very moved.”
Anthony introduced Maxwell’s video performance of Ascension.
Samuel L. Jackson presented from Morehouse College in Atlanta. He said he was expelled in 1969 and readmitted and got his degree in 1972. Outstanding Motion Picture was his category. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to Bad Boys for Life. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence accepted and said it was almost 30 years ago when they made the first one, and they will try to get one more before they are the sad boys.
The final award of the evening was presented by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. They presented from a Black-owned bookstore. The category, Entertainer of the Year. The 52nd NAACP Image Award went to D-Nice.
The 52nd NAACP Image Awards broadcast was well done. Anthony still reigns supreme. Congratulations to all the winners.
Tanya Hart
AURN.Com Hollywood Live
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