Image source: by author via BET Youtube in-video screenshot
The NAACP Image Awards returned to honor Black Artists showcasing our history and the uplifting value of progressive change. For the first time in three years, the awards held a week-long celebration of excellence that culminated in a televised ceremony. The ceremony, which honored entertainers, athletes, and writers of color, was hosted by Queen Latifah and kicked off the night with an opening monologue honoring Black women.
Nicco Annan aka Uncle Clifford, knabbed the first award of the night, winning outstanding actor in a drama series for ‘P Valley’. The win marked his second nomination and has now landed him his first-ever NAACP Image award.
Angela Bassett was the top winner taking outstanding actress in a drama series and the top prize for Entertainer of the Year. The category made history with all five nominees for the first time being women with the other nominees being Mary J. Blige, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis, and Zendaya.
Bassett led the way for the Marvel sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ which won best motion picture – like four years ago. The newly minted EGOT – Viola Davis, took home the award for outstanding actress in a Motion Picture for ‘The Woman King’.
One of the big surprises of the night was Will Smith winning the outstanding actor award for ‘Emancipation’. The actor was not in attendance so category presenter Janelle Monáe accepted on his behalf.
WNBA star Brittney Griner made a surprise appearance with her wife Cherelle Griner to roaring applause. This was her first official public appearance since her release from a Russian prison. Griner thanked everyone and made a call to continue fighting for detainees overseas.
That moment when Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle Griner took the stage at the 54th #NAACPImageAwards to roaring applause.👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/lDkqHWokrR
— NAACP (@NAACP) February 26, 2023
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade were honored with President’s Award and delivered speeches honoring their daughter Zaya Wade. Other special honorees included Serena Williams, who was honored with the Jackie Robinson Sports Award.
Benjamin Crump an unapologetic defender of Black life, Black liberty, and Black humanity, received the Social Justice Impact Award. The civil rights attorney delivered an impassioned speech and called us to action against injustice, inequality, and discrimination. Crump concluded his speech, “…Because if we don’t fight for our children’s future, we can’t expect anybody else to fight for our children’s future. And we as a people care to fight for our children’s future until hell freeze’s over. And then we have to be ready to fight on the ice.”
As you can tell, I stacked a lot in… because how can you choose when you’re celebrating this much Black excellence in one room!
