The 54th NAACP Image Awards brought out the best of the best in film, television, and more, on Saturday, Feb. 25. Queen Latifah, the host of the live broadcast on BET, delivered a riveting performance of the song “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” kicking off a number of gratifying appearances and victories.
As for winners, the Image Awards did not disappoint. Angela Bassett won in the category of “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series” for her role as Athena Grant on the procedural series 9-1-1, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. Now in its sixth season, the show is a fan-favorite that earned Bassett the title of highest paid Black actress in a broadcast drama.
The Image Awards also honored Bassett with the “Entertainer of the Year Award” presented by BET and Walmart.
A much-deserved Image trophy was bestowed on Viola Davis in the category of “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” for one of the most important films of 2022, The Woman King. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, The Woman King delivered a message of women empowerment through an ensemble cast that included Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and Thuso Mbedu.
Ryan Coogler and the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever received the award for “Outstanding Motion Picture.” Donning a cream-colored suit with a necklace containing a photo of Chadwick Boseman around his neck, Coogler thanked the NAACP, cast, and his beautiful wife. He also paid homage to Boseman during a sentimental moment, although music awkwardly began to play midway through his acceptance speech.
Black Panther actor Tenoch Huerta also won in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture,” amid a killer roster of contenders that included Aldis Hodge for Black Adam, Method Man for On the Come Up, Jalyn Hall for Till, and John Boyega for The Woman King.
P-Valley actor Nicco Annan was in for a major surprise when he was awarded the trophy for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.” The win was the first for Annan, who was nominated for the same category in 2021.
Annan plays the no-nonsense taking, strip club owner known as Uncle Clifford in the Mississippi based drama series. Equipped with the masterful storytelling of Katori Hall, along with a dynamic cast of up-and-comers including Shannon Thornton, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Brandee Evans, and Elarica Johnson, P-Valley has quickly become must-watch TV.
For a complete list of winners, click here. The NAACP Image Awards can be viewed on BET’s website or YouTube channel.
