The 54th annual NAACP Image Awards are rolling out this week to nominees spanning more than 80 categories, celebrating the achievements of a wide range of Black entertainers, authors, activists and more.
With works such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” (Disney+), and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album—just a few examples—2022 reigned in an abundance of exceptional Black creations. The live broadcast on Feb. 25. will be hosted by none other than the Queen Latifah, setting the stage for yet another great year of celebrating Black excellence.
As awards continue to be announced, here are some notable wins so far.
Jennifer Hudson–Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Coming back from winning Entertainer of the Year in 2022, Jennifer Hudson continues to captivate audiences with her award-winning talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
Quinta Brunson–Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Quinta Brunson remains a force to be reckoned with as she continues to achieve rapid success with TV show, “Abbott Elementary.” She’s also nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Entertainer of the Year, which only has female nominees this year!
Her co-writer Brittani Nichols-who is also a producer, comedian and actress-won the Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for the episode “Student Transfer,” on “Abbott Elementary.”
Bethann Hardison–Vanguard Award
Model and activist Bethann Hardison always pushed for diversity in the global fashion industry, being one of the first Black women in her profession. She founded the Black Girls Coalition in the late 80s to uplift models of color.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)–Outstanding Animated Series
Disney’s “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” continues to push boundaries in cartoon television and promotes diversity, inclusion and social justice. Actress Kyla Pratt also won Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television) for voicing Penny Proud.
Ja’Siah Young–Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Ja’Siah Young is only 11 years old, but his acting resume is more impressive than many adults. He was awarded for his portrayal of Dion in the Netflix series, “Raising Dion.”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”–Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture & Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” continues to show blockbuster success in all aspects, winning two awards so far and still being nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture. On top of that, actors (including Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett and Lupita Nyong’o), director (Ryan Coogler), and stylists from the movie are also nominees across 11 categories.
Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union-Wade–President’s Award
Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade are recognized for their achievements in promoting social justice through their social media platforms.
Viola Davis–Outstanding Literary Work-Non-Fiction
Viola Davis received the NAACP Image Award for her memoir, “Finding Me,” which tells her story of growing up poor in Rhode Island to becoming a worldwide sensation.
Michael K. Williams–Outstanding Literary Work-Biography/Autobiography
The late Michael K. Williams was posthumously awarded for his memoir, “Scenes From My Life,” with Jon Sternfeld.
Beyoncé–Outstanding Female Artist/Outstanding Album/Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
Named a record-breaker in 2021 with the most NAACP Image Awards ever won, Queen B never fails her crown as she brings in three more awards this year.
