Black excellence. That’s the only way to describe the week’s worth of events leading up to the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards that took place last Saturday in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium.
Packed to capacity, the invitation-only event echoed the pride the assembled participants felt as they gathered to celebrate the continued power of Black culture. Queen Latifah hosted the awards ceremony aired live on BET and she did it beautifully!
Usher was named Entertainer of the Year at the awards, which highlighted works by entertainers and writers of color.
Usher made it clear that he was standing in the glow of gratitude. After accepting his award, the superstar R&B singer spoke about that as he reflected on his successful career that has lasted three decades. He listed many of his recent big moments, which included his sold-out residency in Las Vegas, getting married, releasing his ninth studio album “Coming Home,” and his Super Bowl halftime performance, which became the most-watched in the game’s history.
“I don’t know how many people do that much stuff in one setting,” Usher said in being presented the award by Oprah Winfrey. After being surprised by Winfrey’s presence, the multi-Grammy winner thanked those who have supported him throughout the years.
“This is for you, you, my number ones,” the singer said as the audience repeated his words back to him. The final words of his speech were lyrics from “Superstar,” his hit from his 2004 album “Confessions,” which sold more than 10 million units in the U.S.
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President’s Award for his public service achievements through his nonprofit Usher’s New Look. He thanked the strong women in his life, including his mother and his wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl halftime performance last month. “They say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman,” he said.
Also nominated in the Entertainer of the Year category were Oscar nominees Colman Domingo and actresses Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer.
Fantasia Barrino won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for portraying Celiel in “The Color Purple” at the NAACP Image Awards.
“The Color Purple” was awarded Best Motion Picture. The musical film featured a star-studded cast, including Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Domingo, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, and Bailey.
“I didn’t prepare a speech, because I didn’t think I was going to win,” Barrino said. “I was afraid to play Celie, but I’m glad I did. Because I kept saying, ‘If I don’t win an award, the awards that I will win will come from the people who watched ‘Color Purple’ and the women who will relate to her and feel like Oscars when they walk out.’”
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
“We stand here in brotherhood,” said Michael Bivins. The Grammy-nominated group includes Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe, and Ricky Bell. “You’ve seen our story. You know what we’ve been through,” said Bivins, who spoke about the group overcoming conflict and tension in their earlier years to now holding a residency in Las Vegas.
“But we call each other every day,” he said. “We text each other every day. We check on our families. You watched us grow up. We’re still growing.”
Damson Idris won Best Actor in a Drama Television Series for his role in “Snowfall.” Henson and Domingo took home best supporting roles in “The Color Purple.” Domingo also won Best Actor in a motion picture for his role in “Rustin.”