The 55th NAACP Image Awards kicked off with a virtual ceremony on Monday, honoring outstanding achievements in music, literature, and more by artists of color. The star-studded event, hosted by Khleo Thomas, unveiled the winners for various non-televised categories, setting the stage for the highly anticipated live broadcast on Saturday.
Night 1 Recognizes Musical Excellence
The night belonged to some of music’s biggest names. H.E.R. took home the award for Outstanding Female Artist, solidifying her place as a powerful vocalist and songwriter. Usher, a veteran in the industry, was named Outstanding Male Artist, while Megan Thee Stallion’s hit song “Cobra” earned her the recognition for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song.
Beyond these major categories, the ceremony acknowledged a diverse range of musical talent. Victoria Monét, a rising star, won Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Album for her project “Jaguar II.” International songstress Tems received the award for Outstanding International Song with “Me & U.” Gospel music was well-represented with Kirk Franklin’s “Father’s Day” winning Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album and Kierra Sheard’s “All Yours” featuring Anthony Brown taking home Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song.
Collaborations also took center stage. Ciara and Chris Brown’s “How We Roll” won Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional), while Chris Brown’s “Sensational” featuring Davido & Lojay received the award for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary).
Adding to the musical landscape, “The Color Purple – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” by Jongnic Bontemps were recognized for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album and Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film respectively.
Literary Accolades Shine a Light on Diverse Voices
The NAACP Image Awards also acknowledged the power of storytelling. A range of literary works by Black authors was celebrated, including Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Family Lore” (Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction), Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer’s “The New Brownies’ Book” (Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction), and Krystle Zara Appiah’s “Rootless” (Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author).
Biographies and historical works found their place as well, with Dr. Tanisha C. Ford’s “Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement” winning Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography. Educational contributions were recognized through Jarett Hill and Tre’vell Anderson’s “Historically Black Phrases: From ‘I Ain’t One of Your Lil’ Friends’ to ‘Who All Gon’ Be There?'” (Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional).
Creativity took different forms with Darrin Bell’s graphic novel “The Talk” winning Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel and Evie Shockley’s “Suddenly We” being awarded Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry. The importance of storytelling for young people was highlighted with Kahran Bethencourt’s “CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora” winning Outstanding Literary Work – Children and an unnamed winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
The virtual ceremony was just the beginning. The NAACP Image Awards will continue to unveil winners throughout the week, with additional awards being presented at a dinner hosted by Sherri Shepherd on Thursday and a fashion show hosted by Brandee Evans on Friday. Frankie Beverly will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the dinner, while June Ambrose will receive the NAACP Vanguard Award for Fashion at the fashion show.
The excitement culminates on Saturday with the live broadcast of the 55th NAACP Image Awards on BET and CBS at 8 pm ET/PT. Queen Latifah will return as the host, and viewers can expect to see more awards presented, along with powerful performances and special appearances.
FAQs:
Q: When and where will the 55th NAACP Image Awards air live?
A: The awards ceremony will air live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS on Saturday.
Q: Who is hosting the NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show on Friday?
A: Brandee Evans will host the Fashion Show on Friday, where June Ambrose will receive the NAACP Vanguard Award for Fashion.
Q: What special honors can we expect during the NAACP Image Awards?
A: Frankie Beverly will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, adding to the week-long celebrations.
