The 51st annual Image Awards, NAACP recognised people of colour across film, television, music and more. This ceremony took place over the weekend and it was hosted by Anthony Anderson (black-ish) and held live at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. The annual gala celebrates outstanding achievements and performances of people of colour, as well as those who promote social justice through art. Just Mercy took home the top film award, while Greenleaf and black-ish won the NAACP’s TV awards for drama and comedy, respectively.
NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson presented Rihanna with the President’s Award. The music and fashion mogul, business entrepreneur and philanthropist, was given this award, in recognition of her special achievements and distinguished public service.
“Thank you to the NAACP for all of your efforts to ensure equality for our communities,” Rihanna said in accepting the award. “How many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions?” the singer asked. “Well then, they want to break bread with you, right? They like you? Well then, this is their problem too. So when we’re marching and protesting and posting about the Michael Brown Jr.s and the Atatiana Jeffersons of the world, tell your friends to pull up.”
“Thank you for celebrating our strength and tenacity. We’ve been denied opportunities since the beginning of time. Still, we prevail. So I’m honoured. Imagine what we can do together. Thank you for this honour.” Rihanna said in a speech that wowed everyone and quickly went viral. Watch it here.
US Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis (D-Georgia), who celebrated his 80th birthday on Friday, was recognised with the NAACP Chairman’s Award.
See full list of winners from the 2020 NAACP Image Awards
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lizzo
TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Outstanding Comedy Series
black-ish (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson — black-ish (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Deon Cole — “black-ish” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Marsai Martin — black-ish
Outstanding Drama Series
Greenleaf (OWN)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Omari Hardwick — Power(Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Harold Perrineau — “Claws” (TNT)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Lynn Whitfield — Greenleaf (OWN)
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
When They See Us (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Jharrel Jerome — When They See Us (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Niecy Nash — When They See Us (Netflix)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
Unsung (TV One)
Outstanding Talk Series
Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series/Game Show
“Rhythm + Flow” (Netflix)
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (Netflix)
Outstanding Children’s Program
“Family Reunion” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Marsai Martin — black-ish
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Jada Pinkett Smith — Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Steve Harvey — Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series
Kelly Rowland — American Soul (BET Networks)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross — black-ish (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – “9-1-1” (FOX)
MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture
Just Mercy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan — Just Mercy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Lupita Nyong’o — Us (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Jamie Foxx — Just Mercy (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Marsai Martin — Little (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Marsai Martin — Little (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
“Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Dolemite is My Name (Netflix)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Film)
James Earl Jones — The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios)