The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the best in entertainment by people of color in television, music, literature, and film. The star-studded evening, produced by Phil Gurin and Reginald Hudlin, featured wins for “12 Years a Slave,” and its star Lupita Nyong’o as well as Kerry Washington and Kevin Hart.
“12 Years a Slave took top honors at the 45th annual NAACP Image Awards, where Kevin Hart was named entertainer of the year.
Lupita Nyong’o took home the first honor of the telecast for her work in 12 Years a Slave. Steve McQueen won top directing honors and John Ridley took home writing honors for the slavery drama.Nyong’o praised Oprah Winfrey, whom she beat out for the supporting actress award, calling it “a deep, deep honor to be holding this trophy.”
Angela Bassett took outstanding motion picture actress for Black Nativity, andForest Whitaker won outstanding motion picture actor for Lee Daniels’ The Butler.
“I have so much admiration for the NAACP and what they’ve done, what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve changed this planet,” an emotional Whitaker told The Hollywood Reporter after his win.
On the television side, LL Cool J won outstanding actor in a drama series for CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles and Kerry Washingtonwon outstanding drama series actress for ABC’sScandal, which also took outstanding drama series. BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood won outstanding comedy series, with the show’s Kevin Hart winning acting honors.
Winfrey delivered a heartfelt tribute to late South African President Nelson Mandela midway through the ceremony.
“He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he’s been through,” Winfrey said. Her remarks were followed by a musical tribute by Stevie Wonder.
David Oyelowo, who won a supporting actor award for The Butler, said this year’s field of African-American centered films was incredibly strong.
“To have films like The Butler, 12 Years a Slave, Fruitvale Station and Mandela – all that have black protagonists with no white savior character holding their hand through the movie is a huge stride forward,” he told THR.
Ahead of the ceremony, Fruitvale Station took the indie film honor. Beyonce took outstanding female artist, while John Legend won outstanding male artist. Idris Elba was honored for his work in BBC America’s Luther.
Anthony Anderson hosted the ceremony, which aired live on TV One.
The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and honors those who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners were voted upon by NAACP members.”
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