The 56th NAACP Image Awards, held in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, was a dedication to Black achievement and the neighboring communities affected by the L.A. wildfires earlier this year. EBONY was inside to catch every moment on and off-camera as MC Lyte’s smooth vocals emceed us through the 2.5-hour broadcast.
The night’s biggest award, Entertainer of the Year, presented by Shea Moisture and announced by LL Cool J, went to eight-time NAACP winner Keke Palmer. She shouted out Cynthia Erivo in her acceptance speech and added, “It’s so important to come here together to celebrate with one another.” She told the crowd to continue to ask for money and make our own place at the table.
Kerry Washington took home the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight. After thanking Perry—twice—Washington ecstatically returned to her seat to celebrate with her mom Valerie Washington. She returned to the stage with cast and creative to accept the Outstanding Motion Picture of the Year award for the film, which chronicles the only all-Black female battalion to serve in World War II. Martin Lawrence won the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award for Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Host Deon Cole opened the show by recognizing Altadena, California, saying that the community ravaged by the L.A. wildfires would build back “bigger and better.” He then led the audience in prayer, jokingly asking to “cover our brother Kanye West,” who is currently facing a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit, “and his wife Bianca Censori,” known for her little-to-no clothing choices.
Cole also joked that God needed to bring back conservative personality Candace Owens, stop Kirk Franklin’s twerking and bless Shannon Sharpe with the size of clothing he really needed, leaving the Pro Football Hall of Famer in stitches in the audience. Off-camera, California congresswoman Maxine Waters received a standing ovation and waved to the audience as Cole called her “the queen.”
Aldis Hodge and Edwin Hodge made history as the first two brothers to present an NAACP Image Award together. They thanked their mother before presenting the Outstanding Actress Award Drama Series to Queen Latifah for her work on CBS’ Equalizer.
Michael Rainey Jr., who played Tariq St. Patrick across the Power franchise, earned his first Image Award in the Outstanding Actor Award in a Drama Series. He kept his acceptance speech short and sweet, thanking his father and everyone who had helped him in his career.
A special section focused on the survivors of the LA wildfires, who shared their stories of loss and resilience. Twenty-two residents from Altadena then took the stage as Morris Chestnut talked about how this historic Black town came together to provide clothing, food and assistance.
NAACP, BET and others have established the Altadena Community Fund to support those affected. Ledisi then raised the roof with a rousing gospel performance that had many on their feet, including Kerry Washington, Essence Atkins and the cast of Bel Air.
Presenter Laverne Cox pointed out that her Clean Slate co-star and onscreen father, George Wallace, has never been nominated for an NAACP Image Award, which needed to be rectified in 2026 for their new series. Accepting the award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series winner Quinta Brunson, Wallace exclaimed, “I got it!”
Damon Wayans took home the Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series award, his first out of six nominations, for Poppa’s House.
In one of her first appearances since her tenure as vice president, Kamala Harris accepted the Chairman’s Award. A proud lifetime member, she thanked everyone involved with the NAACP for their tireless advocacy. Quoting W.E.B. Du Bois, she advocated that we must have a “sense of urgency” in the fight for America’s future and democracy. “Our power has never come from having an easy path.”
In Living Color alum, David Alan Grier introduced the Wayans Family, who were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame. Two generations filled the stage. Damon Wayans Sr. spoke of how his big brother Kenan was first inspired by Richard Pryor’s debut on the Ed Sullivan Show to pursue a comedy career. While eldest sibling Kenan was notably absent from the awards presentation (along with brother Marlon), Damon Sr. and Shawn regaled the audience with comical stories of Kenan’s determination that brought his entire family success in Hollywood.
NAACP President’s Award winner Gabrielle Union and 16-time NAACP award winner Taraji P. Henson presented the Founder’s Award to BET, which was founded 45 years ago by Bob and Sheila Johnson. Harold Perrineau introduced the “In Memoriam,” which included actor James Earl Jones and Louis Gossett Jr., music artist Duke Fakir and poet Nikki Giovanni, sports legends Dikembe Mutombo and Willie Mays, choreographer Judith Jamison, politician Sheila Jackson Lee and many other performers, leaders and activists we will always remember. Quincy Jones, who died in 2024 at age 91, received a special memorial tribute.
Dave Chappelle received the 2025 President’s Award, recognizing his comedy as an activism platform, educating and inspiring change through his words. Accepting the award, he stated, “This one tonight is probably the most special I’ve ever gotten…It represents us, people of color.” He connected the origin of the NAACP in response to the racist 1915 film The Birth of a Nation and how the organization has been opening doors for performers of color ever since.
Several companies reaffirmed their commitment to diversity and equality with programs and commercials featured throughout the broadcast. Ally Bank highlighted its Thurgood Marshall College Fund for “Moguls in the Making,” which prepares HBCU students as future business leaders. Toyota presented a commercial recognizing young Black men’s drive. P&G shared its HBCYou programs that provide scholarships and brands to students. Target, which has been criticized for rolling back its DEI initiatives, ran a grocery commercial featuring a notably Black cast. Walmart also highlighted Black founders in a branded segment.
