The Wayans family will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 56th NAACP Image Awards on February 22.
The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations.
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO.
“Their trailblazing work in television, film and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.”
One of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment, the Wayans dynasty has transformed the landscape of film, television and stand-up comedy for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color, which premiered in 1990 and starred his sister, producer, director and actor Kim Wayans. Both have gone on to helm other theatrical projects.
Damon Wayans Sr. is a comedy icon who has starred in Major Payne and My Wife and Kids, while siblings Marlon and Shawn Wayans co-created and starred in The Wayans Bros. and the blockbuster films Scary Movie, White Chicks, Little Man and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.
The legacy continued with Dance Flick, a family hit directed by Damien Dante Wayans, the son of sibling Elvira Wayans Jr., with Keenen, Shawn, Marlon, Craig and Damien as writers and producers. Damon Wayans Jr., the son of Damon Wayans Sr., has had stand-out roles in Shrinking, Happy Endings, New Girl and Let’s Be Cops.
Damon Sr. and Jr. are currently starring in the hit CBS series Poppa’s House, playing father and son on screen. The show is truly a family affair, as several family members work behind the scenes, and several siblings have made cameos.
In addition, Damon Sr. and Jr. have made history as the first father-son duo nominated for their performances in Poppa’s House, with Damon Sr. up for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Damon Jr. for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Keenen, Marlon and Shawn Wayans are reviving one of their most successful franchises with a Scary Movie reboot. The film will hit theaters in 2026.
“The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor. From In Living Color to blockbuster films, their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and redefining mainstream comedy,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “Their ability to push boundaries while resonating with diverse audiences has left an undeniable mark on the industry.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, on February 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.
