Yo, folks, let’s get straight to it! The 57th NAACP Image Awards has been serving up some seriously dope moments, and the virtual pre-shows just wrapped with some major wins. Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster, ‘Sinners,’ was highkey the big kahuna on Night 3, snatching up multiple trophies. This movie, which was already leading with a whopping 18 nominations, proved it was the real deal, taking home awards for outstanding stunt ensemble, cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and ensemble cast. It’s no surprise, given Coogler’s track record with hits like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Wakanda Forever,’ which also dominated these awards back in the day, showcasing a consistent commitment to high-quality Black cinematic storytelling.
But hold up, the night wasn’t just about ‘Sinners.’ Teyana Taylor, who’s been crushing it in Hollywood, snagged the outstanding supporting actress prize in a TV movie, limited series or dramatic special for her role in ‘Tyler Perry’s Straw.’ For real, her performance was fire, and it’s awesome to see her getting that well-deserved recognition. Her co-star, Glynn Turman, also took home the supporting actor award, making it a clean sweep for the Netflix thriller. And in a truly touching moment, the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner earned a posthumous award for outstanding guest performance in the Fox series ‘Murder in a Small Town.’ That dude was a household name for generations, best known as Theo Huxtable from ‘The Cosby Show,’ and his impact on television and our culture is straight up undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire, proving that true talent never fades.
The NAACP Image Awards, for those who might not know, have been a crucial platform since 1967, celebrating the achievements of people of color in film, television, music, and literature. They don’t just hand out trophies; they spotlight positive images and promote diversity in media, which is more important than ever. These awards are a true testament to the rich tapestry of Black artistry and contribution to American culture, often giving shine to voices and projects that might be overlooked elsewhere. It’s a legit celebration of excellence, by us, for us.
The virtual ceremonies, hosted by the hilarious duo Angel “ThatChickAngel” Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, focused on those non-televised categories, setting the stage for the main event. It was cool to see a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes magic like stunt work and cinematography, which are often unsung heroes of filmmaking. Plus, recognizing an ensemble cast like ‘Sinners’ highlights the collaborative spirit that goes into making a truly great film. When you see Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, and that whole crew getting recognized, you know it’s a team effort that paid off big time.
And the awards week was a whole vibe, kicking off strong before Night 3. Night 2 saw musical heavyweights Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar cleaning up. Cardi B scored three Image Awards, including outstanding female artist and outstanding album for ‘Am I the Drama?’ No cap, her track ‘ErrTime’ was a banger, winning outstanding hip-hop/rap song. Kendrick Lamar, a consistent winner, added two more to his collection, including outstanding male artist and sharing the music video/visual album award with SZA for their Grammy-winning hit ‘Luther.’ Michelle Obama also made headlines, grabbing awards for her podcast ‘IMO’ and her book ‘The Look,’ proving her influence extends far beyond the White House.
The first night was also a moment, with Michelle Obama’s book ‘The Look’ winning outstanding literary work in biography/autobiography. Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance was named outstanding short-form series or special – reality/nonfiction/documentary. Both are repeat winners, which is a testament to their enduring impact. What’s even cooler is that this year, the NAACP Image Awards got into gaming, with Berlin Edmond Jr., aka Berleezy, taking home the top prize for Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech. That’s a fresh move, showing these awards are evolving with the times and recognizing new forms of Black creativity and influence.
As the virtual curtain falls on the pre-shows, the excitement builds for the live 57th Image Awards telecast. Hosted by the hilarious Deon Cole, the show is set to broadcast live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. While ‘Sinners’ topped the film categories, Peacock’s recently-wrapped series ‘Bel-Air’ led the TV nominations with seven nods, making the competition for the televised awards highkey intense. And the Entertainer of the Year category is stacked with talent like Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor. It’s gonna be a night where the stars show up and show out, honoring the best in Black talent. Shout out to special honorees like Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Salt-N-Pepa, DJ Spinderella, and A$AP Rocky for their well-deserved recognition across various categories.
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