The nominees for the NAACP Image Awards have just been announced, and the gagggg is…a top actress and a Memphis hitmaker have the most nominations. Eugh, eugh!
The NAACP announced Tuesday that its 56th annual awards show will air on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS, live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony, which will continue to celebrate Blackity-Black Excellence, will have the theme “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence” and promise an unforgettable celebration.
Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe are up for Entertainer of The Year this year.
In the motion picture categories, The Piano Lesson dominates with an impressive 14 nominations, followed by The Book of Clarence with six. Over in television, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist leads the pack with nine nods. Meanwhile, Netflix has a whopping 64 nominations across all categories.
A press release adds that Ayo Edebiri is making waves with four nominations in television and streaming, earning recognition for her standout performances in The Bear and Saturday Night Live.
The gag is… Keke Palmer also boasts four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, as well as nods for her work in Password, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, and her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.
GloRilla is leading the pack with six nominations in the music recording categories, while Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher follow closely with four each.
RCA Records takes the crown among record labels with 11 nominations. Literary excellence is also in the spotlight, with Penguin Random House leading the literary categories with four nominations, followed by HarperCollins Amistad and William Morrow, each earning three.
The nominees were revealed today by singer and actress Chlöe Bailey, who joined NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson on CBS Mornings to deliver the news, while actress Novi Brown and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson shared the excitement on YouTube.
“We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change, and inspire generations,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Through film, music, literature, and more, their voices weave a rich tapestry that honors our heritage, celebrates our identity, and proves that storytelling is a powerful force for driving true progress.”
Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group, echoed the sentiment:
“The NAACP Image Awards stand as a testament to the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black creatives, innovators, and changemakers. BET is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP to celebrate Black excellence in all forms. Together, we shine a light on the stories, voices, and artistry that shape culture and drive progress.”
Fans can play a pivotal role in determining the winners in select categories by voting at http://www.naacpimageawards.net. Voting closes on February 7, 2025, at midnight ET. While the televised ceremony will unveil major category winners, the Creative Honors Ceremonies on February 21 will highlight other deserving honorees.
See the full list of nominations on the flip.
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