The NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the 54th NAACP Image Awards nominees at the Fairmont Century Plaza on February 4. Hosted by Tyler Perry’s Sistas cast members KJ Smith and Novi Brown, the event recognized talented individuals nominated in more than 70 categories. Nominees and guests included Adam Blackstone, Adrian Holmes, Tika Sumpter, Kyla Pratt, Loretta Devine, Tabitha Brown, Kandi Burruss, Gabrielle Dennis, Tye Tribbett, and more.
The 54th NAACP Image Awards Nominees Luncheon kicked off with a welcome speech from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, who congratulated the nominees and encouraged them to continue crafting impactful and inclusive stories celebrating people of color, as the importance of diverse representation becomes increasingly recognized across entertainment, politics, social justice, and the corporate landscape.
During the ceremony, Hollywood Bureau Senior Vice President, Kyle Bowser, presented the NAACP Dorothy Parker Ally Award to WME Co-Chairman Richard Weitz in recognition of his unprecedented support for charitable organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is presented to individuals or entities that consistently demonstrate a commitment to exploring mutual interests and activating initiatives that produce measurable results to the benefit of disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
Winners of the 54th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed via telecast on February 25, 2023 on BET from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena. The 54th NAACP Image Awards is presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by AT&T, Bank of America, Gushers, Lowe’s, Airbnb, FedEx, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
