The NAACP Image Awards 2025 shone a spotlight on black excellence this weekend. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles hosted a dazzling array of talent.
Keke Palmer walked away with the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. The category was tough.
KEKE PALMER AT THE NAACP IMAGE
Palmer was genuinely surprised by her win, as LL Cool J presented her with the gong, according to Billboard.
She immediately gave a shout-out to her fellow nominee, Cynthia Erivo. She playfully imitated Erivo’s vocal performance from Wicked: Part One.
“Girl, you killed that role! You kill every role you do,” Palmer exclaimed. “You are exceptional, Cynthia.
“Keke Palmer didn’t stop there. She shared her affection for Shannon Sharpe, calling him her “hunkie unkie”.
She acknowledged Kendrick Lamar and Kevin Hart. “It’s such an amazing category to be in with all these people. It is a beautiful night. I mean, it’s Black History Month, y’all,” she added.
KEKE PALMER’S CAREER
Keke Palmer also reflected on her career. She recalled her early film, Akeelah And The Bee. It wasn’t a box office hit initially, according to The News.
But it became a classic thanks to the support of the black community. She emphasized the importance of supporting each other. “Nobody has uplifted me more than you all, the people in this room,” Palmer said.
Kerry Washington won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for The Six Triple Eight. The film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This was a World War II military unit of black women.
Washington expressed her shock at winning.
OTHER NOMINEES
Keke Palmer was nominated alongside Cynthia Erivo, Lupita Nyong’o, Regina King, and Lashana Lynch. She hugged Erivo on her way to the stage.
Washington said, “I’m just shocked because the women I’m nominated with are so extraordinary.”
Washington also thanked the women of the 6888th. “At a time when our history is being ripped from us…we are telling your stories, ladies.” She urged everyone to remember their greatness.
In a funny moment, Washington rushed back onstage. She realised she had forgotten to thank Tyler Perry.Keke had, in fact, already thanked him. She then left the stage, laughing, according to Geo News.
THE NAACP’S IMPACT
Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award. He spoke about the NAACP’s impact on the entertainment industry.
“Every artist in here…we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,” he said. He also joked about his Netflix earnings.
Kamala Harris, former US Vice President, received the Chairman’s Award.
The Wayans Family entered the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and other family members accepted the honour.
TELLING THEIR STORIES
They credited Keenen Ivory Wayans for their success. Damon Wayans won Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Poppa’s House. Michael Rainey Jr. won Best Actor in a Drama Series for Power Book II: Ghost.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrated black achievement. It was a night of heartfelt speeches and memorable moments.
The awards continue to inspire and uplift. They remind us of the importance of telling our own stories.
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ARE FOR BLACK REPRESENTATION IN MEDIA?
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