As the sun began to set on Hollywood Boulevard, stars began to pour into the Ray Dolby Theater on Friday, February 21st for a night dedicated to Black excellence at the 51st NAACP Image Awards dinner in Los Angeles, California. During this annual non-televised banquet, many of the nominees are announced as winners ahead of the live presentation that takes place the next day.
The red carpet was jam packed with some of today’s rising cultural icons like 15-year old actress/executive producer Marsai Martin and included industry staples like Lynn Whitfield (Outstanding Drama Series “Greenleaf”) and Forrest Whitaker, who was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his work on “Godfather of Harlem.” In the wake of the recent loss of entertainment heavyweights like basketball legend Kobe Bryant and actress Ja’Net Dubois, Friday night’s event was tailored to be an upbeat celebration for the lives of Black influences and community leaders.
While most were promoting their recent projects and exclaiming about their nominations, we took the opportunity to discuss the importance of legacy building and intentional impact. Mykal Kilgore, nominee for Outstanding New Artist, shared that his hope is to leave a legacy that encourages us to see the God in one another. Anya Adams, nominee for Outstanding Director in a Comedy Series for “Glow” says that helping other people realize their dreams has enabled her to make an impact. Tonightmarks her first nomination as a director.
The stars from “The Neighborhood” (CBS) Marcel Spears and Sheaun McKinney both offered up praise to the NAACP for acknowledging and celebrating Black artists in a way that opens even more doors for positive representation. “Nobody is immortal, so the best gift I think we can give is to uplift and inspire,” says Spears, “being able to bring joy and laughter into someone’s home after I’m gone… I feel like I’ve done my job.”
The live presentation of the 51st NAACP Image Awards aired tonight on BET at 8/7c from Pasedena, California. Amongst the winners circle is Beyonce, her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Jordan Peele, and Omari Hardwick. Rihanna was named the winner of the NAACP’s President’s Award.
