The 55th NAACP Image Awards celebrated the achievements and performances of people of color in film, TV, music, and literature on March 16, 2024. The ceremony was hosted by Queen Latifah and was broadcasted live on BET and CBS, showcasing a night filled with notable highlights. Netflix and Amazon were the leading platforms, with 55 and 27 nominations, respectively.
This year’s awards also highlighted special honorees like Usher, who was named Entertainer of the Year and received the President’s Award. Additionally, “The Color Purple” stood out by winning seven trophies, marking an impressive achievement.
Audiences also enjoyed the red carpet interviews, inspirational speeches, and the Hall of Fame Award segment. These elements made the event memorable and highlighted the significant contributions of people of color across various creative fields.
A Night of Triumphs at the 55th NAACP Image Awards
The 55th NAACP Image Awards, held on March 16, 2024, showcased Black excellence across film, television, music, and literature. It was a night of celebration, honoring outstanding achievements and inspiring stories. Let’s recap some of the highlights from this memorable event.
“The Color Purple” Dominates
“The Color Purple,” a powerful film about sisterhood and resilience, swept the awards. It won Outstanding Motion Picture, along with individual honors for Fantasia Barrino (Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture), Colman Domingo (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Rustin”), and Taraji P. Henson (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture).
Television’s Shining Stars
In the television categories, “Abbott Elementary” took home the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. Quinta Brunson also won Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her hilarious portrayal of Janine Teagues. Damson Idris won Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his captivating performance in “Snowfall.”
Celebrating Music Legends
Usher received both the President’s Award and Entertainer of the Year, cementing his status as a music icon. Other notable winners in the music categories included Chris Brown for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album (“Sensational”), and Coco Jones for Outstanding Soul/R&B Song (“ICU (Remix)”).
Literary Achievements
In the world of literature, former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “The Light We Carry” won Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction. It was a testament to her inspiring words and continued impact on society.
Table: Major Winners at the 55th NAACP Image Awards
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Outstanding Motion Picture | The Color Purple |
| Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture | Colman Domingo (Rustin) |
| Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture | Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple) |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Colman Domingo (The Color Purple) |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | Taraji P. Henson (The Color Purple) |
| Outstanding Comedy Series | Abbott Elementary |
| Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series | Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) |
| Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series | Damson Idris (Snowfall) |
| Entertainer of the Year | Usher |
| Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album | Chris Brown (“Sensational”) |
| Outstanding Soul/R&B Song | Coco Jones (“ICU (Remix)”) |
| Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction | Michelle Obama (“The Light We Carry”) |
The 55th NAACP Image Awards was a night to remember, honoring the best and brightest in Black entertainment and culture.
Key Takeaways
- The 55th NAACP Image Awards honored people of color in various creative fields.
- Usher received Entertainer of the Year and the President’s Award.
- “The Color Purple” won seven trophies.
Major Award Categories and Winners
The 55th NAACP Image Awards highlighted exceptional achievements in film and individual performances.
Outstanding Motion Picture Awards
The Outstanding Motion Picture category honored top films that featured powerful narratives and remarkable talent. This year’s winner was celebrated for its storytelling and significant cultural impact.
Among the nominees were films showcasing diverse themes and exceptional artistry. Each film was scrutinized for its contribution to elevating the portrayal of people of color in cinema. Directors and actors alike have brought these stories to life, making significant strides in the industry.
These films are not just entertainment but important reflections of contemporary issues and triumphs.
Outstanding Performers
In the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series category, Damson Idris received recognition for his compelling performance. His character brought depth and authenticity to the series.
Taraji P. Henson won Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, delighting audiences with her sharp wit and impeccable timing.
Kerry Washington’s work in television continues to impress, solidifying her place as a leading talent in the industry. Danielle Brooks also stood out, earning accolades for her dynamic presence and versatile acting skills.
Special Honors and Tributes
The 55th NAACP Image Awards highlighted special honors and memorable performances, emphasizing creativity and dedication.
Chairman’s and President’s Awards
The Chairman’s Award and the President’s Award recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and civil rights. Derrick Johnson, NAACP President, presented New Edition with the Chairman’s Award for their enduring influence in music and philanthropy.
Quinta Brunson received the President’s Award for her outstanding work in television and advocacy for education. Her dedication to social issues and creativity in her craft set her apart. Both awards celebrated achievements that inspire and create lasting positive change.
Performances and Presentations
The event featured powerful performances and presentations. Fantasia Barrino delivered a moving performance that captivated the audience. H.E.R.’s tribute to late icons in the music industry stirred deep emotions.
Additionally, Usher’s presentation highlighted his ongoing contributions to music and community projects. Each performance was carefully curated to celebrate Black excellence and culture. These moments added a vibrant atmosphere to the awards, ensuring the night was unforgettable.
55th NAACP Image Awards Winners
Entertainer of the Year
- Usher
President’s Award
- Usher
Actress in a Motion Picture
- Fantasia Barrino for The Color Purple
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Frankie Beverly
Chairman’s Award
- Amanda Gorman
Hall of Fame Award
- New Edition
Motion Picture
- The Color Purple
Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
- Taraji P. Henson for The Color Purple
Actor in a Motion Picture
- Colman Domingo for Rustin
Actor in a Drama Series
- Damson Idris for Snowfall
Actress in a Drama Series
- India Ria Amarteifio for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Adrian Holmes for Bel-Air
Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
- Colman Domingo for The Color Purple
Actress in a Comedy Series
- Quinta Brunson for Abbott Elementary
Talk Series
- The Jennifer Hudson Show
Children’s Program
- Gracie’s Corner
Vanguard Award
- June Ambrose
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Gail Bean for Snowfall
Hip-Hop/Rap Song
- Megan Thee Stallion for Cobra
International Song
- Tems
Performance by a Youth in a Series, Special, TV Movie or Limited-series
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Actor in a Comedy Series
- Mike Epps for The Upshaws
Original Score for TV/Film
- Jongnic Bontemps for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Stunt Ensemble
- Creed III
Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
- Blitz Bazawule for The Color Purple
Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
- Chris Brown and Ciara for How We Roll
Animated Series
- The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder – Season 2
Animated Motion Picture
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- Ayo Edebiri for The Bear
Independent Motion Picture
- Brother
Comedy Series
- Abbott Elementary
Music Video
- Chris Brown, Davido, Lojay for Sensational
Male Artist
- Usher for Good Good
Directing in a Television Movie
- Chris Robinson for Shooting Stars
Outstanding Graphic Novel
- Darrin Bell for The Talk
Performance in a Short Series
- Leslie Jones for After the Cut – The Daily Show
Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)
- Issa Rae for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Youth Performance
- Mila Davis-Kent for Creed III
Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
- Chris Brown, Davido, Lojay for Sensational
Variety – Series or Special
- A Black Lady Sketch Show
Drama Series
- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Short Form Documentary
- Black Girls Play: The Story Of Hand Games
Directing in a Motion Picture
- Ava DuVernay for Origin
Social Media Personality
- Angel Laketa Moore
Album
- Victoria Monét for Jaguar II
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- William Stanford Davis for Abbott Elementary
New Artist
- Victoria Monét for Jaguar II
Writing in a Motion Picture
- Cord Jefferson for American Fiction
Writing in a Television Movie
- Dwayne Johnson-Cochran for Heist 88
Directing in a Drama Series
- Dawn Wilkinson for Power Book II: Ghost
Female Artist
- H.E.R. for The Journey
Literary Work – Biography / Auto-biography
- Tanisha C. Ford for Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement
Writing in a Comedy Series
- Norman Vance Jr. for Saturdays
Breakthrough Role – Motion Picture
- Phylicia Pearl Mpasi for The Color Purple
Guest Performance
- Michael B. Jordan for Saturday Night Live
Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
- The Color Purple
Directing in a Comedy Series
- Neema Barnette for Grand Crew
Jazz Album
- Brandee Younger for Brand New Life
International Motion Picture
- Brother
Reality Series
- Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out
Literary Work, Nonfiction
- Charly Palmer, Karida L. Brown for The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families
Literary Work – Youth / Teens
- Aleema Omotoni for Everyone’s Thinking It
Literary Work – Instructional
- jarrett hill, Tre’vell Anderson for Historically Black Phrases: From “I Ain’t One of Your Lil’ Friends” to “Who All Gon’ Be There?”
Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award
- Joy Buolamwini
Short (Live Action)
- The After
Cinematography in a Motion Picture
- Eric Yue for A Thousand and One
Breakthrough Creative (TV)
- Michelle Buteau for Survival of the Thickest
Literary Work – Debut Author
- Krystle Zara Appiah for Rootless
Soul/R&B Song
- Coco Jones and Justin Timberlake for ICU (Remix)
Writing in a Dramatic Series
- Carla Banks-Waddles for Bel-Air
Supporting Actor in a TV Movie, Limited-series or Dramatic Special
- Don Cheadle for Secret Invasion
Host in a Talk or News/Information, Series or Special
- Sherri Shepherd for Sherri
Actress in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
- Chloe Bailey for Praise This
Character Voice-Over Performance (TV)
- Kyla Pratt for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Gospel/Christian Song, Traditional or Contemporary
- Anthony Brown and Kierra Sheard for All Yours
Literary Work – Poetry
- Evie Shockley for Suddenly We
Actor in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
- Keith Powers for The Perfect Find
Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
- Allen Hughes for Dear Mama
Literary Work, Fiction
- Elizabeth Acevedo for Family Lore
Supporting Actress in a TV Movie, Limited-series or Dramatic Special
- Phylicia Rashad for Heaven Down Here
Outstanding Makeup (Television or Film)
- Milene Melendez, Ngozi Olandu, Manny Davila, Saisha Beecham, Francine Jamison-Tanchuck, Carol Rasheed
Hairstyling (Television or Film)
- Lawrence Davis, Andrea Bowman, Angela Renae Dyson, Tym Wallace, Jorge Benitez Villalobos
Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety, Series or Special
- D.C. Young Fly for Celebrity Squares
Gospel Album
- Kirk Franklin for Father’s Day
Podcast (Lifestyle & Self Help)
- The Black Money Tree
TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
- Swarm
Podcast (Arts & Entertainment)
- Here’s The Thing
Short (Animated)
- Lil’ Ruby
Documentary – Theatrical
- Invisible Beauty
Short Series – Comedy or Drama
- Doggyland
Podcast (News & Information)
- Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams
Podcast (Society & Culture)
- The 85 South Show with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean
Literary Work – Children’s
- Kahran Bethencourt, Regis Bethencourt for CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora
News/Information – Series or Special
- Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water — A Conversation With Robin Roberts
Documentary – Television
- High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Scripted Series Podcast
- Yes We Cannabis
Short Series – Reality/Nonfiction
- I Was a Soul Train Dancer
Limited Series/Short Form Podcast
- Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast
Soundtrack/Compilation
- The Color Purple (Score from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Frequently Asked Questions
The 55th NAACP Image Awards celebrated achievements in music, television, film, and literature. Viewers could tune in on major platforms to watch the ceremony.
Who were the winners of the 55th NAACP Image Awards?
Honorees included a range of actors, musicians, and writers. Detailed information about the winners can be found on the NAACP’s official event page.
On which platform can I watch the 55th NAACP Image Awards?
The event was broadcast live on BET, and CBS. Viewers could also stream it on these platforms. Details are available on the official event page.
Who were the nominees for the 55th NAACP Image Awards?
Netflix and Amazon led the nominations with 55 and 27 nods, respectively. A full list of nominees is accessible on the announcement page.
Is there a way to watch the full show of the 55th NAACP Image Awards?
The full broadcast of the awards is available on BET and CBS. Streaming options might also be offered on their official websites.
How can I view the NAACP Image Awards 2024 replay?
Replays of the show are typically available on the BET and CBS streaming services. Users can check the platforms’ libraries for availability.
What was the location of the 55th NAACP Image Awards ceremony?
The ceremony took place in Los Angeles. The location details are noted in several announcements such as the star-studded event article.
