Beyonce, ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Black Panther’ Take Home Top Prizes at NAACP Image Awards

By Tiarra Mukherjee Apr 01, 2019

The NAACP Image Awards, which honors the best in film, television, music, literature and activism that uplifts people of color, took place on Satuday (March 30) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Anthony Anderson hosting the live broadcast for TV One. 

This year marked the event’s 50th anniversay, and the stars came out in droves. The top winners of the night were Beyonce, who nabbed Entertainer of the Year and “Black Panther," which was awarded Best Motion Picture.

After accepting her trophy, Bey paid tribute to the others who were nominated in the same category. “Regina King, I love you so much. You taught us patience, persistence and how to be masterful in your craft,” she said, per USA Today. “Chadwick Boseman is teaching children to dream and to be seen as kings. LeBron James has taught us the strength of all forms, leading by example and providing education to our kids. Ryan Coogler tells our stories in a way that celebrates our history and proves we do have power.” 

“Black Panther” beat out  “BlacKkKlansman,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “The Hate You Give,” while Boseman was named Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture honor and Letitia Wright won the Breakthrough Performance award.

“Black-ish” took top honors for the small screen, winning Outstanding Comedy Series, and acting awards for Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Special honors were given to Jay-Z, who received the President’s Award, and the Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), who won the Chairman’s Award. Her moving speech about serving the nation drew an imapssioned standing ovation. “After a long career journey, tonight I stand before you as the first woman and the first African American to chair the powerful U.S. House Financial Services Committee,” Waters said. “Yes, I got the gavel and I’m not afraid to use it.”

See the full list of winners here.