Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson scored one of the first major awards of the evening when she won for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 57th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday.
‘Feels better this year than others,’ Brunson said as she accepted her award while seemingly referencing the recent controversy at the BAFTA Awards, in which John Davidson, an activist with Tourette’s syndrome, involuntarily shouted the N-word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and his costar Delroy Lindo were on stage.
Although attendees had already been warned that Davidson could not control what he might utter due to his neurological condition — and that his outbursts don’t reflect his true beliefs — criticism erupted on social media over the epithet, which was not censored on the BBC broadcast, even though the broadcaster censored a pro-Palestinian sentiment elsewhere in the show.
‘I feel like we have watched some of our Black members of our family be under attack in this world, and it feels really good to come to this room and celebrate our Blackness,’ Brunson said from the stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The star-studded ceremony — which is being hosted by Deon Cole — celebrates Black excellence in movies, television, music and literature.
Angela Bassett made a splash later in the evening when she won another television award, this time for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in 9-1-1.
Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson scored one of the first major awards of the evening when she won for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 57th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday
Brunson accepted her award while seemingly referencing the recent controversy at the BAFTA Awards, in which John Davidson, an activist with Tourette’s syndrome, involuntarily shouted the N-word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and his costar Delroy Lindo were on stage
The first award of the evening was for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, which was awarded to Sinners star Miles Caton.
‘I just want to encourage the upcomers to keep going,’ he said in his inspirational acceptance speech. ‘You’re only one post away. You’re only one video away. You know your moment is not as far as you think it is. Just stay ready, stay prepared, and keep God first.’
Ryan Coogler’s horror film Sinners garnered the most nominations in the motion picture category, leading with 18 nods, including Outstanding Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Outstanding Motion Picture.
Cole opened the ceremony by cursing out US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was almost completely censored on the broadcast, which aired on CBS and BET.
He also included a jab at new Trump defender Nicki Minaj.
‘Lord, we want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj, Lord,’ he began. ‘She’s been going through a lot lately. Hasn’t been herself, Lord.
‘I believe whatever’s in her a** is affecting her brain, Lord,’ he joked.
Cole also made a shocking joke alluding to the N-word controversy at this year’s BAFTA Awards.
‘Before we go, Lord, if there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they better read the room tonight, Lord,’ Cole said to laughter and applause. ‘It might not go the way they think. But whatever medicine they on, they better double up on it, Lord.’
Sinners filmmaker Coogler has already received a win for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture during the Creative Honors ceremony on Thursday. The filmmaker also celebrated a win for Outstanding Writing.
The first award of the evening was for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, which was awarded to Sinners star Miles Caton
Regina Hall had the audience in stitches as she presented the award
Delroy Lindo won for Outstanding Supporting Actor and Wunmi Mosaku won for Outstanding Supporting Actress for their roles in Sinners. The film additionally won Outstanding Ensemble Cast.
The Peacock drama series Bel-Air leads with the most nominations in the streaming/television category with seven nods.
The show – which began airing in 2022 – received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Jabari Banks, Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Adrian Holmes.
One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor raked in six nominations in both acting and music categories.
Her album Escape Room received a nod for Outstanding Female Artist.
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has also been recognized for her performance in Wicked: For Good with a total of four nods, such as Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
Kendrick Lamar led with the most nods in the music categories including Outstanding Male Artist.
Erivo, Taylor, Lamar, Doechii and Jordan will battle it out for Entertainer of the Year.
Colman Domingo will be honored with the President’s Award during the special evening and the Chairman’s Award will be presented to Viola Davis.
New categories have additionally been included in this year’s event such as Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism and Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special.
Ryan Coogler’s horror film Sinners garnered the most nominations in the motion picture category, leading with 18 nods including Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Motion Picture; seen earlier this month in London
Coogler has already received a win for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture during the Creative Honors ceremony on Thursday. The filmmaker also celebrated a win for Outstanding Writing
One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor raked in six nominations in both acting and music categories
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has also been recognized for her performance in Wicked: For Good with a total of four nods, such as Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture; seen in 2025 in NYC
The ABC series Abbott Elementary already garnered wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor for William Stanford Davis and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Janelle James.
Taraji P. Henson won for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television for the Netflix project Straw. The show also won for Outstanding Limited Television.
Zootopia 2 was honored with Outstanding Animated Motion Picture while Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture went to Sinners.
In regards to the Comedy Series category, Cedric The Entertainer won for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Neighborhood.
Caleb McLaughlin won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Stranger Things.
And Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series went to Aisha Hinds for her performance in 9-1-1.
Winners for music categories have also been announced ahead of Saturday’s main ceremony, with Male Artist going to Lamar for his album Luther.
Winners for music categories have also been announced ahead of Saturday’s main ceremony, with Male Artist going to Lamar for his album Luther; Lamar seen earlier this month in L.A.
Don Lemon won for Outstanding Podcast – News and Information as well as the Society and Culture category; Lemon seen earlier this month in Atlanta
Cardi B won for Outstanding Female Artist for her album Am I The Drama? while the New Artist award went to Monaleo for Who Did The Body?
Don Lemon won for Outstanding Podcast – News and Information as well as the Society and Culture category.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement: ‘The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that “We See You,” affirming Black creativity, excellence, and humanity across every space where our stories are told.
‘From film, television, and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.’
