NAACP Award Banner

PRESS RELEASES

LEGENDARY ARTIST, ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AUTHOR, AND ENTREPRENEUR QUEEN LATIFAH TO HOST “54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS” PREMIERING LIVE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT 8:00 PM ET/PT ON BET

CBS RETURNS AS A SIMULCAST PARTNER OF THE LIVE SHOW ALONG WITH BET HER, CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, PARAMOUNT NETWORK, POP TV, SMITHSONIAN, TV LAND, AND VH1

A-LIST LINE-UP OF PRESENTERS FOR “54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS” INCLUDES BRIAN WHITE, CLIFF “METHOD MAN” SMITH, DAMSON IDRIS, TAYE DIGGS, HAROLD PERRINEAU, ISSA RAE, JANELLE MONÁE, JANELLE JAMES, JONATHAN MAJORS, KERRY WASHINGTON, LETITIA WRIGHT, MORRIS CHESTNUT, MS. PAT, SHERYL LEE RALPH, TERRENCE HOWARD, ZENDAYA, AND MORE


**Queen Latifah headshot here

NEW YORK, NY (February 21, 2023)

Today, BET and NAACP announced that GRAMMY® award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actress and producer Queen Latifah will host the “54TH NAACP Image Awards” airing LIVE on Saturday, February 25, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. The LIVE show will also simulcast across Paramount Global networks including BET HER, CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, POP TV, Smithsonian, TV Land, and VH1.

“It’s an honor to host the 54th NAACP Image Awards, especially in the year we are celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop,” said Queen Latifah. “This is a night to celebrate Black excellence and Black contribution to our industry and beyond. Celebrating one another, lifting each other up and you know we’ll have fun doing it!”

“Queen Latifah is one of our generation’s most influential and iconic voices. We are excited to collaborate with the groundbreaking megastar as she hosts the 54th NAACP Image Awards,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “As always, we look forward to partnering with NAACP to celebrate Black creativity and ingenuity for an unforgettable night of Black excellence that will inspire, entertain, and empower viewers worldwide.”

“This year’s NAACP Image Awards will be an amazing celebration, highlighting the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other changemakers. It will also be a night that shows how we come together as a community to make a powerful impact on amplifying our stories around the world,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO.

The star-studded evening will also feature A-list presenters taking the stage, including: Brian White, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Damson Idris, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Janelle James, Jonathan Majors, Kerry Washington, Letitia Wright, Morris Chestnut, Ms. Pat, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Terrence Howard, and Zendaya.

The Activist of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Derrick Lee Foward, President of the Dayton Unit of the NAACP and a Vice President of the Ohio NAACP. Dr. Foward has been a strong advocate for civil and human rights for nearly two decades through his work with the NAACP. The Youth Activist of the Year Award will be presented to Bloomington-Normal NAACP Youth Council President Bradley Ross Jackson. Jackson helped to organize a peaceful protest of 1,000 people to demand justice for the murder of George Floyd, one of the largest demonstrations held in Bloomington, Indiana.

Previously announced “54TH NAACP Image Awards” honorees include U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) who will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump will receive the Social Justice Impact Award, and Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade will receive the President’s Award.

NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually February 20-23 on www.old.naacpimageawards.net and at an Awards Dinner and Program on February 24. The awards dinner will be hosted by actress Bresha Webb. Awards dinner presenters include: Coco Jones, Dominique Thorne, Tichina Arnold, Amber Riley, Paula Newsome, April Ryan, Skai Jackson, Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High, Angie Martinez, Niecy Nash-Betts, Tobe Nwigwe, Tye Tribbett, Armani White, Wendell Pierce, “Harlem” cast members Meagan Good, Tyler Lepley, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai, writer/director Tracy Oliver (“Harlem”, “First Wives Club”) and more.

The “54th NAACP Image Awards” is presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by Bank of America, Gushers, Google, Airbnb, Amazon, FedEx, Lowe’s, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Audible, Bacardi, and Mielle.

 


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

AWARDS NIGHT ONE (VIRTUAL)

  • Outstanding International Song
  • Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental
  • Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
  • Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
  • Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
  • Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
  • Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
  • Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
  • Outstanding Male Artist
  • Outstanding Female Artist
  • Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
  • Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
  • Outstanding Album

 


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

AWARDS NIGHT TWO (VIRTUAL)

  • Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Children
  • Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
  • Outstanding Variety or Game Show (Series or Special)
  • Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
  • Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series
  • Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
  • Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
  • Outstanding Talk Series

 


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

AWARDS NIGHT THREE (VIRTUAL)

  • Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama
  • Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction
  • Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action)
  • Outstanding Short-Form (Animated)
  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
  • Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–series)
  • Outstanding Children’s Program
  • Outstanding Animated Series
  • Outstanding Guest Performance
  • Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
  • Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
  • Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

 


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

RECEPTION & FASHION SHOW (IN-PERSON)

  • Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
  • Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
  • Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)

AWARDS NIGHT FOUR (VIRTUAL)

  • Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
  • Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
  • Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help
  • Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
  • Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
  • Outstanding Directing in a Documentary

 


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

AWARDS NIGHT FIVE (IN-PERSON DINNER)

  • Activist of the Year
  • Youth Activist of the Year
  • Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
  • Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
  • Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
  • Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Documentary (Film)
  • Outstanding Documentary (Television)
  • Outstanding Drama Series
  • Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
  • Outstanding International Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal
  • Outstanding New Artist
  • Outstanding Podcast – Arts and Entertainment
  • Outstanding Social Media Personality
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
  • Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

 

NOTE: Schedule and category announcements subject to change. If a category is not listed above, it has not been determined which day it will be presented.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Wizkid, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean Page, Daniel Kaluuya, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

Winners of the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will be revealed via telecast on February 25, 2023, on BET. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually February 20-23 via old.naacpimageawards.net and at an Awards Dinner and Program on February 24.

For more on the “54th NAACP Image Awards” please visit BET.com.

Instagram: @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook: /naacpimageaward

 


About Queen Latifah:

Queen Latifah is a GRAMMY® award-winning musician, critically acclaimed television and Oscar®-nominated film actress, producer, record label president, author, and entrepreneur. Queen Latifah has had amazing success since her career began in Hollywood, becoming the first hip-hop artist to be crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. She received rave reviews, an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe® nomination, and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards® nomination for her portrayal of Mama Morton in the feature musical “Chicago.” She also received an Emmy® Award nomination, a Golden Globe® win, and a SAG Award® win for her role in the cable film “Life Support.”

Making her big screen debut in Spike Lee’s 1991 film, “Jungle Fever,” Queen Latifah then starred in “Set it Off” and co-starred with Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito in the critically acclaimed “Living Out Loud.” From 1993-1998, Latifah starred in the network comedy “Living Single.” Following “Chicago,” she starred in and executive-produced the box office hit “Bringing Down the House.” Her additional film credits include “The Secret Life of Bees,” alongside Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning; Neil Meron and Craig Zadan’s “Hairspray”; “Mad Money,” opposite Diane Keaton and Katie Holmes; “Just Wright”; “Joyful Noise”; “The Last Holiday”; and “Beauty Shop.” She also starred in and executive-produced the cable movie “Life Support” and the cable movie adaptation of “Steel Magnolias.” From 2013-2014, she was the host of “The Queen Latifah Show,” which she produced with partner Shakim Compere and Overbrook Entertainment’s Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and James Lassiter.

In May 2015, Queen Latifah made her way back to the small screen, earning an Emmy® Award nomination, Golden Globe® nomination and a SAG Award® for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for her role in the cable film “Bessie,” which she also produced.

In 2017, Queen Latifah co-starred in the hit comedy “Girls Trip” with Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish. She also starred in the 2016 faith-based movie “Miracles from Heaven,” opposite Jennifer Garner, and returned as the voice of wooly mammoth “Ellie” in “Ice Age: Collision Course.” Additionally, she took to the stage and small screen performing as the title character in the television musical “The Wiz Live!,” co-starring Uzo Aduba, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Common and David Alan Grier. She can also be seen in the FOX hit series “STAR”, which had its series finale May 2019.

Recognition for Queen Latifah’s recording artistry includes six GRAMMY® Award nominations, as well as a win for Best Solo Rap Performance in 1994. In 2004, she was nominated for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for “Go Head.” In 2005, she was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “The Dana Owens Album,” and in 2008, she was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for “Trav’lin Light.”

Flavor Unit Entertainment, the production company owned and operated by Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere, released hit feature comedies “Bringing Down the House,” “Beauty Shop” and “The Perfect Holiday.” Flavor Unit also produced the films “The Cookout” and “Just Wright,” as well as cable films “Bessie” and “Life Support.” Together, Queen Latifah and Compere produced “The Real MVP: The Wanda Pratt Story,” “The Best Place to Be,” “Curvy Style with Timothy Snell,” “The Perfect Match” and “The Rap Game.”

In November of 2019, Queen Latifah starred as Ursula in ABC’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid”. In April 2020, she starred in the Quibi drama “When the Street Lights Go On,” and executive produced Lifetime’s top-rated original movie “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel”.

Queen Latifah currently stars in and executive produces the CBS series “The Equalizer.” Currently in its third season, and renewed for a fourth, the show is averaging 10.4m viewers in Live +35 day viewing across linear and streaming platforms.

From Newark, NJ, Queen Latifah currently resides in Los Angeles.

 


About BET:

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, follow us on social @BET_PR.

 


About NAACP:

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

In media attributions, please refer to us as the NAACP.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation’s first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.

NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:

Chloe Duverge | chloe.duverge@bet.net

Luis DeFrank| luis.defrank@bet.net

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis | NAACPImageAwards@sunshinesachs.com

Jonah Bryson | jbryson@naacpnet.org