The nominations for the NAACP Image Awards have been unveiled, and the competition for Entertainer of the Year is heating up. Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in “Wicked,” is up against multi-talented Keke Palmer, rapper Kendrick Lamar, comedian Kevin Hart, and NFL legend Shannon Sharpe for the prestigious award. The winner will be announced on Feb. 22 during a live broadcast of the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
The theme for this year’s show is “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” and the event will be held at the Pasadena Civic Center, airing on both BET and CBS. The host for the evening is yet to be announced, but previous ceremonies have been emceed by Queen Latifah.
Leading the pack in the motion picture categories is “The Piano Lesson,” which has received 14 nominations. The film has been recognized for its director Malcolm Washington and stars John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Corey Hawkins, and Skylar Aleece Smith. Other films nominated for outstanding motion picture include “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” “Bob Marley: One Love,” “The Six Triple Eight,” and “Wicked.”
In the television categories, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” is leading with nine nominations. The show has received recognition for its stars Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, and Terrence Howard.
Ayo Edebiri has emerged as the most-nominated performer with five nods. She is leading in the television and streaming categories for her role in “The Bear,” her guest hosting on “Saturday Night Live,” and her voiceover work in “Inside Out 2.” Keke Palmer follows closely behind with four nominations in various categories.
Other multiple nominees include Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Henson, Colman Domingo, Kerry Washington, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, David Alan Grier, Sanaa Lathan, Cree Summer, and Aaron Pierre.
In the music categories, GloRilla has received the most nominations with six, including outstanding new artist. Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher are close behind with four nominations each, while Beyoncé has landed three nominations for her album “Cowboy Carter.”
The Image Awards nominations were announced on CBS Mornings by singer and actor Chlöe Bailey and NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson. The winners will be recognized not only during the main telecast but also at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Ceremonies on Fri., Feb. 21, streaming on naacpimageawards.net.
The full list of nominees covers a wide range of categories, from outstanding motion picture to outstanding literary work, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity within the Black community. The NAACP Image Awards serve as a platform to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black artists and storytellers who continue to shape culture, drive change, and inspire future generations.
