By AFRO Staff
Black excellence was on full display Feb. 25 at the annual NAACP Image Awards, which took place this year in Pasadena, Calif.
The show, which was broadcast on Black Entertainment Television (BET), was hosted by legendary entertainer Queen Latifah. She performed a rendition of the 1950’s song“I’m Gonna Live Til’ I Die” for the audience in a stunning black and white gown– one of multiple ensembles worn during the night.
“This is a night to celebrate Black excellence and Black contribution to our industry and beyond,” Latifah said in a statement about the show.
Angela Bassett won big, taking home the “Entertainer of the Year Award.” Basset also took home the “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series” award for her work on the FOX television show “9-1-1.” Other winners included P-Valley’s Nicco Annan, who received an award for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series,” and the cast of Abbott Elementary, which was awarded for being an “Outstanding Comedy Series.”
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross took to the stage to give Attorney Benjamin Crump the “Social Justice Impact Award.”
WNBA player Brittney Griner took the stage in a special appearance with her wife, Cherelle, calling for detained Americans around the globe to be brought home. Sports star Serena Williams was also honored with the Jackie Robinson Sports Award.
“Serena Williams is the quintessential example of Black excellence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a statement. “From her record-breaking wins on the tennis court to her business acumen to her philanthropic endeavors, she has set the bar for athletes everywhere.”
Sponsors for the 54th NAACP Image Awards included Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Audible, Bacardi and Mielle, among others.