The winners of the “48th NAACP Image Awards” were announced this past Saturday during a live broadcast from Pasadena Civic Auditorium which aired on TV One.
The two-hour live special was hosted by Anthony Anderson. There was a live pre-show from the red carpet hosted by Nischelle Turner and Terrence Jenkins including Tai Beauchamp and Chris Spencer as special correspondents.
NAACP Chairwoman Roslyn Brock presented the NAACP Chairman’s Award to Harvard Law Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. NAACP President Cornell William Brooks presented the NAACP President’s Award to Lonnie G. Bunch, III.
Some of the biggest names in film, television and music appeared including: Taraji P. Henson, Denzel Washington, Dwayne Johnson, Kerry Washington, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nate Parker, Niecy Nash, Omari Hardwick, Regina King, Mandy Moore, John Legend, Terrence Howard, Angela Bassett, Sterling K. Brown, Octavia Spencer, Trevor Noah, Janelle Monae, Issa Rae, Mike Colter, Mykelti Williamson, Adam Rodriguez, Rashida Jones, Bill Paxton, Brian White, Deon Cole, Jussie Smollett, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Justin Cornwell, Nick Kroll, Penny Johnson, Pooch Hall, Don Cheadle, Keesha Sharp, Andra Day, Kofi Siriboe, Rutina Wesley, Stephan James, Tika Sumpter and Uzo Aduba. Also appeared were cast members from Empire, This Is Us, Atlanta, The Carmichael Show, Power, black-ish, Queen Sugar, and more.
The winners of the “48th NAACP Image Awards” in the non-televised categories were announced during a gala dinner celebration that took place Friday, February 10, 2017, at the Pasadena Civic Center Ballroom – the event was hosted by Erica Ash and Deon Cole.
Our very own Chasity Saunders was on the red carpet Friday evening.
Check out our exclusive interviews below:
Courtney Kemp Agboh
Now the last time I saw you was in New York City on the set, and it was season one. We’re getting ready to go onto season four. I mean, we’ve spoke so much about what this project meant for you. It was the first show that you sold. Was it everything you thought it would be and what can we expect from the next season?
It’s way more exhausting than I ever thought it would be. Much harder job than I ever thought it would be. I’m so glad I didn’t know what I was getting into. I probably wouldn’t have done it. I would have said, “This is too big and this is too much,” but you know, God always makes a way out of no way, so I have been very, very fortunate to walk through it. It’s been interesting for sure, but no, I didn’t anticipate any of this happening.
Do you know what’s next on your radar?
I definitely want to write a book and I really want to write my next show, it’s gonna be something totally different. Less guns. Definitely less.
Aisha Tyler
We love you. We love that you have a voice and that you represent us so, so, well. Can you just talk to that, a little bit, and why it’s important? Especially in the social climate and in the political climate that we’re in right now.
What I will say is that it’s a very unusual time for us in America, you know. We have a president and an administration right now that in my personal opinion, doesn’t have the best interest of every American at heart … You know a lot of people say to people in entertainment well, who cares what you think. You know, you live this life of a luxury, or you can’t understand what I went through. I grew up poor, I was homeless when I was in high school. Money I have I made with my own hands, through hard work and with the support and love of the people around me. I’m speaking out because people didn’t just fight for my rights, they died for it. They died in the street for it, and I’m not going to take it for granted. I don’t feel like it’s my right to speak out, I feel like it’s my obligation. That’s the position that I’m taking. I feel like it’s my obligation to stay woke every single day and to help people listening to me, following me online to stay as woke as they can because I’ll be damned if all of those people didn’t die in the street and I was just going to sit at home and f–k around and not do anything.
So what advice can you give to young women out there that want to take a stand as well?
You know one thing I will say to everyone out there, especially people of color, is that I’m not going to tell you how to think or feel, we are not a monolith. I think the mistake that a lot of people make that are not in our community, and even inside of our community, is to assume that we all feel the same thing. But the one thing that I do think that we all have a responsibility to do is to take part in our own destiny. You know, people are trying to take that power away from you everyday, they always have. Take the power away from you to chose to be the architect of your own destiny. That’s your or obligation, because like I said a hundred years ago we didn’t even have that power which they constantly took from us, so … Read, organize, communicate with people around you. Be informed .. Don’t be a dumb-dumb. Don’t be a dummy, you know what I mean, because when you are asleep that’s when it’s easiest to take your position from you. It’s a difficult time but it’s an exciting time, I see people of color in positions we’ve ever been in before and now is really the time to leverage in and to grow and to also move other people along. I think as a woman of color in this industry, especially this industry so many black women kicked down so many doors for me and it’s my obligation for me to do that for the women coming in behind me.
Anika Noni Rose
Yes, you look gorgeous tonight. Best actress in a limited series. You are a phenomenal actress. Can you just talk a little bit about that journey that brought you to tonight?
You know, it’s funny because it feels like the journey is still going. It’s hard to say but it’s been a long journey. It’s been a lot of training. It’s been a lot of work. It’s just been a really great year for me, so I’m very thankful for that. I had “Roots,” I had “Power,” I’m now on “The Quad”. Three vastly different roles, which is what fills me and thrills me. So I’m just very thankful. I feel like the work is paying off in the work that I’m getting and hopefully I can continue doing that.
And you’re taking some risks with your fashion now, too. Working with some friends of mine. Micah! Oh my God, I love how they have been styling you. You just look amazing. You always look regal, but talk about taking risks with your fashion and we’re loving the short hair.
I just feel too decided I’ve spent a lot of my life and my career doing things that I think are good for my career, which I think everybody should do. Continue to work, but I think it’s more important at this point in my life to be able to express myself as freely as I want to, so cutting my hair was part of that. I’ve wanted to cut it for years, and I was like “You know what? I’m done.” And I love Wayman and Micah because they really understand me. They understand my style and my aesthetic and I don’t like things to be overly safe. I don’t like things overly smooth. It’s not fun! You know what I mean? I want to have fun. And if you can’t have fun with your person, where are you having fun? You know what I mean? So, it’s a great thing.
What else can we see from “The Quad”? We’re loving it so far. Can you give us any little details? Any juiciness we should be looking out for?
The story is not over for Eva and Mr. Diamond.
I’m an HBCU graduate and I believe in HBCU’s and I know that you do your work as an actress, so why do you think it’s so important that we have HBCU’s?
It’s important because we wouldn’t have this country without HBCU’s. Without a Benjamin Banneker, without a George Washington Carver, without Althea Gibson. Without all your fore bearers … It is about being able to nourish and build young minds in a safe space. It is about honoring the past and those who came before us and it is about high in spirits and competitive education, as it should be.
Chloe X Halle
And you’re nominated tonight as ‘Best New Artist’ in a category with Ro James and so many other talented young people. How does it feel?
We are just screaming. We are so thankful to everybody and are honored to be in a category with so many other amazing artists.
And whether you know it or not, you girls are fashionistas. And you are giving us fashion all the time. So what are you guys inspired by? What are some designers from New York Fashion Week you are looking to see this season?
Oh my goodness. Well, right now we really love Rodarte … We love them. They are so creative and out of the box. We also love Missoni, which is what we’re wearing now.
And Beyonce loves you girls. What was it like to have Beyonce as a mentor?
We are so happy to have her there. She was able to tell us exactly what she’s gone through, what we are going through now as young artists on the come up. And we we’re so inspired by her passion.
And you girls get to work together as sisters. For other young women out there who want to go into business with their sisters or siblings, what advice will you give to them?
One, believe in yourself. You have to listen to that inner voice, because there will be so many who will tell you your ideas aren’t valid … Or the path you are going on is the wrong one. That whatever you believe, that’s what it is. We all have that intuition within us. And to also not be afraid.
Iyanla Vanzant
There are so many people out there that not only watch you, read your books religiously. Did you ever see your career coming this far? And at this point, where else do you want to go?
I tell you, I was a criminal defense attorney. That’s what I signed up for. Now, my life is my ministry. Everything that I do, I pray about in service to God and God’s people, so I have absolutely no control over where I’m going. And thank God, because when I was in control, I had three divorces!
Why do think it’s important that we find our purpose?
Because that’s why we’re here. You have to find your purpose. You have to be your purpose. People are looking for their purpose and stepping into what brings them joy. Stepping into what serves the greater good. Stepping into the deepest desires of their mind. So a life that has purpose is a life of service, and I think that that’s what everybody really wants.
There are so many of us that need to forgive ourselves for things. What advice can you give us for the first step that it takes to do that?
Forgiveness is the way that you override and supersede every poor choice you’ve ever made. So start there. Start with forgiving you. Not for other people. Forgiving you for just not being kind to yourself. Forgiving you for not allowing yourself to move out of your comfort zone. Just start there.
Loni Love
I’m also a plus-size model and I follow you and admire you for many, many different reasons.
You’re beautiful.
Thank you. I’m so excited about your new collaboration with Lola Getts.
Oh my goodness, yes!
Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Lola Getts is an activewear line. I have about five or six pieces, it’s the Loni Love collection. I just wanted to be an inspiration to women that are … You know they call us plus-size, which is real women. You know, and a lot of times you don’t have clothes to fit. And this is a collection where you can be comfortable but stylish and I’m very, very excited to be collaborating with a small company of women. And that’s what Lola Getts, the Loni Love collection, is about. You have to check it out on LolaGetts.com.
Loretta Devine
What is it like working with Jerrod Carmichael. I mean, he’s a writer, director, producer.
I have so much respect for him which really makes all the difference, and I really trust him and his ideas. I’m always shocked by what he comes up with … It’s like that show, I couldn’t believe he had the nerve to do all of that but once we got into it, it’s like “Oh my God!” I don’t know if they’re going to let us say that on the TV. My husband keeps saying, “Do they not know that they can’t say that on TV!” And I tell him, “We will see,” because it’s really out there. That’s why people are going to really love it. He’s so honest. He’s so honest in what he brings, and I love him.
You get a chance to work alongside David Alan Grier. What’s that like for you? How fun is that?
He’s always crazy and wacky. You never know if you’re hearing a joke or if he’s serious and so that keeps it fun.
What are you looking forward to the most tonight because we know you’ve been to a couple of these so why is it important that you come and support the NAACP image awards?
Oh, I’m just looking forward to seeing all the new people and you know, and the people I’ve seen for years. I can’t believe I’m here! I mean, it’s almost like it’s brand new. You know, everybody is like, “Hi,” but I’ve seen them on television, and so I get a chance to meet everybody.
Marsai Martin
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQbn0lWhslw/?taken-by=marsaisworld&hl=en
Hey so two years ago I saw you here and now you guys are going into season three, what is the most amazing part of working with Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross?
They are so amazing, they’re so hilarious on set. I learn so much from them, and I cannot wait to see them on Monday start getting back to work … it’ll be a great day and seeing my cast.
What kind of advice would you give to other young actresses that are following in your footsteps?
You know what, what I would say is just be yourself … I did this for myself, I love acting … And not for anybody else, not because somebody told me, hey, you should do this and you know you get this big house … all this moolah. No, I’m doing this for myself … but it’s a blessing to be comfortable at what you do and you love it, so I just say, do what you love and good things will come.
You also get to work with Yara Shahidi who is so inspiring.
Well speaking of Yara Shahidi it’s also her birthday today. She turned 17, it’s awesome, so happy birthday Yara and it’s awesome working with Yara. She’s so smart, she’s amazing, and she is such a great role model.
Ro James
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQbxRsLgQAo/?taken-by=rojamesxix&hl=en
Okay. Best new artist, which you’re nominated for, but we all know that you’re not a new artist. You are an amazing artist that we have been following for a long time. Talk a little bit about the journey and what this nomination means for you.
Man, the journey has been high and low, but it’s been amazing. I think it’s given me and taught me everything I needed to know, and I been working hard to maintain my individuality, maintain being original, putting out great music and not copying or trying to follow a trend. You know what I mean? And creating my own lanes, so to be recognized, aT just the beginning of that, just now trying to figure out how to simplify it and people appreciate it. It just feels great. Let’s me know, “Man, don’t quit. Keep going.”
Don’t!
It’s for the people, you know?
It’s New York Fashion Week and you’re giving us some fashion.
And I’m not there. I’m not there, but I’m here, though!
Any designers that you really love and do you have any plans to go into fashion? Because we love your style.
Man, there’s so many designers that I love right now. I really love Raf Simons, what they’re doing. Gucci’s doing amazing this season, and I’m definitely doing my own line.
You’re a new mom!
Making sure that my baby is taken care of first and foremost. Like where she is, who she’s around. I just can’t go anywhere without her. Even now I’m thinking about her, I’m like “this is great, I’ll have a glass of wine and I’m going home.” I’m excited to go home. Her sleeping though, it needs to get better. It needs to get better.
You’re about to start filming again. What can you tell us about the new season of Haves and Have Nots?
I have no idea. It’s on TV right now, but I know she’s going to fall in love probably again maybe. We go back to shooting next month, so we’re excited. We have 44 more episodes. And then we’ll figure out what the next after that.
what are you excited about working on next?
I’m producing with John Legend Black Wall Street on WGN, and I’m working on other producing projects .
Southside with You was incredible. I loved the film. Gorgeous, gorgeous film.
Thank you. I just wanted us to see ourselves fall in love. That’s it. Every little black girl needs to see themselves fall in love.
Jussie Smollett
What are you working on music-wise?
I think that my music project will hopefully be coming out this summer. You have to take your time with it. You can’t just throw nothing out there.
What about acting?
I have a couple of films that I’m going to be doing during hiatus.
What advice do you have for someone on their journey?
Work your ass off and when you think that you’ve worked your ass off, know that you’ve got more ass to work literally.
The NAACP Image Awards production team included Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin, Tony McCuin was the Director, Kimmie H. Kim and Byron Phillips were Co-Producers, and Robin Reinhardt was Talent Producer. Cree Summer was the in-show announcer. The NAACP Image Awards is the premiere multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
Special encore presentations of the show will air on TV One at: Tonight – 11:05 PM ET, Sun. Feb. 12 at 10am & 6:05PM ET, Wed. Feb. 15 at 9:30am ET, Thurs. Feb. 16 at 4pm & 12am ET.
Below are all of the winners for the 48th NAACP Image Awards.
Television Categories
Outstanding Comedy Series
“black-ish” (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson – “black-ish” (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross – “black-ish” (ABC)
Outstanding Drama Series
“Queen Sugar” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown – “This Is Us” (NBC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Taraji P. Henson – “Empire” (FOX)
Motion Picture Categories
Outstanding Motion Picture
“Hidden Figures” (20th Century Fox)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Denzel Washington – “Fences” (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Taraji P. Henson – “Hidden Figures” (20th Century Fox)
Entertainer of the Year
Dwayne Johnson
Television Categories
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Laurence Fishburne – “`black-ish” (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Tichina Arnold – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jussie Smollett – “Empire” (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Naturi Naughton – “Power” (Starz)
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series, or Dramatic Special
“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series, or Dramatic Special
Courtney B. Vance – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (FX)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series, or Dramatic Special
Regina King – “American Crime” (ABC)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“BET Love and Happiness White House Special” (BET)
Outstanding Talk Series
“Steve Harvey” (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program/
“Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
“2016 Black Girls Rock” (BET)
Outstanding Children’s Program
“An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win”(Amazon)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Marsai Martin – “`black-ish” (
Outstanding Host in a News, Talk, Reality, or Variety Program (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Roland S. Martin – “NewsOne Now with Roland S. Martin”(TV One)
Recording Categories
Outstanding New Artist
Chance the Rapper (Chance the Rapper)
Outstanding Male Artist
Maxwell (Columbia Records)
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé (Columbia Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
“Freedom” – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment
Outstanding Jazz Album
“Latin American Songbook” – Edward Simon (Sunnyside)
Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary)
“One Way” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann, Inc.)
Outstanding Music Video
“Formation” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records/ParkwoodEntertainment)
Outstanding Song – Traditional
“I See A Victory” – Kim Burrell and Pharrell Williams (I Am Other/Columbia Records)
Outstanding Album
“Lemonade” – Beyoncé (Columbia Records/ParkwoodEntertainment)
Outstanding Song – Contemporary
“Freedom” – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment
Literature Categories
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“The Book of Harlan” – Bernice L. McFadden (AkashicBooks)
Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction
“Hidden Figures” – Margot Lee Shetterly (HarperCollinsPu
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” –Trevor Noah (Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
“Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” –Trevor Noah (Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage” – Daymond John (Author), Daniel Paisner (With), (Crown Business/The Crown Publishing Group)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Collected Poems: 1974-2004” – Rita Dove (W. W. Norton & Company)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas” – Gwendolyn Hooks (Author), Colin Bootman(
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“As Brave As You” – Jason Reynolds (Simon & Schuster (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Motion Picture Categories
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Mahershala Ali – “Moonlight” (
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Viola Davis – “Fences” (Paramount Pi
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“Moonlight” (A24)
Documentary Categories
Outstanding Documentary – (Film)
“13TH” (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary – (Television)
“Roots: A New Vision” (History)
Writing Categories
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Kenya Barris – “`black-ish” – Hope (ABC)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Ava DuVernay – “Queen Sugar” – First Things First (OWN)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Television)
Charles Murray – “Roots” – Night 3 (History)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)
Barry Jenkins – “Moonlight” (A24)
Directing Categories
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Donald Glover – “Atlanta” – Value (FX)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
John Singleton – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” – The Race Card (FX)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television)
Rick Famuyiwa – “Confirmation” (HBO)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)
Barry Jenkins – “Moonlight” (A24)
Animated or Computer Generated Image (CGI) Category
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Film)
Idris Elba – “The Jungle Book” (Walt Disney Studios)
