The 56th annual NAACP Image Awards wrapped up in grand fashion on Saturday, Feb. 22, with The Six Triple Eight dominating the film categories and Kamala Harris delivering a rousing speech that took aim at political and corporate power. Hosted by Deon Cole and broadcast live on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the ceremony honored Black excellence across film, television, music, and literature, celebrating the stories that continue to shape culture.
The Six Triple Eight Shines in Film Categories
Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight, the historical drama directed by Tyler Perry, took home multiple top honors, including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Ensemble Cast, and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Kerry Washington. Ebony Obsidian also won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance for her role in the film, marking a major moment for the cast and crew of the powerful World War II drama.
Martin Lawrence scored Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, while Denzel Washington’s performance in Gladiator II earned him Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture—reminding everyone why he remains one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.
Kamala Harris’ Speech Stirs the Audience
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was honored with the Chairman’s Award, using her acceptance speech to deliver a powerful call to action. Harris reflected on the legacy of the NAACP and the importance of vigilance in the fight for justice:
“As everyone here may know, I grew up inspired by the work of the NAACP, inspired by all those who took up the fight for justice, for equality, and for opportunity. Their example is part of the reason I chose a life of public service, seeking to always live by the words of a distinguished NAACP founder, W.E.B. Du Bois, when he said, ‘It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.’”
Harris emphasized the need for continued activism, adding:
“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history. Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before and we will do it again. We use our power, we organize, mobilize, we educate and we advocate.”
Her words were met with thunderous applause, reinforcing the resilience and determination of the community she addressed.
Keke Palmer Named Entertainer of the Year
Keke Palmer continued her reign as one of entertainment’s brightest stars, taking home Entertainer of the Year, beating out Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. Palmer also won Outstanding Host in a Reality/Competition/Game Show for Password, proving her versatility across multiple platforms.
Special Honors for Dave Chappelle and the Wayans Family
Comedy legend Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award, while the iconic Wayans family—Keenen Ivory, Damon Sr., Shawn, Marlon, Kim, and Damon Jr.—were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing their decades of contributions to film and television.
More Notable Wins
- Abbott Elementary took home Outstanding Comedy Series, with Quinta Brunson winning Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
- Cross, starring Aldis Hodge, won Outstanding Drama Series, while Michael Rainey Jr. secured Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Power Book II: Ghost.
- Music categories saw big wins for Beyoncé (Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album for Cowboy Carter), Chris Brown (Outstanding Male Artist), and Kendrick Lamar (Outstanding Hip-Hop Song for Not Like Us).
Wrapping Up a Night of Celebration
The 2025 NAACP Image Awards concluded a week-long celebration of Black excellence, with winners announced across multiple nights leading up to the televised event. The night wasn’t just about accolades—it was a moment of reflection, recognition, and motivation to continue pushing forward. With a mix of powerful speeches, historic wins, and unforgettable performances, this year’s ceremony solidified its legacy as a night where culture, achievement, and activism intersected.
Full List of Winners
Entertainer of the Year: Keke Palmer
Outstanding Motion Picture: The Six Triple Eight
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: Martin Lawrence (Bad Boys: Ride or Die)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Kerry Washington (The Six Triple Eight)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Denzel Washington (Gladiator II)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Ebony Obsidian (The Six Triple Eight)
Outstanding Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Drama Series: Cross
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Michael Rainey Jr. (Power Book II: Ghost)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Damon Wayans Jr. (Poppa’s House)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Danielle Pinnock (Ghosts)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Michael Rainey Jr. (Power Book II: Ghost)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Queen Latifah (The Equalizer)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Cliff “Method Man” Smith (Power Book II: Ghost)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Lynn Whitfield (The Chi)
Outstanding Limited Television Series: Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television Series: Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge)
Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television Series: Naturi Naughton (Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television Series: Samuel L. Jackson (Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television Series: Taraji P. Henson (Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist)
Outstanding News/Information Series: The ReidOut
Outstanding Talk Series: The Jennifer Hudson Show
Outstanding Reality Program: Celebrity Family Feud
Outstanding Variety Show: Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…
Outstanding Children’s Program: Gracie’s Corner
Outstanding Host in a Talk Series: Jennifer Hudson (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
Outstanding Host in a Reality Competition Show: Keke Palmer (Password)
Outstanding Hip-Hop Song: Kendrick Lamar (Not Like Us)
Outstanding Female Artist: Beyoncé
Outstanding Male Artist: Chris Brown
Outstanding Album: Cowboy Carter (Beyoncé)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song: Tamela Mann (Working for Me)
Outstanding Jazz Album: Samara Joy (Portrait)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album: Wicked: The Soundtrack
(Continue with full winners list as needed)