EGOT winner Viola Davis is adding another major recognition to her already historic run.
The powerhouse performer, producer, and author will receive the Chairman’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards, set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony will be broadcast live on BET and CBS.
The Chairman’s Award is reserved for individuals who not only excel in their fields but also commit themselves to public service and advancing meaningful change. For Davis, that dual impact is clear. Beyond her work on screen, she has long been active in the fight to eradicate childhood hunger and recently expanded that mission through the launch of the Davis-Tennon Foundation.
In announcing the honor, Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, described Davis as “a generational talent” whose career reflects excellence and courage. He also highlighted her continued push toward equity and opportunity, noting that her influence stretches far beyond entertainment.
Connie Orlando, executive vice president of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET, emphasized how Davis has matched extraordinary artistry with real-world action. From advocacy to community uplift, Orlando said, Davis represents a legacy of service.
The award arrives as Davis continues to stack nominations and milestones. Over the years, she has taken home nine Image Awards for performances along with recognition for her bestselling memoir Finding Me. This year, she’s also nominated for her role in the Amazon MGM Studios thriller G20.
The Chairman’s Award places Davis in distinguished company. Previous recipients include Vice President Kamala Harris, Amanda Gorman, Samuel L. Jackson, civil rights icon John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Tyler Perry, former President Barack Obama, Bennie Thompson, Maxine Waters, and Regina Benjamin.
Other special moments are planned throughout the week of festivities. A$AP Rocky will be honored with the Vanguard Award for fashion, and Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant will receive the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award.
For Davis, the tribute underscores what many already know: her brilliance in front of the camera is matched by an unwavering commitment to the communities she represents.