The NAACP just announced that the iconic Wayans family—Keenen Ivory, Damon Sr., Marlon, Shawn, Kim, and Damon Jr.—will be inducted into the prestigious NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction will take place live during the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 22, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. This year’s broadcast has been extended to two and a half hours to make space for the celebration.
Known for transforming comedy and paving the way for generations of entertainers, the Wayans family’s influence spans film, television, and stand-up. From the groundbreaking sketch series In Living Color to box office hits like Scary Movie and White Chicks, the Wayans have redefined mainstream comedy by blending cultural commentary with fearless humor.
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.”
It all began with Keenen Ivory Wayans, who created In Living Color, a game-changing sketch series that launched the careers of Hollywood heavyweights like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez. Keenen’s visionary approach broke boundaries by putting diverse voices at the forefront while addressing race, class, and pop culture through a raw, comedic lens. He went on to co-write Hollywood Shuffle, direct Scary Movie, and star in the cult classic I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.
Damon Wayans Sr. solidified his status as a comedy legend through Saturday Night Live, Major Payne, and My Wife and Kids. Marlon and Shawn Wayans co-created and starred in The Wayans Bros. and brought us iconic films like Don’t Be a Menace…, White Chicks, and Little Man. Meanwhile, Kim Wayans has thrived as an actress, writer, and producer, while the next generation—led by Damon Wayans Jr.—is keeping the family’s legacy alive with standout roles in Shrinking, Happy Endings, New Girl, and Let’s Be Cops.
This year, Damon Sr. and Damon Jr. have made history as the first father-son duo nominated for their performances in Poppa’s House. Damon Sr. is up for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, while Damon Jr. earned a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Marlon is also nominated for Outstanding Guest Performance for his dramatic turn as Lou in Bel-Air.
Looking ahead, Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn are bringing back Scary Movie, rebooting the franchise for a new generation. The film is slated for release on June 12, 2026. Marlon, fresh off his WILD CHILD stand-up tour, is also set to star in Jordan Peele’s upcoming film HIM under Monkeypaw Productions, hitting theaters September 19, 2025.
“The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “Their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and leaving an undeniable mark on the industry.”
The NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame has previously honored icons like New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, and Stevie Wonder. The Wayans family now joins this distinguished group for their invaluable contributions to entertainment and culture.
Catch the 56th NAACP Image Awards live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS.