Chris Brown and Davido run the international circuit, while Wizkid secures a contemporary collab win at the NAACP Image Awards.
The NAACP Image Awards rolled into its second night of celebrations, dishing out trophies across the music, podcast, and creative arts categories. The evening saw R&B heavyweight Chris Brown and Afrobeats icon Davido bagging Outstanding International Song for their smash hit “Hmmm.” Meanwhile, Wizkid, the Starboy himself, teamed up with Brent Faiyaz to snag Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Contemporary) for “Piece of My Heart.”
With Doechii taking home Outstanding New Artist—one of six nominations that had her leading the music categories—the night continued to spotlight Black excellence across multiple fields. Other winners included Malcolm Washington, who was honored as Outstanding Breakthrough Creative for his directorial work on The Piano Lesson, and Samara Joy, whose jazz album Portrait was named Outstanding Jazz Album. Tamela Mann continued her gospel dominance, clinching both Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for “Working For Me” and Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for Live Breathe Fight.
The buzz doesn’t stop at music. The Image Awards are set to hit the big stage on February 22, broadcasting live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on BET and CBS. Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the Chairman’s Award, Dave Chappelle will collect the President’s Award, and the Wayans family—Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr.—will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Jotaka Eaddy, founder of #WinWithBlackWomen, and Essence Communications will also receive special recognition at the Creative Honors ceremony on February 21.
This year, the awards extend their reach beyond entertainment, launching the Altadena Community Preservation Fund in response to recent wildfires affecting Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena. BET Media Group, NAACP, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, and WME are collaborating with local organizations like Community Aid Dena and WalkGood LA to support affected communities.
In other major wins, Kendrick Lamar’s West Coast anthem “Not Like Us” scooped Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song, while Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter took home Outstanding Album. Blue Ivy Carter added another accolade to the Carter dynasty, winning Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for Mufasa: The Lion King.
The first night of the NAACP Image Awards also delivered its share of heavyweights, with Ayo Edebiri securing Outstanding Breakthrough Creative for The Bear, Keke Palmer earning an award for hosting Password, and Marlon Wayans taking Outstanding Guest Performance for Bel-Air. Taraji P. Henson doubled up with two wins—one for her supporting role in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and another for her children’s book You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!). MSNBC’s Joy Ann Reid followed suit, winning both Outstanding News/Information Series for The Reidout and Outstanding Literary Work – Biography for Medgar and Myrlie.
Meanwhile, Gracie’s Corner continued to be a favorite among young audiences, scooping up both Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Animated Series. Leah Sava Jeffries was also celebrated, winning Outstanding Performance by a Youth for Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
The NAACP Image Awards are keeping the momentum going, championing Black artistry across the board. With music, film, literature, and television all getting their flowers, this year’s ceremony is proving once again why it remains one of the most important cultural celebrations in entertainment.
