The 55th NAACP Image Awards, held in Los Angeles on Saturday night, were a celebration of black excellence. It was inspiring to see celebrities from all backgrounds being recognized for their work in the arts and in media.
“The NAACP Image Awards stand as a tribute to their creativity, talent, and dedication to authentic storytelling and are a testament to the richness and diversity of our community,” expressed Derrick Johnson, the President and CEO of the NAACP.
Queen Latifah, the legendary hostess, was all smiles when she welcomed guests in a chocolate Christian Siriano gown, which she wore with a silk top, tortoise sunglasses, and a bow-tie.
This moment was a historical for the cast of 2023 Color Purple musical Film as it was the most nominated motion picture in the ceremony’s history, with 16 nominations, and 11 wins.
It’s important to note that Forbes magazine wrote an article titled “Oscar Nominations Snub ‘The Color Purple’” which highlights how the original 1985 film is the most nominated movie without winning a single award. In addition to how the cast of the Color Purple musical was slighted this year with actress Danielle Brooks being the only cast member to receive an award as ‘Best Supporting Actress.’
In the great words of Jay-Z during his Grammy speech, “Even by your own metrics it doesn’t work.”
Although award season can be joyful and daunting for some, the NAACP Image awards ensured that black artists received their well-deserved accolades over the weekend without fear of being “snubbed.”
Fantasia Barino and Taraji Hnson, who played the lead roles in The Color Purple, were a sensation. They showed us what black girl power is all about.
Barrino who won ‘Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture’ opted for a black and white custom Monot dress, styled by Daniel Hawkins. While her co-star Taraji Henson won ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress’ and illuminated in a yellow 3D Delcore gown, that glistened against her sun-kissed skin and Bulgari jewels.
Halle Bailey looked regal and glamorous in an emerald green Nicole + Felicia gown, and for someone who just secretively gave birth, she got her ‘Little Mermaid’ body back in no time.
Kerry Washington in Vivienne westwood and Sheryl Lee in Georges Hobeika also made us green with envy. Both ladies posed in shimmering lime green dresses and looked sophisticated.
Yara shook her head in a black Ferragamo dress that Jason Bolden styled. It featured a leather bodice with a cutout.
Fashion Bomb Couples Megan Good and Jonathan Majors, as well as Usher and Jennifer, also kept things monochromatic in all black.
Usher came dressed to impress in a black LaQuan Smith suit and was the man of the hour as he was honored with the President’s award and the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award. Jennifer was dressed in the same black embellished Zuhair murad tuxedo as him.
Philippe Uter styled Meagan, who was standing 10-toes-down for her boyfriend Jonathan Majors. She wore a Michael Costello black lace gown. Majors kept it playful and eclectic by wearing a silk floral top under his black tux.
If you thought the men looked dapper in their tuxedos, KeKe Palmer looked exquisite in her Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana suit that included all the components of a formal tuxedo including a cummerbund and bow tie. KeKe looked stunning in this suit. We were impressed by the contrast and how confident she was.
The NAACP Image Awards gave people of color a place to thrive and flourish. They were also recognized for their achievements.