Michael B. Jordan capped the night by taking home the NAACP Image Awards’ highest honor: Entertainer of the Year. He also won Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his dual roles in Sinners. The Oscar-tipped vampire drama from collaborator Ryan Coogler dominated the ceremony with 13 wins – including Outstanding Motion Picture and Breakthrough Performance. In an emotional speech, Jordan dedicated his trophy to the late Chadwick Boseman, “I gotta dedicate this award to Chadwick Boseman,” he said. “Our time on this planet is short.” He closed the show with the rallying cry, “Man, I love being Black. I love y’all.”
The evening also honored a wealth of talent. Quinta Brunson won Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (Abbott Elementary), Cynthia Erivo took Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture (Wicked: For Good), and Sterling K. Brown was named Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (Paradise). Longtime star Viola Davis received the NAACP Chairman’s Award, reminding viewers to claim the dignity and respect they deserve. Music was a major focus, too: Cardi B swept Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album (for Am I The Drama?), making history as the first rapper to win the solo album category. Kendrick Lamar took Outstanding Male Artist and, with SZA, won Outstanding Music Video for “Luther.” Rising rapper Monaleo was named New Artist of the Year, gospel legend Kirk Franklin won for Outstanding Gospel Song, and South African pop star Tyla earned Outstanding International Song for her hit “Is It.” The ceremony was a celebration of Black excellence across film, television and music.
