Highlights from the 56th NAACP Image Awards Nominations Special

This year, the 56th NAACP Image Awards Nominations Special set the stage for yet another season of celebrating Black excellence. Hosted by Novi Brown and Trevor Jackson on January 7, 2025, the event showcased the incredible talents and groundbreaking work of Black creatives across various industries. The live-streamed event also included a simultaneous reveal on CBS Mornings, where Chlöe Bailey joined NAACP President Derrick Johnson to announce some of the year’s most anticipated nominations.

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The celebration continues with a two-hour live TV special airing on Saturday, February 22, 2025, live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Tune in at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.

Congratulations to the incredible women who have earned multiple nominations for the 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards! Ayo Edibiri and Keke Palmer lead with an impressive four nominations each, a testament to their remarkable talent and dedication. These outstanding creatives exemplify excellence and deserve every recognition for the great work they’ve contributed to the arts. 

Key Categories and Nominees

Entertainer of the Year

The coveted Entertainer of the Year category features a stellar lineup, including powerhouse vocalist Cynthia Erivo, multifaceted star Keke Palmer, rap legend Kendrick Lamar, comedy mogul Kevin Hart, and sports commentator and cultural icon Shannon Sharpe.

Outstanding Motion PictureThe competition in the Outstanding Motion Picture category highlights films that captivate audiences and provoke thought:

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)

Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Wicked (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Drama Series

In television, the Outstanding Drama Series category honors gripping narratives with nominees including:

9-1-1 (ABC)

Bel-Air (Peacock)

Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

Found (NBC)

Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

Outstanding New Artist

The music industry’s freshest voices shine in the Outstanding New Artist category, featuring Doechii, Myles Smith, Samoht, Shaboozey, and Tyla.

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

Celebrating collaborative brilliance, nominees for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture include:

Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

The Book of Clarence (Sony Pictures)

The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Wicked (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Kerry Washington – “UnPrisoned”

Meagan Good – “Harlem”

Michelle Buteau – “Survival of the Thickest”

Quinta Brunson – “Abbott Elementary”

Tichina Arnold – “The Neighborhood”

The nominations special was more than an announcement, it showcased how the Black artistry continues to enrich the global cultural fabric. With voting now open here and, fans have the opportunity to uplift their favourite nominees and celebrate their contributions.

The 56th NAACP Image Awards will air live on February 22, 2025, at 8/7c on BET. Mark your calendars for a night of celebration, inspiration, and the honouring of outstanding talent that continues to shape our cultural landscape.

Watch Nomination HERE