The 51st NAACP Image Awards took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday in Pasadena, California.
Broadcasted live on BET, the event saw some of our favorite black celebrities being awarded for their immense contributions in their various fields as well as philanthropy.
Notable highlights of the night included multi-platinum selling Bajan singer turned business mogul, Rihanna, receiving the President’s Award for her charitable efforts as well as Lizzo taking home the Entertainer of the Year award.
Iconic civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis was also honored with the NAACP Chairman’s Award.
In what was a very inspirational speech, Rihanna, whose outstanding global philanthropic efforts cannot be overestimated, called for unity.
“I’m lucky I was able to start the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012. And if there’s any thing that I’ve learned is that we can only fix this world together. We can’t do it divided. I cannot emphasize that enough. We can’t let the de-sensitivity seep in. The, ‘If it’s your problem, then it’s not mine; It’s a woman’s problem; It’s a black people problem; It’s a poor people problem,’” she said.
As one of the most popular awards shows celebrating black excellence, the event’s red carpet was blessed with an elegant display of pomp and pageantry as our favorite black celebrities stepped out in style.
Take a look at some of our favorite below:
Check out some of the other notable awardees below:
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Marsai Martin – “black-ish”
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Jharrel Jerome – “When They See Us”
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Niecy Nash – “When They See Us”
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) — Individual or Ensemble
Jada Pinkett Smith – “Red Table Talk”
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Tracee Ellis Ross – “black-ish”
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – “9-1-1”
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Omari Hardwick – “Power”
Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series
Kelly Rowland – “American Soul”
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan – “Just Mercy”
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Lupita Nyong’o – “Us”
You can check the complete list of winners here.
