“I won a lot of awards recently, but this one tonight is probably the most special award I’ve ever gotten because it’s from this institution that represents these people, us people of color, Black people.”

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That’s how comedian and actor Dave Chappelle began his acceptance speech upon becoming the first comedian to receive the President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday (Feb. 22). Then gliding back and forth between being serious and, of course, humorous, he delivered insightful and compelling comments while delivering a call to arms to the entertainment industry that drew strong applause amid a standing ovation.

Chappelle continued his speech by introducing his “god brother Ben Jealous,” a former president of the NAACP.  “I asked him, ‘What do you think I should say tonight?,” said Chappelle. “And Ben sent me a whole speech [to audience laughter]. But what was important? He said in 1915 the movie Birth of a Nation came out and had a hideous depiction of African Americans. And by 1927 the NAACP had opened its first office here in Hollywood. And from then, 100 years ago to this very night, they have been chipping away at this industry so that people like me can stand up in front of people and tell my story or our stories. Each and every artist in here, every opportunity we get, every time we’re on camera, on stage, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine. But tonight, man, I feel invigorated because all my Netflix checks cleared [more audience laughter].

“I don’t owe anybody any work right now,” Chappelle continued in part. “So every time you see me, just know I’m only up there because I want to be right up there. I hope all of us who work in this industry feel strong and inspired and not discouraged, especially because this is a very difficult time right now, and your institution is, sadly, more relevant than it’s been in a long time. We got a lot of work to do, but it feels good to know that we’re not in it alone, that we got each other. And remember community is everything. Shout out to everybody who lost their home or was displaced from their home … Don’t ever be afraid to lean on each other. My father told me a phrase that got me all the way to where I am today. He said, “Whenever you mess up or you feel like you can’t get up, remember these words because they’re magic words. And I said, ‘What’s the words, dad?’ And he said, ‘Whoops’ [audience laughter] ’ Let’s keep it moving, y’all, let’s keep it moving.”

After thanking the NAACP and the audience before heading off stage, Chappelle also paid tribute to veteran film and TV director/ producer Stan Lathan, who was in the audience. Lathan’s lengthy list of credits includes Chappelle’s stand-up comedy shows such as Killin’ Them Softly, Equanamity and Sticks and Stones as well as Sesame Street, Sanford & Son and Def Comedy Jam.

Prefacing the award presentation was an introduction from NAACP president/CEO Derrick Johnson who said in part, “We’re honoring him with the NAACP President’s Award, an award that isn’t just about recognizing legends in their field but about celebrating their impact on culture. For decades, Dave has made us laugh like no one else can, and let’s be real. We need that now more than ever. Countless others have recognized him for his genius in comedy, but we’re honoring him for his fearless social commentary, for making us think, for pushing boundaries and for the way his comedy has challenged the status quo and resonated with people of every background.”

Johnson’s comments were followed by a video segment featuring various clips from Chappelle’s career onstage and in television and film as well as his philanthropic work including his support of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Flint water crisis. Among the industry colleagues and friends participating in the video was fellow comedian and actor Eddie Murphy who said, “Dave is maybe the most intellectual comedian ever.”

Chappelle is a six-time Grammy Award winner for best comedy album, most recently in February for The Dreamer. His accolades also  include five Primetime Emmy Awards: three for his Netflix comedy specials Sticks & Stones and Equanimity & The Bird Revelation and two for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017 and 2021. Chappelle is also the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Keke Palmer was named entertainer of the year at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, which were held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif. on Saturday (Feb. 22). The other nominees in the category were Cynthia ErivoKendrick LamarKevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe.

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Palmer also won outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show or variety series or special for the reboot of Password, but her win in the top category was considered a surprise. In accepting her award, she made clear she expected the red-hot Erivo to win.

The NAACP presented dozens of awards, most of them prior to the televised ceremony. Beyoncés Cowboy Carter, which had won a Grammy for album of the year on Feb. 2, was voted outstanding album. It’s Bey’s fourth win in that category, which puts her in a tie with Whitney Houston for the most awards in that category in the show’s history. Beyoncé also won outstanding female artist for a record-extending eighth time.

Chris Brown won outstanding male artist for the fourth time, which puts him in tie with Usher for second place among all winners in this category. Luther Vandross leads with seven wins. (Vandross’ continuing legacy was seen when Luther: Never Too Much won for outstanding documentary – motion pictures.) Brown won two additional awards. “Residuals” won outstanding soul/R&B song.“Hmmm,” featuring Davido, took outstanding international song.

Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammys, including record and song of the year, won outstanding hip-hop/rap song and outstanding music video/visual album.

Doechii won outstanding new artist. She was Grammy-nominated for best new artist, but lost to Chappell Roan. This is the sixth year in a row that the NAACP winner in this category was at least nominated for the Grammy for best new artist.

The Six Triple Eight won outstanding motion picture. This is the second film directed by Tyler Perry to win in this category, following For Colored Girls (2011). Denzel Washington, Taylor Hackford and Ryan Coogler have also directed two NAACP Image Award winners in this category.

Neither of the Black actors nominated for lead acting Oscars this year won in their categories at the NAACP Image Awards. Erivo (Wicked) lost to Kerry Washington for The Six Triple Eight. Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) lost to Martin Lawrence for Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

Three notable second-generation stars won awards (along with their famous parents). Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s 13-year-old daughter, won for outstanding character voice performance, motion picture for Mufasa: The Lion King. Malcolm Washington, the son of Denzel Washington, won for outstanding breakthrough creative, motion picture, for The Piano Lesson. His father won outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture for Gladiator II. Damon Wayans Jr. won outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for Poppa’s House. His father Damon Wayans wonthe lead actor prize for that same show.

Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… won outstanding variety show (series or special). On the Netflix special, Foxx shed light on his April 2023 health emergency. He revealed that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke which resulted in his hospitalization.

The Prince of Death Row Records, about singer October London, won outstanding short-form series or special – reality/nonfiction/documentary.

The Jennifer Hudson Show won outstanding talk series, while the show’s host won outstanding host in a talk or news/information (series or special), individual or ensemble. Hudson won entertainer of the year at the NAACP show three years ago.

Cliff “Method Man” Smith won outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for Power Book II: Ghost. Smith, a member of the East Coast hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, has had significant success in both hip-hop and acting.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award. Dave Chappelle became the first comedian to receive the President’s Award. The BET Media Group won the NAACP Founders Award.

The Wayans Family received the Hall of Fame Award. In addition, three family members won individual honors. As noted, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. both won for Poppa’s House.  Marlon Wayans won outstanding guest performance for Bel Air.

Ledisi, joined by a gospel choir, performed the gospel standard “How I Got Over” in a special segment remembering the victims of the recent wildfires, which devastated the historically-Black neighborhood of Altadena, Calif. Clara Ward wrote the song, which has been performed by such greats as Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s “The Golden Time of Day” soundtracked the In Memoriam spot, which included Beverly. There was a separate tribute to Quincy Jones, which included clips of such signature works “Ai No Corrida,” Brothers Johnson’s “Stomp!” and the funky instrumental theme to TV’s Sanford & Son.

Here’s a complete list of the nominations in key categories in the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, with winners marked.

Entertainer of the year

Cynthia Erivo

WINNER: Keke Palmer

Kendrick Lamar

Kevin Hart

Shannon Sharpe

Recording categories

Outstanding album

Alligator Bites Never Heal — Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Cape Town to Cairo — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)

Coming Home — Usher (mega/gamma.)

WINNER: Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

Glorious — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding soul/R&B song

“16 CARRIAGES” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” — Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)

“I Found You” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)

WINNER: “Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

“Saturn” — SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding hip hop/rap song

“Mamushi” — Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba (Hot Girl Productions LLC/Warner Music Group)

“Murdergram Deux” — LL Cool J feat. Eminem (Def Jam Recordings)

“Noid” — Tyler, the Creator (Columbia Records)

WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

“Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding male artist

WINNER: Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

J. Cole (Dreamville/Interscope Records)

Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

October London (Death Row Records/gamma.)

Usher (mega/gamma.)

Outstanding female artist

WINNER: Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)

Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

H.E.R. (RCA Records)

Outstanding new artist

WINNER: Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Myles Smith (RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment)

Samoht (Affective Music)

Shaboozey (American Dogwood/Empire)

Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding duo, group or collaboration (traditional)

WINNER: Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)

Leela James feat. Kenyon Dixon — “Watcha Done Now” (Shesangz Music, Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC)

Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick — “God Problems (Not by Power)” (Tribl Records)

Muni Long & Mariah Carey — “Made for Me” (Supergiant Records/Def Jam Recordings)

Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett & Buddy McLain — “Thankful” (McLain Music, LLC)

Outstanding duo, group or collaboration (contemporary)

FLO & GloRilla — “In My Bag” (Island Records)

GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore — “RAIN DOWN ON ME” (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Usher & Burna Boy — “Coming Home” (mega/gamma.)

Victoria Monét feat. Usher — “SOS” (Sex on Sight) (RCA Records/Lovett Music)

WINNER: Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

Outstanding gospel/Christian album

Heart of a Human — DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration)

WINNER: Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Still Karen — Karen Clark Sheard (Karew Records/Motown Gospel)

Sunny Days — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)

The Maverick Way Reimagined — Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)

Outstanding international song

“Close” — Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)

WINNER: “Hmmm” —  Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

“Jump” — Tyla (Epic Records)

“Love Me JeJe” — Tems (RCA Records/Since ‘93)

“Piece of My Heart” — Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

Outstanding music video/visual album

“Alright” — Victoria Monét (RCA Records/Lovett Music)

“Alter Ego (ALTERnate Version)” — Doechii, JT (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

“Boy Bye” — Chloe Bailey (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)

WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

“Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding soundtrack/compilation album

Bob Marley: One Love (Soundtrack) (Tuff Gong/Island Records)

Genius: MLK/X (Songs from the Original Series) (Hollywood Records)

Reasonable Doubt (Season 2) (Original Soundtrack) (Hollywood Records)

The Book of Clarence (The Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Geneva Club under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records, LLC)

WINNER: Wicked: The Soundtrack (Republic Records)

Outstanding gospel/Christian song

“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)

“Do It Anyway” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel)

“God Problems (Not by Power)” — Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick (Tribl Records)

“I Prayed for You (Said a Prayer)” MAJOR. — (NowThatsMAJOR/MNRK Music Group)

WINNER: “Working for Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Outstanding jazz album

Creole Orchestra — Etienne Charles (Culture Shock Music)

Epic Cool — Kirk Whalum (Artistry Music)

Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies — Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson Records)

On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute — Matthew Whitaker (MOCAT Records)

WINNER: Portrait — Samara Joy (Verve Records)

Outstanding original score for television/motion picture

Challengers (Original Score) (Milan Records)

Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (WaterTower Music)

WINNER: Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack) (Walt Disney Records)

The American Society of Magical Negroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Back Lot Music)

The Book of Clarence (Original Motion Picture Score) (Milan Records)

Motion Picture Categories

Outstanding motion picture

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)

Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

WINNER: The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Wicked (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding actor in a motion picture

André Holland — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)

Colman Domingo — Sing Sing (A24)

John David Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

Kingsley Ben-Adir — Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

WINNER: Martin Lawrence — Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)

Outstanding actress in a motion picture

Cynthia Erivo — Wicked (Universal Pictures)

WINNER: Kerry Washington — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Lashana Lynch — Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

Lupita Nyong’o — A Quiet Place: Day One (Paramount Pictures)

Regina King — Shirley (Netflix)

Outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture

Brian Tyree Henry — The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM Studios)

Corey Hawkins — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

David Alan Grier — The American Society of Magical Negroes (Focus Features)

WINNER: Denzel Washington — Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures)

Samuel L. Jackson — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

Outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Danielle Deadwyler — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

WINNER: Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Lynn Whitfield — Albany Road (Faith Filmworks)

Outstanding independent motion picture

Albany Road (Faith Filmworks)

Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)

Rob Peace (Republic Pictures)

WINNER: Sing Sing (A24)

We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics)

Outstanding international motion picture

El lugar de la otra (Netflix)

WINNER: Emilia Pérez (Netflix)

Memoir of a Snail (IFC Films)

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (NEON)

The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi (ArtMattan Films)

Outstanding breakthrough performance in a motion picture

Brandon Wilson — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Clarence Maclin — Sing Sing (A24)

Danielle Deadwyler — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

WINNER: Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Ryan Destiny — The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding ensemble cast in a motion picture

Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)

The Book of Clarence (Sony Pictures)

The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

WINNER: The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

Wicked (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding animated motion picture

WINNER: Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Kung Fu Panda 4 (DreamWorks Animation)

Moana 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Piece by Piece (Focus Features)

The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding character voice–over performance – motion picture

Aaron Pierre — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Anika Noni Rose — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Ayo Edebiri — Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

WINNER: Blue Ivy Carter — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Lupita Nyong’o — The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding short form (live action)

Chocolate with Sprinkles (AFI)

Definitely Not a Monster

If They Took Us Back

My Brother & Me (MeowBark Films)

WINNER: Superman Doesn’t Steal

Outstanding short form (animated)

if(fy) (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)

Nate & John (Unity Animation Project, LLC)

WINNER: Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)

Self (Pixar Animation Studios)

Walk in the Light (419 Studios)

Outstanding breakthrough creative (motion picture)

David Fortune — Color Book (Tribeca Studios)

WINNER: Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Titus Kaphar — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)

Zoë Kravitz — Blink Twice (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding youth performance in a motion picture

Anthony B. Jenkins — The Deliverance (Netflix)

Blake Cameron James — We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics)

Percy Daggs IV — Never Let Go (Lionsgate)

Jeremiah Daniels — Color Book (Tribeca Studios)

WINNER: Skylar Aleece Smith — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)

Outstanding cinematography in a motion picture

Andrés Arochi — Longlegs (NEON)

WINNER: Jomo Fray — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Justin Derry — She Taught Love (Andscape)

Lachlan Milne — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)

Rob Hardy — The Book of Clarence (Sony Pictures)

Television + Streaming Categories

Outstanding comedy series

WINNER: Abbott Elementary (ABC)

How to Die Alone (Hulu)

Poppa’s House (CBS)

The Neighborhood (CBS)

The Upshaws (Netflix)

Outstanding actor in a comedy series

Cedric The Entertainer — The Neighborhood (CBS)

WINNER: Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)

David Alan Grier — St. Denis Medical (NBC)

Delroy Lindo — UnPrisoned (Hulu)

Mike Epps — The Upshaws (Netflix)

Outstanding actress in a comedy series

Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX/Hulu)

Kerry Washington — UnPrisoned (Hulu)

Natasha Rothwell — How to Die Alone (Hulu)

WINNER: Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Tichina Arnold — The Neighborhood (CBS)

Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series

WINNER: Damon Wayans Jr. — Poppa’s House (CBS)

Giancarlo Esposito — The Gentlemen (Netflix)

Kenan Thompson — Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Tyler James Williams — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

William Stanford Davis — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series

WINNER: Danielle Pinnock — Ghosts (CBS)

Ego Nwodim — Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Janelle James — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Sheryl Lee Ralph — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Wanda Sykes — The Upshaws (Netflix)

Outstanding drama series

9-1-1 (ABC)

Bel-Air (Peacock)

WINNER: Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

Found (NBC)

Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

Outstanding actor in a drama series

Aldis Hodge — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

Donald Glover — Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon Prime Video)

Harold Perrineau — FROM (MGM+)

Jabari Banks — Bel-Air (Peacock)

WINNER: Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Outstanding actress in a drama series

Angela Bassett — 9-1-1 (ABC)

Emayatzy Corinealdi — Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

WINNER: Queen Latifah — The Equalizer (CBS)

Shanola Hampton — Found (NBC)

Zoe Saldaña — Lioness (Paramount+)

Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series

Adrian Holmes — Bel-Air (Peacock)

WINNER: Cliff “Method Man” Smith — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Isaiah Mustafa — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

Jacob Latimore — The Chi (Paramount+)

Morris Chestnut — Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)

Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series

Adjoa Andoh — Bridgerton (Netflix)

Coco Jones — Bel-Air (Peacock)

Golda Rosheuvel — Bridgerton (Netflix)

Lorraine Toussaint — The Equalizer (CBS)

WINNER: Lynn Whitfield — The Chi (Paramount+)

Outstanding limited television (series, special or movie)

WINNER: Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)

Griselda (Netflix)

Rebel Ridge (Netflix)

The Madness (Netflix)

Outstanding actor in a limited television (series, special or movie)

WINNER: Aaron Pierre — Rebel Ridge (Netflix)

Colman Domingo — The Madness (Netflix)

Kelvin Harrison Jr. — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)

Kevin Hart — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Laurence Fishburne — Clipped (FX/Hulu)

Outstanding actress in a limited television (series, special or movie)

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

WINNER: Naturi Naughton — Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie (Lifetime)

Sanaa Lathan — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Sofía Vergara — Griselda (Netflix)

Uzo Aduba — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding supporting actor in a limited television (series, special or movie)

Don Cheadle — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Luke James — Them: The Scare (Amazon Prime Video)

Ron Cephas Jones — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)

WINNER: Samuel L. Jackson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Terrence Howard — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Outstanding supporting actress in a limited television (series, special or movie)

Brandy Norwood — Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)

Jayme Lawson — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)

Loretta Devine — Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love (Lifetime)

Sanaa Lathan — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)

WINNER: Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Outstanding news/information (series or special)

Black Men’s Summit (BET Media Group)

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)

Laura Coates Live (CNN)

NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)

WINNER: The ReidOut (MSNBC)

Outstanding talk series

Hart to Heart (Peacock)

Sherri (Syndicated)

Tamron Hall Show (Syndicated)

WINNER: The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)

The Shop Season 7 (YouTube)

Outstanding reality program, reality competition or game show (series)

WINNER: Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Password (NBC)

Rhythm + Flow (Netflix)

The Real Housewives of Potomac (Bravo)

Tia Mowry: My Next Act (WeTV)

Outstanding variety show (series or special)

BET Awards 2024 (BET Media Group)

Deon Cole: Ok, Mister (Netflix)

WINNER: Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (Netflix)

Katt Williams: Woke Foke (Netflix)

Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Outstanding children’s program

Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)

Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)

WINNER: Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)

Sesame Street (MAX)

Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (Apple TV+)

Outstanding performance by a youth (series, special, television movie or limited–series)

Caleb Elijah — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

Graceyn Hollingsworth — Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)

WINNER: Leah Sava Jeffries — Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)

Melody Hurd — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)

TJ Mixson — The Madness (Netflix)

Outstanding host in a talk or news/information (series or special) – individual or ensemble

Abby Phillip — NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)

Henry Louis Gates Jr. — Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)

WINNER: Jennifer Hudson — The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)

Joy Reid — The Reidout (MSNBC)

Sherri Shepherd — Sherri (Syndicated)

Outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show or variety (series or special) – individual or ensemble

Alfonso Ribeiro — Dancing With the Stars (ABC)

WINNER: Keke Palmer — Password (NBC)

Nick Cannon — The Masked Singer (FOX)

Steve Harvey — Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Taraji P. Henson — BET Awards 2024 (BET Media Group)

Outstanding guest performance

Ayo Edebiri — Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Cree Summer — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Keegan-Michael Key — Abbott Elementary (ABC)

WINNER: Marlon Wayans — Bel-Air (Peacock)

Maya Rudolph — Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Outstanding animated series

Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)

Everybody Still Hates Chris (Comedy Central)

WINNER: Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)

Iwájú (Disney+)

Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel)

Outstanding character voice-over performance (television)

Angela Bassett — Orion and the Dark (Netflix)

WINNER: Cree Summer — Rugrats (Nickelodeon)

Cree Summer — The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime Video)

Dawnn Lewis — Star Trek: Lower Decks (Paramount+)

Keke Palmer — The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy (Amazon Prime Video)

Outstanding short form series or special – reality/nonfiction /documentary

In the Margins (PBS)

NCAA Basketball on CBS Sports (CBS)

Roots of Resistance (PBS)

SC Featured (ESPN)

WINNER: The Prince of Death Row Records (YouTube TV)

Outstanding breakthrough creative (television)

WINNER: Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX/Hulu)

Diarra Kilpatrick — Diarra From Detroit (BET+)

Maurice Williams — The Madness (Netflix)

Thembi L. Banks — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)

Vince Staples — The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)

Documentary categories

Outstanding documentary (film)

Daughters (Netflix)

Frida (Amazon MGM Studios)

King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones (Freestyle Digital Media)

WINNER: Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)

The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix)

Outstanding documentary (television)

WINNER: Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix)

Black Twitter: A People’s History (Hulu)

Gospel (PBS)

Simone Biles Rising (Netflix)

Sprint (Netflix)

Outstanding short form documentary (film)

Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps (American Masters and Firelight Media)

Danielle Scott: Ancestral Call (American Masters and Firelight Media)

WINNER: How to Sue the Klan

Judging Juries

Silent Killer (Kaila Love Jones Films)

Other Awards

Outstanding social media personality of the year

Kai Cenat

Keith Lee

RaeShanda Lias

WINNER: Shirley Raines

Tony Baker

The Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award 

WINNER: Jotaka Eaddy

Vanguard Award

WINNER: Essence

Shakira‘s concert in Medellín, Colombia, that was scheduled for Monday (Feb. 24) has been postponed. Event organizers said there were safety concerns for the show at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, after the roof of the stage installed by local production was damaged.

Shakira — who was forced to reschedule another Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour date in Lima, Peru, last weekend, when she was hospitalized with an “abdominal” condition — expressed regret regarding another unexpected concert postponement on Saturday. She shared the news with fans in a note on social media.

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“My people from Medellín! It hurts me a lot not to be able to get on stage and sing for you as much as I wanted to,” she wrote in a post on X.

“My children were excited to get to know Medellín, and I was excited to meet you again and share all the surprises I had prepared for them. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, especially for those who have traveled. It’s out of my hands and those of my production team, but I’m sure we’ll soon find a new date to celebrate together,” said Shakira.

“Always grateful for the unconditional support you give me,” she added. “I love you very much and I hope to see you very soon.”

Concert promoter Páramo Presenta said Shakira’s performance would be rescheduled.

“Together with Shakira’s team, we are working on new concerts for Colombia in the second half of this year, news that will be celebrated by more than one city in the country,” read a statement on X.

Páramo Presenta explained why the decision to cancel Monday’s concert had been made, noting there was a risk to the safety of the performers, the crew and the crowd.

The update on Saturday said, “During the assembly process of the show scheduled for February 24, the roof of the stage installed by the local production suffered damage that puts at risk the safety of the artist, her staff and, most importantly, that of the audience. The promoter and the artist’s team are working together and hope to reschedule the date in the future. We understand that this decision may be annoying for the public who were anxiously awaiting the show, but the most important thing is everyone’s safety.”

Ticketholders can find information about refunds at www.eticket.co.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are officially divorced and legally single.

As of Friday (Feb. 21), the Los Angeles County Superior Court finalized the dissolution of their marriage, confirming their legal single status, according to Associated Press. The couple reached a divorce settlement on Jan. 6.

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Court documents revealed that Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, settled through mediation in September, successfully avoiding the lengthy court battles that have plagued other high-profile celebrity divorces.

Lopez and Affleck first began dating in 2002 after meeting on the set of Gigli. They got engaged but called off their wedding in 2004. Nearly two decades later, they rekindled their romance in 2021 and tied the knot in a Georgia ceremony the following year.

“I never thought that he and I would get back together,” Lopez told Billboard in February 2024, ahead of the release of her film This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, which chronicled their rekindled relationship. “I just couldn’t give up on the idea that there was something amazing out there for me, even when it got really bad — and it did at times. I always believed deep, deep down to not give up completely.” 

The singer and actress filed for divorce from Affleck about two years after their Georgia wedding, listing their separation date as April 26, 2024. In her initial filing, she cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.

According to settlement documents obtained by Billboard, the pair agreed on terms to divide their properties and assets. Both waived spousal support and agreed to equally split the legal fees of their negotiation, which was mediated by Laura Wasser. Lopez will also change her legal name back from Jennifer Affleck to Jennifer Lopez.

Lopez was previously married to Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, and Marc Anthony, with whom she shares two children. Affleck was previously married to Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares three children.

In October 2024, Lopez reflected on her feelings about being single again following her split from Affleck.

“I think to myself, ‘F—, that is exactly what I needed,’” she told Interview. “Thank you, God. I’m sorry it took me so long. I’m sorry that you had to do this to me so many times. I should have learned it two or three times ago. I get it … I’m not looking for anybody, because everything that I’ve done over the past 25, 30 years, being in these different challenging situations, what can I f—ing do when it’s just me flying on my own … What if I’m just free?”

Justin Bieber is among the stars set to participate in a benefit hockey game aimed at raising funds for those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Actor Steve Carell and musician Ross Lynch will join the Canadian superstar as they lace up for “Skate For LA Strong: A Celebration to Support the Fire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles,” scheduled for Sunday (Feb. 23) at Crypto.com Arena in L.A.

Other celebrities serving as coaches at Sunday’s charity event include Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Danny DeVito and Cobie Smulders. Kaskade, Jordan Davis and Lauren Spencer-Smith are set to perform as musical guests. The game will air on ESPN2 and livestream on ESPN+ here.

The exhibition will feature four teams, each with 13 players, competing in a single-elimination format. In addition to celebrities, the teams will include hockey professionals like Jeremy Roenick, Rob Blake, Mark Messier, Manon Rheaume and Dany Heatley. Athletes from other sports, along with hockey-loving first responders, will also take part.

This isn’t Bieber’s first time on the ice. The “Sorry” hitmaker has participated in previous celebrity games and recently served as a team captain for the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto.

Proceeds from Skate For LA Strong will benefit the Red Cross, the LA Fire Foundation, Cal Fire Foundation, and the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. The event will be free for “all Firefighters, First Responders, community group leaders, fire victims and their families as well as for Kings Season Tickets Members,” according to the Los Angeles Kings.

Check out the announcement on Instagram below.

Tyler, the Creator lit up L.A. with his ‘Chromakopia: The World Tour’ concert, and we’re taking you inside the Tyler-filled night. From fans sharing their favorite tracks to singing songs from his discography, keep watching to experience the fun!

What’s your favorite track from Chromakopia? Let us know in the comments below!

Tyler, the Creator:

So can I do a song I’m probably only gonna do in California on the stage?

Tetris Kelly: 

From Tyler himself to the fans that love him.

Fan 1:

‘Chromakopia,’ he’s real. He’s about that s—. 

Tetris Kelly: 

And everything crypto.com did to celebrate the icon. We’re taking you with us for a night with Tyler, the Creator in Billboard All Access. We arrived at the ‘Chromakopia: The World Tour’ at Crypto.com Arena and LA Live was lit up in green, and even had a statue of Tyler out front. And by the time we made it up to the VIP suite, there was a ‘Chromakopia’ drink that, yes, was green and also very strong. And you can expect a guy like Tyler to have merch with swag, and he delivered, and fans lined up all over the arena for the chance to take some home. 

Fan 2:

We’re at the Chromakopia Tour. Got that ‘Chromakopia.’ He had to get the hat in both colors. He’s annoying, but they’re really cute. 

Fan 3:

Big Tyler fans.

Fan 4:

Day one. 

Fan 3:

I’ve known him since like ‘Cherry Bomb.’ 

Fan 5:

I really love the marching band inspiration, really big stadium energy. 

Fan 6:

It’s such a good album. No skips on that album. 

Fan 7:

The moment it came out, we were at the listening party. We got the Postmates grub. 

Fan 3:

“Like Him” really finishes off the story about his dad. Listening to that song made me talk to my dad again.

Fan 1:

He came out with that “Hey Now” remix, that L.A. West Coast, like I’m about this s—. I’ve been here. I’ve been doing that. 

Keep watching for more!

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Move over Beyoncé and Solange, there’s another member of the Knowles family topping the charts.

Tina Knowles’ forthcoming memoir is rising up the Amazon book charts in the categories of motherhood and family relationships. Originally announced in October, Matriarch: A Memoir hits shelves in April and promises to offer stories about Knowles’ famous daughters, while revealing how she kept the family together during their toughest moments.

Per Ms Tina, the book is titled Matriarch “because what inspires me is the wisdom that women pass on to each other, generation to generation—and the inner wisdom we long to uncover in ourselves.” 

In addition to the Amazon release, fans can also order a limited-edition signed copy of the book at Barnes & Noble. The version of Matriarch is personally autographed by Tina Knowles herself, and Barnes & Noble has it available for just a few dollars more than the regular edition. This is a great keepsake or collector’s item that you’ll want to get your hands on.

Tina Knowles Memoir: Where to Buy, Read 'Matriarch' Book Online

EXCLUSIVE RELEASE

Matriarch: A Memoir (Signed Book)


“I have always been a storyteller, and it’s something I learned from my mother,” Knowles wrote on Instagram, about her book. “When I had a family of my own, I believed that my daughters needed to know where they came from in order to know where they were going. I’m now ready to share my story with all of you, so that we can all celebrate these themes of strength, motherhood, Black pride, and identity.”

Tina Knowles Memoir: Where to Buy, Read 'Matriarch' Book Online

REGULAR RELEASE

Matriarch: A Memoir

$24.50 $35.00 30% off

Buy Now On Amazon

$32.55 $35.00 7% off

Buy Now AT BOOKSHOP


Beyoncé congratulated her mom when the book was announced, with a sweet message on Instagram: “Mama, I couldn’t be prouder. My love for you goes beyond what I can say.”

Matriarch — available for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes & Noble — will be released on April 22, 2025. You can also support independent booksellers by picking up the memoir at Bookshop.org.

On WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown, The Rock announced groundbreaking news that WrestleMania 42 will occur in New Orleans in 2026. Before dishing out that exclusive, the self-proclaimed Final Boss walked out to his new entrance theme featuring Louisiana’s favorite son, Lil Wayne.

The Rock’s new theme is a mash-up of Wayne’s popular 1999 song “The Block Is Hot,” featuring his Hot Boys cohorts B.G. and Juvenile. For The Rock, this isn’t the first time he’s aligned himself with hip-hop royalty. In 2000, Wyclef Jean teamed with The Rock for “It Doesn’t Matter,” playing off The Great One’s cogent catchphrase. Then, in 2021, The Rock delivered a tongue-twister of a verse for Tech N9ne’s “Face Off.”

As for Wayne, he continues to be a staple in WWE. Last year, at WrestleMania 40, he escorted popular WWE Superstar Jey Uso inside Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. There, Wayne did a mash-up of his Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “A Milli” alongside Uso’s popular entrance theme song “Main Event Ish.”

“We all grew up on Wayne in the late ’90s and early 2000s,” Uso told Billboard earlier this month for the Sports & Music issue. “I’m talking about when he was with Hot Boys and all that. It’s crazy how life comes full-circle.” Before they walked out, Uso even cajoled Wayne into wearing some Uso merchandise: “He was real dope and cool with everything. He asked if I needed anything from him, and I said, ‘Sh–, brother. Can you wear these “YEET” glasses for me? Here, put these on.’ “

Watch The Rock walk out to his new entrance theme song featuring Lil Wayne below.

Tate McRae’s third studio album, ‘So Close to What,’ just released today and the pop singer opens up about the inspiration behind her album. From her multitude of looks in the “Sports Car” music video, to her raw honesty in “Purple Lace Bra,” to a deep conversation with her dad leading to “Nostalgia,” Tate McRae shares her story behind her new album.

What do you think of her album? Let us know in the comments!  

Tate McRae: 

Is a Ferrari a sports car? I like a Ferrari. Sometimes it can be a bit of a mind f—. I remember crying on my 21st birthday. Creation is supposed to be from a place of total freedom. I mean, my team is f—ing chaotic, like, we have very ambitious shoots. We want to do everything in the world. And I’m also just like a bulldog on music. I’m just like, ‘Let’s get everything done.’ I don’t need a lunch break. Like, let’s just go. Everyone’s screaming at me, like, whip your hair. No, it’s like, it’s literally chaotic. The last set of the day, and it was the tank, and we were shooting the whole thing on film. So we only had so much left. And the director, my creative director, my hairstylist, everyone went like, “whip your head, dance!” And then eventually, like my- I dunked my whole head underwater. My whole wig fell off. And I was like “guys, this is literally insane.” What do I need in the studio? As long as I just have a person that doesn’t make me feel awkward, then I can write a good song. If I have people who are open to like the worst ideas ever, I feel like I’ll usually spit out good stuff, but if there’s a judgy crowd or energy in the room, it’s like literally one of the most dreadful processes of all time. I knew I wanted to put “Sports Car” out, mostly because I felt like it was a big swing for me as a dancer, and I could really see that song visually.

Keep watching for more!

Lady Gaga loves Billie Eilish as much as the “Bad Guy” singer loves her!

Gaga took to TikTok this week to post a hilarious video in which she lip syncs to a sound taken from Eilish’s annual Vanity Fair interview, in which she answers the same questions a year apart. In the clip, Eilish reveals that she’s been enjoying listening to throwback Lady Gaga songs, including “G.U.Y.,” “Alejandro,” “Poker Face” and “Born This Way.” “It’s so good,” Eilish says.

“She had me at G.U.Y.,” Gaga captioned the TikTok, which you can watch here.

It’s gearing up to be a landmark year for Gaga, who is just weeks away from dropping Mayhem, her newest studio album, on March 7, marking her first original full-length pop album since 2020’s Grammy-winning Chromatica. Just one day after the highly anticipated project arrives, Gaga will serve as both host and serve as musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 8 — the second time she has done so.

Gaga recently released “Abracadabra,” the third of three Mayhem songs the superstar has revealed so far. Last summer, she debuted the Mars-assisted “Die With a Smile,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 this year and earned Grammy nominations for song of the year and best pop duo/group performance. Two months later, Mother Monster dropped “Disease,” a dark electro-pop banger that reached No. 27 on the Hot 100.