The NAACP announced Tuesday that its 56th annual awards show will air on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS, live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony, which will continue to celebrate Blackity-Black Excellence, will have the theme “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence” and promise an unforgettable celebration.
Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe are up for Entertainer of The Year this year.
In the motion picture categories, The Piano Lesson dominates with an impressive 14 nominations, followed by The Book of Clarence with six. Over in television, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist leads the pack with nine nods. Meanwhile, Netflix has a whopping 64 nominations across all categories.
A press release adds that Ayo Edebiri is making waves with four nominations in television and streaming, earning recognition for her standout performances in The Bear and Saturday Night Live.
The gag is… Keke Palmer also boasts four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, as well as nods for her work in Password, The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, and her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.
Keke Palmer
Source: Stephanie Augello / Getty
GloRilla is leading the pack with six nominations in the music recording categories, while Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher follow closely with four each.
2024 CFDA Fashion Awards – Arrivals
Source: John Nacion / Getty
RCA Records takes the crown among record labels with 11 nominations. Literary excellence is also in the spotlight, with Penguin Random House leading the literary categories with four nominations, followed by HarperCollins Amistad and William Morrow, each earning three.
Chlöe Bailey & Derrick Johnson Announced The 2025 NAACP Image Award Nominees
The nominees were revealed today by singer and actress Chlöe Bailey, who joined NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson on CBS Mornings to deliver the news, while actress Novi Brown and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson shared the excitement on YouTube.
“We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change, and inspire generations,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Through film, music, literature, and more, their voices weave a rich tapestry that honors our heritage, celebrates our identity, and proves that storytelling is a powerful force for driving true progress.”
Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET Media Group, echoed the sentiment:
“The NAACP Image Awards stand as a testament to the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black creatives, innovators, and changemakers. BET is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP to celebrate Black excellence in all forms. Together, we shine a light on the stories, voices, and artistry that shape culture and drive progress.”
You Can Vote For The 2025 NAACP Image Awards
Fans can play a pivotal role in determining the winners in select categories by voting at http://www.naacpimageawards.net. Voting closes on February 7, 2025, at midnight ET. While the televised ceremony will unveil major category winners, the Creative Honors Ceremonies on February 21 will highlight other deserving honorees.
See the full list of nominations on the flip.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Cynthia Erivo
Keke Palmer
Kendrick Lamar
Kevin Hart
Shannon Sharpe
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Kai Cenat
Keith Lee
RaeShanda Lias
Shirley Raines
Tony Baker
MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture
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 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)
Martin Lawrence — “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Cynthia Erivo — “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)
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)
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)
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)
Sing Sing (A24)
We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
El lugar de la otra (Netflix)
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)
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)
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
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)
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)
Superman Doesn’t Steal
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
if(fy) (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)
Nate & John (Unity Animation Project, LLC)
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)
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)
Jeremiah Daniels — “Color Book” (Tribeca Studios)
Percy Daggs IV — “Never Let Go” (Lionsgate)
Skylar Aleece Smith — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
Andrés Arochi — “Longlegs” (NEON)
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
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)
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)
Quinta Brunson — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Tichina Arnold — “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
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
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)
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)
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)
Queen Latifah — “The Equalizer” (CBS)
Shanola Hampton — “Found” (NBC)
Zoe Saldaña — “Lioness” (Paramount+)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Adrian Holmes — “Bel-Air” (Netflix)
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)
Lynn Whitfield — “The Chi” (Paramount+)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)
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)
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)
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)
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+)
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)
