The NAACP Image Awards continue to spotlight Black excellence in entertainment, with the winners from the first two nights of the prestigious event now revealed. The annual awards, which celebrate outstanding performances across film, television, music, podcasts, and literature, will culminate in a grand live broadcast on February 24.
This year’s winners include global superstars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Wizkid, and Davido, along with celebrated actors, writers, and filmmakers who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
Notable Wins in Music
Beyoncé added another accolade to her collection, securing Outstanding Female Artistand Outstanding Album for Cowboy Carter, further cementing her legacy. Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping track Not Like Us won Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song, while Nigerian icons Wizkid and Davido were also recognized—Wizkid’s collaboration with Brent Faiyaz, Piece of My Heart, won Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary), while Davido joined Chris Brown on Hmmm, which won Outstanding International Song.
Recognizing Excellence in Film and Television
Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight emerged as a major winner in film, earning Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture, with Ebony Obsidian taking home Outstanding Breakthrough Performance. Meanwhile, Blue Ivy Carter received her second NAACP Image Award for her voiceover role as Kiara in Mufasa: The Lion King.
Other film-related wins included:
• Outstanding International Motion Picture: Emilia Pérez(Netflix)
• Outstanding Directing in a Documentary: Dawn Porter (Luther: Never Too Much)
• Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture: Jomo Fray (Nickel Boys)
• Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture): Malcolm Washington (The Piano Lesson)
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Television’s Biggest Achievements
The television categories featured a diverse mix of winners, from animated series to reality programs. Gracie’s Cornerdominated the children’s categories, winning Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Animated Series. Leah Sava Jeffries was recognized for her performance in Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Outstanding Performance by a Youth), and Cree Summer won Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for Rugrats.
Other winners in television included:
• Outstanding Variety (Series or Special): Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was(Netflix)
• Outstanding Guest Performance: Marlon Wayans (Bel-Air)
• Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: Ben Watkins (Hero Complex)
• Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: Tiffany Johnson (How to Die Alone – Trust No One)
Podcasting and Literary Achievements
The NAACP Image Awards also honored excellence in literary and podcasting categories. We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling took home Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help, while Stranded won Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form.
In literature, Alyssa Cole’s One of Us Knows: A Thriller was named Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, and Joy-Ann Reid’s biography Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America received top honors.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
As anticipation builds for the main ceremony, the NAACP Image Awards continue to shine a light on Black artists, creatives, and storytellers making an impact worldwide. This year’s ceremony also serves as a platform to support communities affected by recent wildfires, with partnerships aimed at preserving cultural heritage and preventing displacement.
The main event will air live on February 24 from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, featuring special honorees including Vice President Kamala Harris, comedian Dave Chappelle, and the Wayans family, who will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.
Below is the full list of winners from Night 1 and Night 2:
Music
• Outstanding New Artist– Doechii
• Outstanding Male Artist– Chris Brown
• Outstanding Female Artist– Beyoncé
• Outstanding International Song– Hmmm– Chris Brown feat. Davido
• Outstanding Jazz Album– Portrait– Samara Joy
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song– Working For Me– Tamela Mann
• Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album– Live Breathe Fight– Tamela Mann
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)– Adam Blackstone & Fantasia – Summertime
• Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)– Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz – Piece of My Heart
• Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film– Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)
• Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap Song– Not Like Us– Kendrick Lamar
• Outstanding Album– Cowboy Carter– Beyoncé
Podcasts
• Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form– Stranded
• Outstanding Podcast – News and Information– Native Land Pod
• Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help– We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling
Television/Motion Picture
• Outstanding Costume Design– Wicked– Paul Tazewell
• Outstanding Hair Styling– Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist– Lawrence Davis
• Outstanding Make-up– Shirley– Debi Young
• Outstanding Stunt Ensemble– Rebel Ridge
• Outstanding International Motion Picture– Emilia Pérez
• Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)– Blue Ivy Carter – Mufasa: The Lion King
• Outstanding Directing in a Documentary– Dawn Porter – Luther: Never Too Much
• Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture– Jomo Fray – Nickel Boys
• Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)– Malcolm Washington – The Piano Lesson
• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture– Ebony Obsidian – The Six Triple Eight
• Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture– The Six Triple Eight
With the main event just days away, the celebration of Black excellence continues as the NAACP Image Awards prepare for a star-studded finale.
