Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Quinta Brunson Among List Of Winners At 54th NAACP Image Awards
“When I think about my career, I can’t help but reflect that oftentimes when I see the light at the end of the tunnel, there was often someone there who looked like me, with open arms assuring me that there was a place for me as an actor,” Bassett said.
The 54th NAACP Image Awards was truly a night to remember. It highlighted the biggest and brightest contributors to Black culture, as well as promoting diversity in entertainment, politics, and more.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the 2023 ceremony featured presenters that included Zendaya, Issa Rae, Jonathan Majors and more, and also included wins from some of our favorite performers accompanied by powerful acceptance speeches. Viola Davis grabbed the awards for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance as Nanisca in The Woman King, and Will Smith won Best Actor for his focal role in AppleTV’s Emancipation.
In the evening’s final award, the legendary Angela Bassett received the award for Entertainer of the Year, and gave a speech that riveted everyone that was in attendance, along with the millions watching around the world. “I simply must acknowledge all the other beautiful, talented women in this category – I admire you and I am in awe of the women that you are.,” the What’s Love Got To Do With It actress said.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Angela Bassett accepts the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series award for “9-1-1” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
“When I think about my career, I can’t help but reflect that oftentimes when I see the light at the end of the tunnel, there was often someone there who looked like me, with open arms assuring me that there was a place for me as an actor,” she added.
Quinta Brunson earned the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Award, as well as being recognized for her creation Abbott Elementary, which won the trophy for Best Comedy Series. In addition to the aforementioned entertainers, the year’s NAACP Image Award honorees also included Nia Long, Loretta Devine, Method Man, and more.
Take a look at the full list of winners at the 54th NAACP Image Awards HERE.
Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary wins the NAACP Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Chris Perfetti, Tyler James Williams, Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis, and Lisa Ann Walter accept the Outstanding Comedy Series award for “Abbott Elementary” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
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Viola Davis – “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture”
Viola Davis grabbed the NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Nanisca in The Woman King.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Entertainer of the Year Award winner Viola Davis poses in the press room during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage)
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – “Outstanding Motion Picture”
The ensemble cast of Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan, Winston Duke and more received the “Outstanding Motion Picture Award” for the Ryan Coogler-directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Ryan Coogler and Angela Bassett accept the Outstanding Motion Picture award for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
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Quinta Brunson – “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series”
For her portrayal of Janine Teagues, Quinta Brunson won the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Quinta Brunson accepts the Outstanding Comedy Series award for “Abbott Elementary” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
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Angela Bassett
Bassett grabbed multiple awards on Saturday evening – “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series” and “Entertainer of the Year.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Angela Bassett accepts the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series award for “9-1-1” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
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Serena Williams – “Jackie Robinson Sports Award”
This evening, the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams received the prestigious “Jackie Robinson Sports Award” during the 54th NAACP Image Awards.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Honoree Serena Williams accepts the Jackie Robinson Sports Award onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
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Janelle James – “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series”
James grabbed the Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Janelle James attends the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
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Morris Chestnut – “Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special”
For his performance in The Best Man: The Final Chapters. Chestnut won the award for “Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Morris Chestnut speaks onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards (Non-Televised Categories) Program and Dinner at L.A. LIVE on February 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for NAACP)
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‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’ – “Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Taye Diggs, and Terrence Howard speak onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
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Tyler James Williams – “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series”
Willams grabbed the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in Abbott Elementary.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Tyler James Williams attends the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
