The NAACP Image Awards highlights talented Black performers throughout television, music, forms of literature, film, and theater. This year, the NAACP will continue its legacy of celebrating Black excellence across the board for their contributions and outstanding achievements.
On Tuesday, January 18th, the NAACP announced their 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards nominations. On NAACP’s Instagram, actress Kyla Pratt, singer and songwriter Tinashe, and actor Marcus Scribner from the sitcom Black-ish, announced the many nominees that will be honored. There are over 40 different categories of nominations and for starts, Issa Rae’s HBO series Insecure has landed 12 nominations throughout television categories. Netflix is in the lead for quite a few film and television nominations including Bruised starring Halle Berry, Malcolm & Marie starring Zendaya, and The Upshaws with Wanda Sykes.
Alongside the series Insecure, Netlfix’s The Harder They Fall directed by Jeymes Samuel, is nominated for Outstanding All-star Ensemble (starring Idris Elba, LaKeith Stanfield, Jonathan Majors, and Regina King) and Outstanding Motion Picture including the film King Richard starring Will Smith. Will Smith is also a nominee for Outstanding Male Actor in a Motion Picture.
But wait, there’s more coming…
In addition, the NAACP has added podcasting as a new award category. Throughout, creators will be rewarded and honored for their contributions within the following: Society and Culture, News/Information, Arts and Entertainment, as well as Lifestyle/Self-help. Within those nominees, Questlove Supreme holds two nominations in Outstanding Society and Culture and Outstanding Arts and Entertainment categories.
In the music category, Grammy award-winning, H.E.R leads with six nominations with the following: Song of the Year “Fight For You”, Best Album and R&B Album Back of Mind, and the Best Female Artist just to name a few. Lil Nas X is a nominee for Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Male Artist for “Montero”, Chloe Bailey received nominations for her single “Have Mercy”, and Jazmine Sullivan is a nominee for Album of The Year Heaux Tales, amongst many others.
Furthermore, the NAACP Image Awards, which stands for the National Association for the Advancement of People of Color, will air on Feb. 26 on BET starting at 8:00 pm ET/PT. Previous Image Award winner, Anthony Anderson, will host this year’s awards which will be broadcasted with no live audience. If you like to vote for the nominees, you can go onto www.naacpimageawards.net and vote. We made it easier for you to consider listing the list of nominations and their categories.
Entertainer of the Year
- Megan thee Stallion
- Regina King
- Tiffany Haddish
- Lil Nas X
- Jennifer Hudson
MOTION PICTURE
While Netflix’s The Harder They Fall leading in nominations with a total of 12 in the motion picture categories, King Richard and Judas and The Black Messiah not being too far behind. However, The nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-over was being questioned once the actress Awkwafina was announced a nominee for the motion picture Raya and The Last Dragon. The NAACP had gotten a little backlash pertaining to how the award show highlights Black stories and excellence.
Outstanding Motion Picture
- The Harder They Fall
- King Richard
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday
- Respect
- Judas and the Black Messiah
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
- Will Smith King Richard
- Mahershala Ali Swan Song
- Denzel Washington The Tragedy of Macbeth
- Johnathan Majors The Harder They Fall
- Lakeith Stanfield Judas and the Black Messiah
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Susan Kelechi Watson This is Us
- Bianca Lawson Queen Sugar
- Alfre Woodard See
- Mary J. Blige Power Book ll: Ghost
- Chandra Wilson Grey’s Anatomy
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
- Andra Day The United States vs. Billie Holiday
- Tessa Thompson Passing
- Jennifer Hudson Respect
- Halle Berry Bruised
- Zendaya Malcolm & Marie
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
- Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson – Summer Of Soul
- Jamila Wignot – Ailey
- Jeymes Samuel – The Harder They Fall
- Liesl Tommy – Respect
- Rebecca Hall – Passing
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
- Delory Lindo The Harder They Fall
- Idris Elba The Harder They Fall
- LaKeith Stanfield The Harder They Fall
- Daniel Kaluuya Judas and the Black Messiah
- Algee Smith Judas and the Black Messiah
Outstanding Character Voice Over Performance-Motion Picture
- Andre Braugher- Spirit Untamed (Universal Pictures)
- Awkwafina- Raya and The Last Dragon (Walt Disney Studios)
- Brain Tyree Henry- Vivo (Netflix)
- Erica Andre’- Sing 2 (Universal Pictures)
- Letitia Wright- Sing 2 (Univeral Pictures)
TELEVISION
Outstanding Comedy Series
- Black-ish
- Harlem
- Insecure
- Run the World
- The Upshaws
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
- Yvonne Orji Insecure
- Issa Rae Insecure
- Tracee Ellis Ross black-ish
- Regina Hall Black Monday
- Loretta Devine Family Reunion
Outstanding Supporting Actress in Comedy Series
- Natasha Rothwell Insecure
- Marsai Martin black-ish
- Amanda Seales Insecure
- Wanda Sykes The Upshaws
- Jenifer Lewis black-ish
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
- Angela Bassett 9-1-1
- Queen Latifah The Equalizer
- Rutina Welsey Queen Sugar
- Octavia Spencer Truth Be Told
- Dawn-Lyen Gardner Queen Sugar
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- Daniel Ezra All American
- Joe Morton Our Kind of People
- Giancarlo Esposito Godfather of Harlem
- Alex R. Hibbert The Chi
- Method Man Power Book ll: Ghost
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
- Forest Whitaker Godfather of Harlem
- Kofi Siriboe Queen Sugar
- Billy Porter Pose
- Sterling K. Brown This is Us
- Damson Idris Snowfall
Outstanding Talk Series
- “Desus & Mero” -Showtime
- “Hart to Hart” -Peacock
- “Red Table Talk” -Facebook Watch
- “Tamron Hall” -Syndicated
- “The Real” -Syndicated
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality-Competition or Game Show (Series)
- Celebrity Family Feud
- Iyanla: Fix My Life
- Sweet Life: Los Angeles
- The Voice
- Wild ‘n Out
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
- A Black Lady Sketch Show
- BET Awards 2021
- Dave Chappelle: The Closer
- Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3
- The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
- Angel Kristi Williams – Colin in Black & White
- Cierra Glaude – Queen Sugar
- Deborah Riley Draper – The Legacy of Black Wall Street
- Halcyon Person – Karma’s World
- Quyen Tran – Maid
- Rudolph – Saturday Night Live
MUSIC
A possible prediction for artist H.E.R, who is in the lead with six nominations for her album Back of My Mind ,it is a possibility that she could take the most awards home. Following close behind, Chole Bailey and her single “Have Mercy”, Jazmine Sullivan, and Drake are nominees in the running for Outstanding Album. In addition, the 2x Golden-Globe winner Cynthia Ervio received the nomination for Outstanding New Artist for her first album Ch. 1 vs 1 followed by artists such as Saweetie, Tems, Jimmie Allen, and Zoe Wees as nominees.
Outstanding Album
- An Evening with Silk Sonic – Silk Sonic
- Back of My Mind – H.E.R.
- Certified Lover Boy – Drake
- Heaux Tales – Jazmine Sullivan
- When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time – Givēon
Outstanding New Artist
- Cynthia Erivo – Ch. 1 Vs. 1
- Jimmie Allen – Bettie James Gold Edition
- Saweetie – Best Friend feat. Doja Cat
- Tems – If Orange Was A Place
- Zoe Wees – Girls Like Us
Best Music Video
- “Have Mercy” Chole Bailey
- “Essence” Wizkid. Tems
- “Leave the Door Open” Silk Sonic
- “FYE FYE” Tobe Nwigwe, Fat Nwigwe
- “Best Friend” Saweetie, Doja Cat
Outstanding Female Artist
- H.E.R. – Back of My Mind
- Ari Lennox – “Pressure”
- Beyonce´ – “Be Alive”
- Chlöe – “Have Mercy”
Outstanding Male Artist
- Anthony Hamilton – Love Is The New Black
- Drake – “Way 2 Sexy”
- Givēon – “Heartbreak Anniversary”
- J. Cole – The Off-Season
- Lil Nas X – “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
- Anthems & Glory – Todd Dulaney
- Believe For It – CeCe Winans
- Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. – Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music
- Overcomer – Tamela Mann
- Power – Jason McGee & The Choir
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
- “Believe For It” – CeCe Winans
- “Help Me” – Tamela Mann feat. The Fellas
- “Hold Us Together” – H.E.R. and Tauren Wells
- “Overcome 2021” – Kirk Franklin
- “Time for Reparations” – Sounds of Blackness
Outstanding International Song
- “Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems and Justin Bieber
- “Peru” – Fireboy DML
- “Somebody’s Son” – Tiwa Savage feat. Brandy
- “Touch It” – KiDi
- “Understand” – Omah Lay
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
- “Best Friend” – Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
- “Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems
- “Fye Fye” – Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe
- “Have Mercy” – Chlöe
- “Leave The Door Open” – Silk Sonic
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
- Coming 2 America – Eddie Murphy, Craig Brewer, Kevin Misher, Randy Spendlove, Jeff Harleston, Brittney Ramsdell
- Judas and the Black Messiah – Mark Isham and Craig Harris
- Respect – Jason Michael Webb and Stephen Bray
- The Harder They Fall – JAY-Z and Jeymes Samuel
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday – Salaam Remi, Andra Day, Raphael Saadiq, Warren “E” Felder, Downtown Trevor Brown
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
- “Damage” – H.E.R.
- “Be Alive” – Beyoncé
- “Have Mercy” – Chlöe
- “Leave The Door Open” – Silk Sonic
- “Pick Up Your Feelings”– Jazmine Sullivan
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
- “Best Friend”– Saweetie feat. Doja Cat
- “Fye Fye” – Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe
- “Industry Baby” – Lil Nas X feat. Jack Harlow
- “My Life”- 21 Savage and Morray feat. J Cole
- “Way 2 Sexy” – Drake
Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Traditional)
- Anthony Hamilton feat. Jennifer Hudson – “Superstar”
- Chlöe x Halle – “Georgia On My Mind”
- Jazmine Sullivan feat. H.E.R. – “Girl Like Me”
- Leela James feat. Anthony Hamilton – “Complicated (Remix)”
- Silk Sonic – “Leave the Door Open”
Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (Contemporary)
- Chris Brown feat. Young Thug, Future, Lil Durk and Latto – “Go Crazy (Remix”
- Doja Cat feat. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
- Drake feat. Future & Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy”
- H.E.R. feat. Chris Brown – “Come Through”
- Tobe Nwigwe feat. Fat Nwigwe – “Fye Fye”
DOCUMENTARY
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
- 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
- American Masters: How It Feels to Be Free
- Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali
- High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
- Insecure Documentary
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
- Attica
- Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power
- My Name Is Pauli Murray
- Summer of Soul
- Tina
WRITING
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
- Ashley Nicole Black – Ted Lasso – Do the Right-est Thing
- Issa Rae – Insecure -Everything’s Gonna Be, Okay?!
- Leann Bowen – Ted Lasso – Lavender
- Maya Erskine – Pen15 – Blue in Green
- Temi Wilkey – Sex Education – Episode #3.6
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
- Aurin Squire – Evil – C Is For Cop
- Davita Scarlett – The Good Fight – And the Firm Had Two Partners…
- Malcolm Spellman – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – New World Order
- Nkechi Okoro Carroll – All American – Homecoming
- Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Our Lady J, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy – Pose – Series Finale
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
- Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris – Zola
- Jeymes Samuel, Boaz Yakin – The Harder They Fall
- Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas, Keith Lucas – Judas and the Black Messiah
- Virgil Williams – A Journal for Jordan
- Win Rosenfeld, Nia DaCosta, Jordan Peele – Candyman
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
- Abdul Williams – Salt-N-Pepa
- Mario Miscione , Marcella Ochoa – Madres
- Monique N. Matthew – A Holiday In Harlem
- Sameer Gardezi – Hot Mess Holiday
- Sherman Payne – Black As Night
LITERARY
The Late Cicely Tyson is a nominee for Oustanding Literary Work-Debut author for her autobiography Just As I Am. Tabitha Brown, who became the viral sensation with her amazing vegan recipes, is also a nominee for Oustanding Literary Work-Debut Author for Feeding The Soul and Outstanding Social Media Personality.
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
- Just As I Am – Cicely Tyson
- My Remarkable Journey – Katherine Johnson
- Other Black Girl: A Novel – Zakiya Dalila Harris
- The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois – Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
- Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts – Rebecca Hall
Outstanding Literary Work-Nonfiction
- Dance Theater of Harlem: A History, a Movement, a Celebration – Judy Tyrus, Paul Novosel
- My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir – Katherine Johnson
- The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story – Nikole Hannah-Jones
- Renegades: Born In the USA – Obama, Bruce Springsteen
- Just as I am: A Memoir – Cicely Tyson
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
- Harlem Shuffle – Colson Whitehead
- Libertie – Kaitlyn Greenidge
- Long Division – Kiese Laymon
- The Man Who Lived Underground – Richard Wright
- The Perishing – Natashia Deón
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
- Just As I Am – Cicely Tyson
- Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement – Tarana Burke
- Unprotected: A Memoir – Billy Porter
- Until I Am Free – Keisha Blain
- Will – Will Smith
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
- Diversity Is Not Enough: A Roadmap to Recruit, Develop and Promote Black Leaders in America – Keith Wyche
- Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business) – Tabitha Brown
- Permission to Dream – Chris Gardner
- Teaching Black History to White People – Leonard N. Moore
- The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations – Robert Livingston
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
- Perfect Black – Crystal Wilkinson
- Playlist for the Apocalypse – Rita Dove
- Such Color: New and Selected Poems – Tracy K. Smith
- The Wild Fox of Yemen – Threa Almontaser
- What Water Knows: Poems – Jacqueline Jones LaMon
PODCASTS
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
- Beyond the Scenes – The Daily Show
- Jemele Hill is Unbothered
- Professional Troublemaker
- Questlove Supreme
- Super Soul Podcast
Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Podcast
- Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe
- Jemele Hill is Unbothered
- Questlove Supreme
- Reasonably Shady
- The History of Sketch Comedy with Keegan-Michael Key
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
- #SundayCivics
- After the Uprising: The Death of Danyé Dion Jones
- Blindspot: Tulsa Burning
- Into America
- Un(re)solved
Outstanding Lifestyle/Self-Help Podcast
- Checking In with Michelle Williams
- The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema
- The SonRise Project Podcast
- Two Funny Mamas: Sherri Shepherd & Kym Whitley
- Under Construction w/ Tamar Braxton
SOCIAL MEDIA
Outstanding Social Media Personality of The Year
- @Euniquejg – Eunique Jones Gibson
- @KevOnStage – Kevin Fredericks
- @Laronhinesofficial – Laron Hines
- @_Lyneezy – Lanae Vanee
- @Terrellgrice – Terrell Grice
It’s only a few more weeks away before the awards. For the full list of nominations and nominees go onto www.naacpimageawards.net and follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more!