Tag: NAACP Image Award

Although the Image Awards recognize the contributions of artists, politics were never far from anyone’s mind as the 2020 presidential election run ramps up. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) received loud rounds of applause every time her name was mentioned, and she was given a standing ovation when she took the stage to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award. Jay-Z was honored with the President’s Award, and Lena Waithe spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about what the rapper and business mogul means to the black community beyond being a performer. “Jay-Z to me is hope. He’s light at the end of the tunnel. He’s proof that it can be done. He’s proof that if you’re born in the slums that doesn’t mean the slums are born in you and he’s showing everybody the way. Of course, never one to be upstaged, Beyoncé was also honored as Entertainer of the Year. He spoke to THR about why the Image Awards were more than just another awards show. My parents were so reverent about what this organization was doing in their lifetime and so even though my dad is not here to see it, I’m so moved and I feel his presence because this was so much a part of who we are and what we represent.” Some of the night’s other big winners included Taraji P. Henson for outstanding actress in a drama series for Empire, Black-ish for outstanding comedy series and Black Panther for outstanding motion picture.