Did You Miss the 56th NAACP Image Awards? We've Got You Covered.
The Blackest Night In Hollywood
The 56th NAACP Image Awards was an exceptional display of Black creativity, humor, and resilience. We honored advocates and creatives for doing what they do best: uplifting Black people and telling Black stories.
Did you miss Saturday's show? No worries. We've got you covered. Here are some of the most memorable moments in case you missed it.
1. A TRIBUTE TO THE SURVIVORS OF THE EATON FIRE
Twenty-two Altadena residents who lost their homes in the tragic Eaton Fire last month took the stage alongside Los Angeles native and actor Morris Chestnut and received a round of applause from a supportive audience.
"Altadena is a proud historic Black neighborhood," Chestnut said. "Over the decades, our people thrived in homes often passed down from generation to generation. People on our streets aren't just neighbors who you wave to on the way to work. No, they're family. Now so much of that is gone."
Viewers were encouraged to text "Altadena 2025" to 707070 to donate to the Altadena Community Preservation Fund. Founded by NAACP, BET Media Group, and others, the fund is designed to protect homeowners from displacement and preserve the community's cultural heritage. Singer-songwriter Ledisi — alongside Adam Blackstone and the BBE All-Star Band — then led a heartfelt tribute to the first responders and everyone affected by the Eaton Fire.
2. FORMER VP KAMALA HARRIS RECEIVES THE CHAIRMAN'S AWARD
NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Leon Russell presented former Vice President Kamala Harris with the Chairman's Award. Given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional public service previous awardees include President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis, and poet Amanda Gorman.
In her acceptance speech, Harris expressed how much she was inspired by the work of the NAACP and founder W.E.B Du Bois and encouraged the crowd to maintain a sense of urgency during these uncertain times.
"Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history," said former Vice President Harris. "Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask: what do we do now? But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again."
She went on to say: "Our power has never come from having an easy path. Our strength flows from our faith."
3. THE FUNNIEST FAMILY IN SHOW BUSINESS GETS INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME
For the Wayans family, comedy isn't just their job, it's their legacy.
For over three decades, they've made their mark through iconic films, television series, and stand-up shows, inspiring countless aspiring comedians to follow in their footsteps.
The Wayans family rolls deep in these comedic streets, okay? On Saturday night, seven members of the family — Craig Wayans, Chaunte Wayans, Kim Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and Damien Wayans — accepted the Hall of Fame Award presented to them by fellow comedian and actor David Alan Grier.
Damon Wayans shared stories of the Wayans' childhood, reminiscing about watching Richard Pryor on "The Ed Sullivan Show" with older brother Keenan Ivory Wayans. "While I was seeing a funny comedian. Keenan was seeing his future," he said.
He and Marlon Wayans also shared cherished anecdotes about watching their older brother kick off his career as a comedian and how films like "Hollywood Shuffle," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," "Low Down Dirty Shame," and others came to be.
"We would not be here, standing here, if it wasn't for our big brother Keenan Ivory Wayans," Marlon Wayans said.
4. DAVE CHAPPELLE TAKES HOME THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
"I hope all of us who work in this industry feel strong and inspired and not discouraged especially because this is a very difficult time right now and your institution [NAACP] is sadly more relevant than it's been in a long time," said comedian Dave Chappelle as he accepted the President's Award from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. "We got a lot of work to do, but it feels good to know that we're not in it alone and that we've got each other, and remember community is everything."
Past recipients of The President's Award have included musicians Usher, Rihanna, and John Legend.
When closing out his speech Chappelle also thanked iconic filmmaker Stan Lathan, who was seated in the audience, for being a "great shepherd."
5. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR GOES TO KEKE PALMER
The oh-so-hilarious and talented actress Keke Palmer took home the final award of the night. In her acceptance speech for Entertainer of the Year, she didn't hesitate to celebrate her fellow nominees — Cynthia Erivo, Shannon Sharpe, Kendrick Lamar, and Kevin Hart — while also acknowledging everyone in the audience for being the ones who lifted her up early on in her career.
"I've been in this industry for 20 years. Nobody has uplifted me more than you all, the people in this room," Palmer said.
She closed by reminding the audience that: "What we choose, and what we deem as important is enough."
6. HOST DEON COLE BRINGS THE LAUGHS
This year's host, comedian Deon Cole, kept the laughs coming with jokes about everything from Black people and Fire TV Sticks, the importance of prayer, celebrity clothing choices, his ability to read from the Image Awards teleprompter, and more.
"Every Black person I know got a Fire Stick at home. It's a guy right now at home, seen the show yesterday that's happening right now live," he said in his opening monologue.
Cole then led the audience in a comedic prayer that covered Kanye West, Candace Owens, Kirk Franklin, and Entertainer of the Year nominee Shannon Sharpe.
"Bless our brother, Shannon Sharpe, Lord, with the size [clothes] he really need, Lord. He keep buying up all the mediums all over. It's a bunch of eighth-grade boys with nothing to wear all over the town."
Sharpe, who could be seen in the audience, laughed along with his fellow audience members and joined in on a chorus of "Amens."
Looking for more highlights from the 56th NAACP Image Awards? Watch clips and the live show now on BET.com.