Celebrating Excellence in Arts and Entertainment
The 56th NAACP Image Awards have unveiled a roster of nominations that reflect the vibrant contributions of artists of color across multiple entertainment disciplines. This year’s awards, themed “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” celebrate the rich tapestry of talent in television, music, literature, and film.
Singer, Tems arrives for the 2023 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Angela WEISS / AFP)
Tyla: Up for “Outstanding New Artist.”
Ayo Edebiri: Leads the nominations with five, including “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” and “Outstanding Voiceover.”
In the animated category, “Iwájú” (Disney+) has been nominated for “Outstanding Animated Series.”
Notable Nominees Spotlighted
Among the luminaries recognized are Nigerian artists Tems and Burna Boy, American actress Ayo Edebiri, and musicians Wizkid and Cynthia Erivo. Their nominations underscore their influence and excellence in their respective fields:
- Tems is nominated for “Outstanding International Song” for her track “Love Me JeJe.”
- Burna Boy alongside Usher, is up for “Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)” for their song “Coming Home.”
- Wizkid also earns a nod in the “Outstanding International Song” category with “Piece of My Heart,” featuring Brent Faiyaz.
- Ayo Edebiri leads with five nominations, including “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” for her role in “The Bear.”
- Cynthia Erivo is among the nominees for “Entertainer of the Year.”
Key Categories and Nominees
Motion Pictures:
- Outstanding Motion Picture nominees include “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Bob Marley: One Love.”
- Outstanding Actor/Actress in a Motion Picture sees Colman Domingo and Cynthia Erivo among the contenders.
Television and Streaming:
- Outstanding Comedy Series includes “Abbott Elementary” and “How to Die Alone.”
- Outstanding Drama Series features “9-1-1” and “Bel-Air.”
Music:
- Outstanding Album nominations highlight works by Beyoncé (“Cowboy Carter”) and Usher (“Coming Home”).
- Outstanding New Artist spotlights talents like Tyla and Doechii.
Literature:
- Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction includes “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams.
- Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction showcases “The 1619 Project: A Visual Experience” among others.
Documentaries and Podcasts:
- Outstanding Documentary (Film) lists “Daughters” and “Frida.”
- Outstanding News and Information Podcast features “Into America: Uncounted Millions.”
Behind the Scenes:
- Outstanding Costume Design recognizes designers like Paul Tazewell for “Wicked.”
- Outstanding Stunt Ensemble celebrates the physical performances in series like “Cross.”
The Ceremony
The awards ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Centre, with a live broadcast on BET and CBS. This event not only honors individual achievements but also underscores the importance of cultural representation and diversity in media.
Looking Forward
With such an array of talent and creativity, the 56th NAACP Image Awards promise to be a significant celebration of Black excellence, offering a platform for recognition and inspiration in the ongoing journey of cultural representation in arts and entertainment.
