Today, Monday, Jan. 15, MLK Day, the 49th annual NAACP Image Awards will take place in Pasadena, California with actor Anthony Anderson hosting the prestigious event.
Danny Glover, the legendary actor will receive the President’s award for his professional successes as an actor and film director, and for his philanthropic efforts as a political activist.
Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige stand as leading entertainment nominees for the awards show, which acknowledge prominent black figures in film, television, music, and literature.
Jay-Z leads the rank for entertainer of the year as he goes against Ava DuVernay-who directed the music video for his 4:44 single “Family Feud,” Issa Rae-who was featured in his “Moonlight” music video, Chance the Rapper, Bruno Mars, and Chadwick Boseman.
During a pre-telecast gala dinner held Sunday evening, early winners for the 49th NAACP Image Awards were announced, where Mary J. Blige won the award for Female Artist in the music category, while Bruno Mars took the award in the male category, and new age powerhouse SZA won the award for Best New Artist.
Several notable and deserving wins were revealed, in the film category, Tiffany Haddish‘s role in Girls Trip earned her the award for Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Jordan Peele took home two honors for Writing and Directing a Motion Picture for Get Out.
On the hip-hop tip, Kendrick Lamar takes home three honors, one for his critically acclaimed album, DAMN, another for his collaboration with Rihanna “Loyalty” for the Duo, Group or Collaboration award, and lastly his hit single “Humble” earned the award for Song-Contemporary.
On the television circuit, hip-hop legends Queen Latifah and LL Cool J also take home honors, as Queen’s role in the movie Flint won the award for Actress in a Television Movie, Limited, Series or Dramatic Special, and LL’s gig as the host for hit show Spike Tv show, Lip Sync Battle earned him the award for Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety Series or Special. Notably, actress Naturi Naughton won Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for role as Tasha St. Patrick on the 50 Cent and Joe composed hit show Power.
A distinct mention of a win in the literature category is that of the late Dick Gregory, renowned social activist, author, and comedian. His book Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies won the NAACP Image award for Best Non-Fiction.
The 49th Annual NAACP Image Awards will be broadcast live on TV One today (Jan. 15-MLK day) at 9 p.m.
