NAACP Image Awards Honorees Voices Concern Over Hollywood Snubs

The 46th annual NAACP Image Awards celebrated the accomplishments of African-Americans this past weekend in Pasadena, California. The night’s top honors went to movies and individuals whom many believed didn’t get their just-do from their Hollywood counterparts. This topic of discussion was definitely on the minds of most at the NAACP Image Awards as several comments were made throughout the evening.

“Selma,” for instance, was snubbed during the recent Oscars ceremony. However, the civil rights film won top honors at the NAACP Image Awards. Outside of being honored, Oprah Winfrey stressed the importance of the films’ historical factor more so than the industry acknowledgement.

“This is more than a movie,” Oprah Winfrey, who was a “Selma” producer and appeared in it, said Friday in accepting the trophy for outstanding motion picture. “It’s important that we all know who we are so we know where we’re going, and claiming the glory.”

David Oyelowo won Best Actor for his role as Dr. King in “Selma.”

NAACP’s President’s Award was given to filmmaker Spike Lee. Lee, although celebrated for his success and cultural outreach, shared his thoughts on the mistreatment of Blacks in Hollywood.

“This stuff is rigged. It’s not set up for us to win. It’s always been like that. Since we were stolen from mother Africa … we always find to make a way.”

Others that took home top honors were “Empire” Queen Bee, Taraji P. Henson. Henson was named Best Actress in a Movie (“No Good Deed”) and Entertainer of the Year. Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson were awarded for their work in “black-ish” (Best Comedy Series Actor and Best Comedy Series Actress).

Viola Davis was named Best Actress in a Drama for “How to Get Away with Murder,” which was also given the Best Drama Series award.

To see the full list of honorees, visit naacpimageawards.net.