The 44th NAACP Image Awards

The 44th NAACP Image Awards hosted by Steve Harvey was broadcasted live on NBC from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

It was Kerry Washington’s night right from the top of the broadcast as she won her first trophy for Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for ‘Django Unchained.’  Kerry also received the President’s Award from NAACP President Ben Jealous and renowned actress Diane Carroll.

The broadcast gave her a decent amount of time to make a very eloquent speech for this distinguished award honoring her activism and her support of The President. Later in the show, Kerry also won Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Scandal.’

The Image Awards was full of great moments; LL Cool J dedicated his Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Award for ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ to Michael Clarke Duncan who passed suddenly last year and was also nominated in the same category.

Gladys Knight sang ‘Memories’ to the images of those who have recently passed away; images of Donna Summer, Don Cornelius, Dick Clark, and many, many more. Her performance began with audio problems, the night’s only technical glitch, but Gladys saved the moment with her powerful signature vocals.

One of the night’s most significant moments was Sidney Poitier’s presentation of The Spingarn Medal to Harry Belafonte for his dedication to the civil rights movement and illustrious film career. Watching these two magnificent talents and life-long friends share the stage brought tears to the eyes of many.

George Lucas was shocked to win for Outstanding Motion Picture for ‘Red Tails’ but thrilled he beat ‘Django Unchained’ in the process. “Look I beat Quentin Tarantino!’ And for his part, Tarantino nodded graciously to Lucas from his seat.

The 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards closed with Jamie Foxx winning the Entertainer of the Year Award.  Foxx was so moved by the lives and accomplishments of Sidney Pointier and Harry Belafonte that he said, “I’m going to work a whole lot harder.’

Congratulations NAACP for another fantastic awards ceremony. I am already looking forward to next year!

Tanya Hart

http://www.aurn.com/HollywoodLive/