Angela Bassett won big at this year's 2023 NAACP Image Awards. As she was accepting the Entertainer of the Year award, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star showed love to Ariana DeBose’s viral rap from the BAFTA Awards when she accepted her Entertainer of the Year award. Angela said, “I guess Angela Bassett did the thing!” Angela also won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Film for her role in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "9-1-1."
Meanwhile, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade also won big on Saturday night (February 26th), taking home the President's Award. The two dedicated their award to their daughter Zaya.
Wade said, “I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do is get it right. I have sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny. And even though it’s not easy, I’ve watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself."
He added, “Zaya you’ve made me a better human by simply being who you were born to be: our baby girl, Zaya Wade. Thank you for showing the world what courage looks like. I am proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father."
RED CARPET
BEST DRESSED
Zendaya: Zendaya popped out with a green and black strapless gown with a bob hairstyle.
Method Man: Meth looked fine AF in a light pink suit and fresh kicks.
Angela Bassett: Ms. Bassett looked elegant in an all white jumpsuit
WORST DRESSED
Jabari Banks: The Bel Air star looked great in all black but the Mary J Blige boots were not giving.
COMPLETE WINNERS LIST
Entertainer of the Year
Angela Bassett
Outstanding Motion Picture
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Viola Davis – The Woman King
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Will Smith – Emancipation
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – 9-1-1
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Nicco Annan – P-Valley
Jackie Robinson Sports Award
Serena Williams
Chairman’s Award
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson
Social Justice Impact Award
Benjamin Crump
President’s Award
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Power Book II: Ghost
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Loretta Devine – P-Valley
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Morris Chestnut – The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Niecy Nash-Betts – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Outstanding Talk Series
Sherri
Outstanding New Artist
Coco Jones – ICU
Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal
Legacy – Adam Blackstone
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Tenoch Huerta – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Angela Bassett – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
The Inspection
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Bantú Mama
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Jalyn Hall – TILL
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Wendell & Wild
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
CIVIL
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
Everything’s Gonna be All White
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Woman King
Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Podcast
Two Funny Mamas
Outstanding Social Media Personality
KevonStage
Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
Beyond the Scenes
The Daily Show
Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
LeVar Burton Reads
Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle / Self-Help
Therapy for Black Girls
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Brittani Nichols
Abbott Elementary – “Student Transfer”
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Marissa Jo Cerar
Women of the Movement – Episode 101
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Scott Mescudi (Story By), Ian Edelman, Maurice Williams
Entergalactic
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Angela Barnes
Atlanta – “The Homeliest Little Horse”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito
Better Call Saul – Season 6, Episode 6: “Axe and Grind”
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
Anton Cropper
Fantasy Football
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary
Reginald Hudlin
Sidney
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
Camille Friend
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
Debi Young, Sandra Linn, Ngozi Olandu Young, Gina Bateman
We Own This City
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
Ruth Carter
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Short-Form Series – Comedy or Drama
“Between The Scenes”
The Daily Show
Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction
Daring Simone Biles
Outstanding Short-Form (Live Action)
Dear Mama…
Outstanding Short-Form (Animated)
More Than I Want To Remember
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
Keke Palmer
Lightyear
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Kyla Pratt
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–series)
Ja’Siah Young
Raising Dion
Outstanding Children’s Program
Tab Time
Outstanding Animated Series
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Outstanding Guest Performance
Glynn Turman
Queen Sugar
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Ericka Nicole Malone
Remember Me The Mahalia Jackson Story
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Quinta Brunson
Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Nia Long
The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Keith David
From Scratch
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
Take My Hand
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
Finding Me
Viola Davis
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen
George McCalman
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
Scenes from My Life
Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration
Tracey Lewis-Giggetts
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
To the Realization of Perfect Helplessness
Robin Coste Lewis
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
Stacey’s Remarkable Books
Stacey Abrams, Kitt Thomas
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
Cookies & Milk
Shawn Amos
Outstanding Variety or Game Show (Series or Special)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Tabitha Brown
Tab Time
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Jennifer Hudson
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
ABC News 20/20 Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry, A Conversation with Robin Roberts
Outstanding International Song
“No Woman No Cry” – Tems
Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental
“JID014 (Jazz is Dead)” – Henry Franklin, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Positive” – Erica Campbell
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
“Kingdom Book One” – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
Silk Sonic – “Love’s Train”
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Chris Brown feat. Wizkid – “Call Me Every Day”
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Lift Me Up” – Rihanna
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Dave Jordan
Outstanding Male Artist
Chris Brown – “BREEZY” (Deluxe)
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé – “Renaissance”
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
Cuff It – “Beyoncé”
Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
“Hotel Lobby” – Quavo, Takeoff
Outstanding Album
“Renaissance” – Beyoncé
BROADCAST SOUND
Angela Bassett references Ariana DeBose, saying she "did the thing": during Entertainer of the Year acceptance speech: ["Yeah!! I guess Angela Bassett did the thing! Huh? (applause)"] SOUNDCUE (:06 OC . . .the thing. huh (applause)"]
Nicco Annon wins Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (P-Valley)
- ["I want to dedicate this to every 40, 50, 60, 70-year-old plus the did not have space to be themselves. I want to thank each and every one of you that are here tonight, watching at home, but that are dining at this table, this family table where we can have conversations. It was told to me one time, may you dine at the table that you build with dreams too braved to be broken, with cups and plates that runneth over. Those are the words of kitori hall and I think that woman for the opportunity in creating a space where we can look at our cousins and sisters and brothers with love, dignity, and respect as they fly threw the cieling. Thank you to my team. Thank you, mama, daddy, for loving this back boy right here and thank you for loving this. I say! [Cheers and applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:01 OC…this I say [Cheers and applause]]
Britney Griner and her wife thank everyone for their support
- ["Thank you for that beautiful applause. We are truly so thankful to all the people, many of whom are black women and black led organizations who fought so hard to bring BG home tonight. It feels so good to be here especially with my beautiful, amazing wife and with all of you all here today. I want to thank everyone. Let's keep fighting to bring home every American still detained overseas. Thank you. [Cheers and Applause]"] SOUNDCUE :36 OC…overseas thank you [Cheers and applause]]
Serena Williams honored with the 2023 Jackie Robinson Sports Award
- ["I am incredibly humbled to be amongst the greatest names in today's culture, celebrating those who promote equity through creative endeavors. This event continues to acknowledge the contributions of those who have pursued their craft in television, film, music and literature. So much more. I know this might be surprising to you, but I feel like I'm a little bit of a fangirl to be in this room around so many artists who have played my favorite characters in so many stories that made me cry, laugh, anything marvel. And anything in between. It is really a privilege to be recognized alongside some of the sports' most accomplished athletes like Lebron James, Michael Johnson, Wilma Rudolph, just to name a few and many other forces in the field. Together, we are a team of trailblazers and we represent what's possible when you truly believe in yourself and your potential and follow your life and passion. So with this Jackie Robinson sports award, the naacp is committed to uplifting athletes who break stereotypes and push boundaries in directions that move society forward by opening doors for generations and upcoming athletes to come."] SOUNDCUE 1:19 OC…athletes to come]]
Damson Idris & Method Man on who's the sexiest out of the two
- ["I'm glad they have us presenting right now, so finally clear up this stupid debate. What debate? You know, the debate between who was sexier between me andd you. I never knew there was a debate brother. Not that I'm reading anything. But I read somewhere they are calling me a snack. A snack? That's cool. I been hearing "Zaddy" a lot. Whatever. [Laughter]"] SOUNDCUE :57 OC…a lot whatever [Laughter]]
Angela Bassett wins Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series (9-1-1)
- ["Some of you may recall when I first came to L.A. I did a lot of episodic TV. Ryan Murphy shared with me his vision and his idea that he wanted me to be a part of "9-1-1", I was excited to see what it was we could do. It's been six years and we are still standing strong. So I'm thankful to him for him seeing me and for believing in my contribution to the show and for his support. I am thankful to Dana Walden, Tim Minear, Brad falchuk, Bob Williams the amazing cast and crew of "9-1-1" and to all the fans who are going along with me on this journey. Thank you. I love you. [Cheers and Applause]"] SOUNDCUE :51 OC…I love you [Cheers and Applause]]
Congressman Bennie G.Thompson accepts NAACP Chairman's award
- ["I accept this honor because it's something that I take as a privilege to serve. But for me and all of you here, our work is still undone. What you saw on janurary sixth, it is still real. What you see every day in Washington and around the country is real. So far, the naacp to give me this award for someone who attended Bolton colored school, never had a new textbook his whole public school career, I accept it. I also understand there is clearly other work to be done. I accept it in the spirit of martin, medgar, fanny, new hammer, all of the people. All of the heroes and sheroes that go on song. So in the spirit of my African brothers, alowa continua the struggle continues. [Applause]"] SOUDNCUE 1:19 OC…the struggle continues [Applause]]
Abbott Elementary wins Outstanding Comedy Series
- ["I just want to say thank you so much. We are a brand-new show. Watching all the other shows up there, shows that it paved the way for us. Shows that have helped us push us through the door at ABC, like "Black-ish," congratulations on a fantastic last season of "Black-ish." We are so grateful. We were blessed to have wonderful experiences this awards season but there's nothing like winning and NAACP award. We love y'all. We love you. We are happy that we get to make this show that is accessible to everyone. But for and by us. We love you so much. Thank you so much. [Cheers and applause]"] SOUNDCUE :43 OC…you so much [Cheers and Applause]]
Benjamin Crump accepts Social Justice Award
- ["And now that they are trying to ban our most celebrated black authors and AP African American studies, we must advocate for our children and our culture in the classrooms and demand, demand that they acknowledge that the teaching of black history matters. [Applause] Harriet tubman matters. Frederick Douglass matters. Thurgood Marshall matters. Dr. King matters, Rosa parks matters. Malcolm X matters. Shirley Chisholm, John Lewis, they were not mere footnotes in the history books, they were the heroes. And as Carter G Wilson prophetically warned, if the race has no history, if it has no traditions that are respected and talked to the young people, that it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and thus in danger of becoming exterminated. We will not let elected officials exterminate our history, our literature, or our culture. [Applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:57 OC…or our culture [Applause]]
Benjamin Crump accepts Social Justice Award Speech Continued
- ["Because it is so important that both black children and white children and all children know that black history matters because black history is American history. And all of our children must know that their culture contributed to the progress and the history of the United States of America. And so in conclusion, as I get ready to rest my case. We are prepared to fight for black history in and outside of the court rooms just as hard as we will continue to fight for the George floyds of the world, the Breonna Taylors of the world, the Ahmad Armories of the world, the Trayvon Martins of the world and now the Tyre Nicholss of the world. The children the defendant taken from this Earth far too soon. Because we have to stand up for our children's future. We have to speak up for our children's future and we have to fight for our children's future because if we don't fight for our children's future, we can't expect anybody else to fight for our children's future. And we have to be prepared to fight for our children's future until hell freezes over. And then we have to be ready to fight on the ice. [Applause]"] SOUNDCUE 2:23 OC…on the ice [Applause]]
Viola Davis wins Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture (The Woman King)
- ["Thank you. You know, one of the biggest quotes in "Woman king," is when Anisca says "I'm sorry I left you. Naoi, I wasn't brave enough." I never want to not be brave enough. As a woman, as a black woman, as an artist. And I thank everyone who was involved with "The woman king," because that was nothing but high octane bravery. Sony pictures. Gina, you're my girl. Julius, Jewy Productions, Cathy Schulman, Sony, Nicole brown. Everyone involved in "The woman king." It has been my magnum opus. Thank you. [Applause]"] SOUNDCUE :56 OC…opus thank you [Applause]]
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union accept The President's Award
- ["I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter, Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I've wanted to do is get it right. I've sat back and watched how gracefully you have taken on the public scrutiny and even though it's not easy, I watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself. I admire how you've handled the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face it every day. To say that your villages proud of you is an understatement. Thank you for showing me that there is more than just one way to communicate effectively. You taught me that communication with my mouth isn't enough. I have to also communicate with my two ears and my two eyes. As your father, my job isn't to create a version of myself or direct your future. My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, your dreams. Zaya, you have made me a better human just simply by being who you were born to be. Our baby girl, Zaya wade. So baby, thank you for showing the world what courage looks like. I am proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father. Thank you so much to the NAACP for this incredible honor. [Applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:39 OC…this incredible honor [Applause]]
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union accept The President's Award: Gabrielle Union Speaks
- ["Thank you Derrick and the NAACP. It's humbling to stand here, surrounded by friends and heroes, OGs and icons all working to advance the lives of black people and pay respect to an organization that has led us through over a century of relentless challenge, pain, triumph, and change. And now stands with us again at the foot of a very new era of activism. A new era that demands our collective answer to one simple question: Will we fight for some or will we fight for all of our people? Let's just name a couple hard truths: First, the intersection of black rights and the rights of the lgbtqia, trans, and gender non-conforming people continues to be rough. It's a huge understatement. Even as we demand equality at the top of our lungs, we consistently fail to extend our advocacy to protect some of our most vulnerable amongst us. [Applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:29 OC…vulnerable amongst us [Applause]]
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union accept The President's Award: Gabrielle Union Speaks Part 2
- ["And second, black trans people are being targeted, terrorized, and hunted in this country. Every day, everywhere. And there is rarely a whisper about it. We honestly don't approach this work as activists or leaders as much as we do this as parents who love our children and will do whatever the [bleep] we can to keep them seen, secure, and safe. This is a conversation worth having in ways that build bridges, that don't fan the flames of hatred or division, that don't enable lawmakers or justice systems to look the other way when black trans people are under attack. [Applause] That don't drive more young people to hate or harm themselves, that don't cost people their lives. So, we are humbled and we are hopeful for the future. I'm hopeful, we are hopeful that we may be witness a real shift in the fight for justice. The moment the movement makes room for everyone. Everyone. Thank you. [Cheers and applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:40 OC…everyone thank you [Cheers and applause]]
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever wins Outstanding Motion Picture
- ["A big thank you to the NAACP for this honor and for having nights like this where we get to be amongst our community of artists. Big thanks to all the filmmakers who worked on the other nominated films that were beautiful. They deserve to be celebrated. I'm happy to know y'all had to be challenged by y'all and motivated by y'all. It means the world. Massive thanks to my incredible cast and the other filmmakers involve bringing this to life. Every movie is made by an army, team, a family. These films were no different. I want to thank my beautiful wife for supporting me during the process. In the biggest thanks. Oh, the music. It's well-publicized. We lost a giant in the left a giant void in our hearts but we gained an ancestor and he's with us every day motivating us and I can't think of anyone who's done more to advance our image and representation in recent years and I am honored to have been able to represent him on screen in this last film. Thank you all for supporting us. We appreciate you all. [Cheers and applause]"] SOUNDCUE 1:27 OC…appreciate you all [Cheers and applause]]
Angela Bassett wins Entertainer of The Year award Summary
- Angela Basset accepts the NAACP award for Entertainer of the year and speaks about her experience coming up as a black entertainer in Hollywood to becoming the legendary household name she is today.
