Could it be Kendrick Lamar, whose ongoing rivalry with Drake captured media attention for weeks? Or perhaps Keke Palmer, the versatile podcaster, actress, and game show host who seemed to be omnipresent? There's also the hilarious Kevin Hart, alongside Shannon Sharpe, whose podcast “Club Shay Shay” consistently ignites discussions on social media with its engaging gossip. Another contender is Cynthia Erivo, who has garnered support from “Wicked” fans eager to see her defy gravity.
The recipient of this prestigious award will be revealed on February 22 during the NAACP Image Awards ceremony, which will be aired on BET and CBS.
In the film categories, “The Piano Lesson,” featuring John David Washington in a celebrated adaptation of August Wilson’s work, leads with 14 nominations. Meanwhile, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” tops the television categories with nine nominations.
“Wicked” and “Fight Night” are produced by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.
Ayo Edebiri, known for her role in “The Bear,” stands out with four nominations across both TV and film for her performances in the FX series, a guest appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” and her voice role in “Inside Out 2.” Keke Palmer closely follows, also with four nominations.
In the music category, GloRilla leads with six nominations, while Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher each have four nominations.
“We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change, and inspire generations,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. “Through film, music, literature, and more, their voices weave a rich tapestry that honors our heritage, celebrates our identity, and proves that storytelling is a powerful force for driving true progress.”
The complete list of nominees can be found on the NAACP Image Awards website, where the public has the opportunity to cast their votes in numerous categories among the 102 available.