Black excellence was amplified Saturday evening at the 55th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, and it was empowering to see celebrities of color being honored for their contributions in the arts and media.
“The NAACP Image Awards stand as a tribute to their creativity, talent, and dedication to authentic storytelling and are a testament to the richness and diversity of our community,” expressed Derrick Johnson, the President and CEO of the NAACP.
The legendary Queen Latifah hosted the black-tie affair, and was all smiles as she greeted attendees in a chocolate Christian Siriano tuxedo gown, paired with a silk bow top and tortoise shades.
This moment was a historical for the cast of 2023 Color Purple musical Film as it was the most nominated motion picture in the ceremony’s history, with 16 nominations, and 11 wins.
It’s important to note that Forbes magazine wrote an article titled “Oscar Nominations Snub ‘The Color Purple’” which highlights how the original 1985 film is the most nominated movie without winning a single award. In addition to how the cast of the Color Purple musical was slighted this year with actress Danielle Brooks being the only cast member to receive an award as ‘Best Supporting Actress.’
In the great words of Jay-Z during his Grammy speech, “Even by your own metrics it doesn’t work.”
Although award season can be joyful and daunting for some, the NAACP Image awards ensured that black artists received their well-deserved accolades over the weekend without fear of being “snubbed.”
The Color Purple cast was a standout sensation with Fantasia Barrino and Taraji Henson showing us exactly what black girl magic embodies.
Barrino who won ‘Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture’ opted for a black and white custom Monot dress, styled by Daniel Hawkins. While her co-star Taraji Henson won ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress’ and illuminated in a yellow 3D Delcore gown, that glistened against her sun-kissed skin and Bulgari jewels.
Halle Bailey looked regal and glamorous in an emerald green Nicole + Felicia gown, and for someone who just secretively gave birth, she got her ‘Little Mermaid’ body back in no time.
Also serving green with envy was the iconic Sheryl Lee Ralph in Georges Hobeika, and Kerry Washington who slayed the scene in Vivienne Westwood. Both ladies looked refined and elegant as they posed in their shimmery lime green frocks.
Actress and Producer Yara Shahidi bet on black in a remarkable Ferragamo dress, styled by Jason Bolden that was characterized with a leather cutout bodice, and was clearly designed to turn heads.
Also keeping things monochromatic with all black was Fashion Bomb Couples Usher and his wife Jennifer, and Megan Good and her beau Jonathan Majors.
Usher came dressed to impress in a black LaQuan Smith suit and was the man of the hour as he was honored with the President’s award and the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ award. His wife Jennifer matched his fly in a black embellished tuxedo gown by Zuhair Murad.
Meagan Good who has been standing 10-toes down for her boyfriend Jonathan Majors wore a black lace Michael Costello gown, styled by Philippe Uter. Majors kept things playful and eclectic with a silk floral shirt under his black tux.
If you thought the men looked dapper in their tuxedos, KeKe Palmer looked exquisite in her Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana suit that included all the components of a formal tuxedo including a cummerbund and bow tie. We loved to see the juxtaposition, and we admired how KeKe owned this look with such confidence.
The NAACP Image Awards created a platform and safe space for people of color to thrive, flourish, and be recognized for their greatness, and we loved all the fabulous looks we saw come down the red carpet!
