The prestigious 2024 NAACP Image Awards ceremony will accolade the talents of poet Amanda Gorman and fashion maven June Ambrose, alongside the returning host, the legendary Queen Latifah. "We are delighted to partner once again with the iconic Queen Latifah, who graciously returns as our esteemed host," proclaimed Connie Orlando, executive vice president of specials, music programming, and music strategy at BET. "Furthermore, we eagerly anticipate honoring the transformative poet Amanda Gorman and the fashion trailblazer June Ambrose for their profound cultural impact."
In 2023, Latifah last hosted the glittering affair, which saw Angela Bassett crowned as Entertainer of the Year. This year, Gorman will be awarded the esteemed Chairman's Award, recognizing her exceptional public service and her use of her unique platform to foster change. Previous recipients include esteemed figures such as Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, the late Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.
Leon W. Russell, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, praised, "Amanda Gorman stands as a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of leaders, her poetic brilliance and advocacy efforts igniting transformative change. With her unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to positive change, Gorman continues to etch her indelible mark on the literary and social landscapes."
Ambrose will be awarded the Vanguard Award, honoring her significant contributions to fashion and design. As the creative director of Puma, she has not only reshaped the visual tapestry of pop culture but also elevated the dialogue surrounding the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in the fashion and entertainment worlds. Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors and Chairman of the Image Awards Committee, commended, "June Ambrose's multifaceted contributions have left an enduring legacy that transcends fashion, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant industry."
Leading the nominations this year is The Color Purple, with a whopping 16 nominations, closely followed by A Thousand and One and Creed III, each earning seven nods, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse with six. Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, emphasized, "The NAACP Image Awards is an annual celebration of excellence, showcasing the significant achievements of our community's artists, writers, entertainers, activists, and change-makers who champion Black excellence in a powerful and profound manner."
The 55th NAACP Image Awards will broadcast live on BET and CBS on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, NAACP will recognize winners in non-televised categories from March 11-13, culminating in an Awards Dinner on March 14th and a Fashion Show on March 15th.
