Black love was present at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, as our brightest stars were honored for their achievements in entertainment, media, and activism over the past year. We witnessed several first moments during the evening, including Brittney Griner’s epic return to the stage with her wife by her side and Angela Bassett nabbing the revered Entertainer of the Year award, showing us all, once again, that she did indeed “do the thing.”
In addition to Black excellence, activism was another prominent theme for the night. Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade accepted the President’s Award due to their tireless advocacy work for LGBTQIA+ youth. The couple penned a heartfelt and soul-stirring message to their daughter Zaya Wade.
The night showcased how beautiful Black love can be, especially when support, community, and belonging are present. Scroll to see the beautiful Black couples who attended the awards.
01
Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance
Bassett took home both the Best Actress in a Drama Series and the Entertainer of the Year award, and her husband Courtney was there to witness the magical moments as her biggest supporter.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
02
Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade
The activist couple accepted the President’s Award and in their speech, showed support to their trans daughter Zaya and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. “As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future,” he said. “My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, your wishes, and your dreams. Zaya, you’ve 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’m proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
03
Brittney and Cherelle Griner
After spending nearly 10 months in Russian custody, Griner graced the stage with her wife, Cherelle, to thank everyone for their support.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Cherelle Griner and Brittney Griner speak onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
04
Tobe and Fat Nwigwe
The creatives were captured on the carpet with their two beautiful children.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Tobe Nwigwe and Martica Fat Nwigwe attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage)
05
Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson
Mama Tina and husband Richard Lawson were spotted in the audience.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
06
Viola Davis and Julius Tennon
Davis snagged the Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture award, and her husband, as always, was by her side for the moment.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Viola Davis and Julius Tennon arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
07
Skyh Black and KJ Smith
Actors Skyh Black and KJ Smith showed up and out on the carpet and thanked ESSENCE for our continued support of their artistry and partnership.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Skyh Black and KJ Smith arrives to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
08
Morris Chestnut and Pam Byse
The legendary Morris Chestnut graced the carpet with his wife of nearly 30 years, Pam Byse.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Pam Byse and Morris Chestnut arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
09
Lil Rel Howery and Dannella Lane
Comedian Lil Rel Howery posed for the camera with partner Dannella.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Lil Rel Howery and Dannella Lane arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
10
Bre-Z and Chris Amore
Actress and rapper Bre-Z appeared on the carpet with partner Chris.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Bre-Z and Chris Amore attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
11
Jemele Hill and Ian Wallace
Journalist and podcaster Jemele Hill enjoyed the evening with her husband, Ian Wallace.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Ian Wallace and Jemele Hill attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
12
Tabitha and Chance Brown
Tabitha and Chance Brown looked very good together on the red carpet.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Chance Brown and Tabitha Brown attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
13
Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods
Actor Wendell Pierce and partner Erika Woods looked picture perfect on the carpet.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
14
Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes
Entrepreneurs Derrick Hayes and Pinky Cole looked fabulous at the event, with Cole bringing the drama with her headpiece.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Derrick Hayes and Pinky Cole arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
15
Glynn Turman and Jo-An Turman
Respected actor Glynn Turman looked dapper on the carpet with his wife Jo-An Turman.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Glynn Turman and Jo-An Turman arrive to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
