The 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards took place on Saturday, awarding the best and brightest across the industries of entertainment, media, and activism for their achievements over the past year.
Returning to in-person programming for the first time since 2020, the show featured a star-studded room full A-list talent. Naturally, this made for memorable moments and fun banter between the stars on stage.
Check out a few of the top moments from the show.
Nicco Annan takes home the Best Actor trophy
P-Valley‘s “Uncle Clifford” took to the stage, visibly amazed by the win, reminding the crowd that all things were possible through faith and recognizing generations before that were not able to live comfortably in their skin as people are today.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Nicco Annan accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series award for “P-Valley” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Britney Griner returns to the stage
After months in captivity behind Russian borders during an ongoing war, the WNBA star took the stage with her wife to thank everyone for their support during her ordeal.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Cherelle Griner and Brittney Griner onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Serena Williams accepts the Jackie Robinson Sports Honor
After solidifying her spot as the GOAT in tennis, the star accepted an honor placing her among other legendary athletes.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Kerry Washington presents the Jackie Robinson Sports Award to honoree Serena Williams onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Damson Idris vs. Cliff “Method Man” Smith
While presenting the Awards for Best Actress in a Drama Series, Damson Idris hilariously suggested that the “score be settled once and for all” between he and Method Man for who is the sexiest. Things quickly evolved into a war of the “snack” vs. the “zaddy” to uproarious crowd laughter.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Damson Idris and Clifford “Method Man” Smith speak onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Angela Bassett takes home Best Actress in a Drama Series
The actress acceppted her 14th NAACP image award, highlighting her roots in television acting and her appreciation for being able to return to the format to not only act in, but executive produce a hit show like 9-1-1.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Angela Bassett accepts the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series award for “9-1-1” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
The Best Men
The male cast of The Best Man franchise shared some comedic banter on stage, while giving three generations of women heart palpitations at the same time.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Taye Diggs, and Terrence Howard speak onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Dwyane Wade’s Heartfelt Message To Zaya Wade
While accepting the President’s Award in recognition of their advocacy work for LGBTQIA+ youth, Dwyane Wade took a moment to address his beloved daughter Zaya Wade directly. “I admire how you’ve handled the ignorance in our world,” he told her. “Zaya, you’ve made me a better human just simply by being who you were born to be…thank you for showing the world what courage looks like.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: (L-R) Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade accept the President’s Award onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
Ryan Coogler Honors Chadwick Boseman
While accepting the honor for Best Motion Picture for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Coogler honored Boseman, noting that “We lost a giant” in the industry that did a lot for the community’s image through his work. “I’m glad we could honor him in this last film,” he said.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Ryan Coogler accepts the Outstanding Motion Picture award for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)
Angela Bassett Does The Thing
While accepting the Entertainer of the Year honor, the beloved actress gave a nod to the viral moment she’s currently having due to a tribute given by Ariana DeBose at last week’s BAFTA awards. “I guess Angela Basset did the thing!” she exclaimed, while accepting her trophy.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 25: Angela Bassett accepts the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series award for “9-1-1” onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
