LisaRaye McCoy-Misick shines on the red carpet as she arrives for the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on February 12.
Tichina Arnold, one of our favorites, is heavenly in this powder-blue stunner.
Proving she’s left little Rudy far behind, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam turns heads in a royal blue number.
Funny ladies Tracee Ellis Ross, left, and Wendy Raquel Robinson have a little fun before the show starts.
Actress and mother of four Holly Robinson Peete stands out on the red carpet.
A gorgeous Sanaa Lathan smolders upon her arrival.
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” star Lance Gross and model/actress Eva Marcille channel old Hollywood glamour on the red carpet. The couple recently announced their engagement.
“The Game” star Tia Mowry gives the cameras her best shot—and scores.
Hip-hop legend and philanthropist Russell Simmons, who received the Vanguard Award, attended the event with youngest daughter Aoki Lee, from left, nieces Angela and Vanessa Simmons, and oldest daughter Ming Lee Simmons.
Taraji P. Henson, who’s a 2009 ESSENCE Women in Hollywood honoree, arrives for the ceremony in an elegant, eye-catching gown.
Acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard makes her way inside the Shrine Auditorium.
Favorite funny lady Monique was the night’s first presenter with actress Tracee Ellis Ross.
Omar Epps, star of hit drama “House,” and his wife, Keisha Spivey, former member of 90’s R&B group Total, are a vision on the red carpet.
Up and coming actress Jennia Fredrique works it for the cameras.
Mary Mary (sisters Tina Evette Atkins, left, and Erica Monique Atkins) arrive for the festivities.
Beyoncé opens the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards with a performance of new single “Halo.” This year the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Hosts Tyler Perry and Halle Berry work their magic during the 40th NAACP Image Awards.
An overjoyed Taraji P. Henson beams while giving her thank-you speech as she accepts her award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Hip-hop artist will.i.am was on hand to honor former Vice-President Al Gore.
Jennifer Hudson’s acclaimed debut album earned her an award for Outstanding New Artist.
Beyoncé beams as she accepts her award for Outstanding Female Artist while acknowledging the other women in the category as “amazing.”
Hill Harper accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series award for “CSI: NY” for the second year at the 40th NAACP Image Awards.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s win for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Joan Clayton on the defunct “Girlfriends” is bittersweet as fans still mourn the show.
Halle Berry keeps the show moving as cohost for the night with Tyler Perry.
Will Smith accepts the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Award for “Seven Pounds.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs shares how grateful he is while accepting his award for Outstanding Actor in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special for “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Jennifer Hudson delivers an emotional performance during a tribute to Muhammad Ali, who received the President’s Award.
Teen stars Tyler James Williams and Keke Palmer serve as presenters during ceremony.
