The 2025 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards was a night of celebration, empowerment, and recognition of Black excellence. Held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, this prestigious event honored outstanding achievements in film, television, music, and literature by people of color. The awards ceremony not only highlighted the incredible talent and contributions of Black artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and recognition in the arts and beyond by people who look like us. For Black people across the world, the NAACP Image Awards hold significant importance. They provide a platform to celebrate and uplift Black voices, stories, and experiences that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. Shades of Us was proud to see the sense of pride and unity within the Black community that was showcased at this event. We believe that by honoring trailblazers and visionaries, the Image Awards inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and striving for excellence. Here is the list of winners of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.
Entertainer Of The Year
Keke Palmer
Outstanding Album
Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment Llc)
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (Pglang, Under Exclusive License To Interscope Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment Llc)
Outstanding New Artist
Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding Duo, Group Or Collaboration (Traditional)
Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (Bassic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire)
Outstanding Duo, Group Or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Wizkid Feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece Of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding International Song
“Hmmm” — Chris Brown Feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (Pglang, Under Exclusive License To Interscope Records)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Wicked: The Soundtrack (Republic Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Working For Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding Jazz Album
Portrait — Samara Joy (Verve Records)
Outstanding Original Score For Television/Motion Picture
Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack) (Walt Disney Records)
Outstanding Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor In A Motion Picture
Martin Lawrence — Bad Boys: Ride Or Die (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture
Kerry Washington — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture
Winner: Denzel Washington — Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Sing Sing (A24)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance In A Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast In A Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Character Voice–Over Performance – Motion Picture
Blue Ivy Carter — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
Superman Doesn’t Steal
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
Jomo Fray — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (Abc)
Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series
Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (Abc)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Damon Wayans Jr. — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Danielle Pinnock — Ghosts (CBS)
Outstanding Drama Series
Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Outstanding Actor In A Drama Series
Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book Ii: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series
Queen Latifah — The Equalizer (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Cliff “Method Man” Smith — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Lynn Whitfield — The Chi (Paramount+)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Actor In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Aaron Pierre — Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Naturi Naughton — Abducted At An HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie (Lifetime)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Samuel L. Jackson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding News/Information (Series Or Special)
The Reidout (Msnbc)
Outstanding Talk Series
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition, Or Game Show (Series)
Celebrity Family Feud (Abc)
Outstanding Variety Show (Series Or Special)
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (Netflix)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Gracie’s Corner (Youtube Tv)
Outstanding Performance By A Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie Or Limited–Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries — Percy Jackson And The Olympians (Disney+)
Outstanding Host In A Talk Or News/Information (Series Or Special) – Individual Or Ensemble
Jennifer Hudson — The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host In A Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show, Or Variety (Series Or Special) – Individual Or Ensemble
Keke Palmer — Password (Nbc)
Outstanding Guest Performance
Marlon Wayans — Bel-Air (Peacock)
Outstanding Animated Series
Gracie’s Corner (Youtube Tv)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Cree Summer — Rugrats (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Short Form Series Or Special – Reality/Nonfiction /Documentary
The Prince Of Death Row Records (YouTube TV)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (Fx/Hulu)
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix)
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
How To Sue The Klan
Outstanding Social Media Personality Of The Year
Shirley Raines
The Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award
Jotaka Eaddy
Vanguard Award
Essence
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series Crystal Jenkins — No Good Deed, “Letters of Intent”
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Ben Watkins — Cross, “Hero Complex”
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks, — Young. Wild. Free.
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — Nickel Boys
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series Tiffany Johnson — How to Die Alone, “Trust No One”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Rapman — Supacell, “Supacell”
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special
Tina Mabry — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Dawn Porter — Luther: Never Too Much
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction One of Us Knows: A Thriller — Alyssa Cole
Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest — Fawn Weaver
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author Grown Woman — Sarai Johnson
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America — Joy-Ann Reid
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair — Tomesha Faxio
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets — Kwame Alexander
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York — Samarra St. Hilaire
Outstanding Graphic Novel Punk Rock Karaoke — Bianca Xunise
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
Native Land Pod
Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast
We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
Club Shay Shay
Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast
Two Funny Mamas
Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
Stranded
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
Paul Tazewell — Wicked
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
Debi Young — Shirley
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
Lawrence Davis — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
The 2025 NAACP Image Awards
By Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
The 2025 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards was a night of celebration, empowerment, and recognition of Black excellence. Held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, this prestigious event honored outstanding achievements in film, television, music, and literature by people of color. The awards ceremony not only highlighted the incredible talent and contributions of Black artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and recognition in the arts and beyond by people who look like us.
For Black people across the world, the NAACP Image Awards hold significant importance. They provide a platform to celebrate and uplift Black voices, stories, and experiences that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. Shades of Us was proud to see the sense of pride and unity within the Black community that was showcased at this event.
We believe that by honoring trailblazers and visionaries, the Image Awards inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and striving for excellence.
Here is the list of winners of the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.
Entertainer Of The Year
Keke Palmer
Outstanding Album
Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment Llc)
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song
“Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (Pglang, Under Exclusive License To Interscope Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Female Artist
Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment Llc)
Outstanding New Artist
Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding Duo, Group Or Collaboration (Traditional)
Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (Bassic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire)
Outstanding Duo, Group Or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Wizkid Feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece Of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding International Song
“Hmmm” — Chris Brown Feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (Pglang, Under Exclusive License To Interscope Records)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Wicked: The Soundtrack (Republic Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Working For Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding Jazz Album
Portrait — Samara Joy (Verve Records)
Outstanding Original Score For Television/Motion Picture
Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack) (Walt Disney Records)
Outstanding Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor In A Motion Picture
Martin Lawrence — Bad Boys: Ride Or Die (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture
Kerry Washington — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture
Winner: Denzel Washington — Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
Sing Sing (A24)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance In A Motion Picture
Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast In A Motion Picture
The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Character Voice–Over Performance – Motion Picture
Blue Ivy Carter — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
Superman Doesn’t Steal
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding Youth Performance In A Motion Picture
Skylar Aleece Smith — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding Cinematography In A Motion Picture
Jomo Fray — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (Abc)
Outstanding Actor In A Comedy Series
Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (Abc)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Damon Wayans Jr. — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Danielle Pinnock — Ghosts (CBS)
Outstanding Drama Series
Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Outstanding Actor In A Drama Series
Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book Ii: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series
Queen Latifah — The Equalizer (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
Cliff “Method Man” Smith — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Lynn Whitfield — The Chi (Paramount+)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Actor In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Aaron Pierre — Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Naturi Naughton — Abducted At An HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie (Lifetime)
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Samuel L. Jackson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Television (Series, Special Or Movie)
Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding News/Information (Series Or Special)
The Reidout (Msnbc)
Outstanding Talk Series
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition, Or Game Show (Series)
Celebrity Family Feud (Abc)
Outstanding Variety Show (Series Or Special)
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (Netflix)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Gracie’s Corner (Youtube Tv)
Outstanding Performance By A Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie Or Limited–Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries — Percy Jackson And The Olympians (Disney+)
Outstanding Host In A Talk Or News/Information (Series Or Special) – Individual Or Ensemble
Jennifer Hudson — The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host In A Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show, Or Variety (Series Or Special) – Individual Or Ensemble
Keke Palmer — Password (Nbc)
Outstanding Guest Performance
Marlon Wayans — Bel-Air (Peacock)
Outstanding Animated Series
Gracie’s Corner (Youtube Tv)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Cree Summer — Rugrats (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Short Form Series Or Special – Reality/Nonfiction /Documentary
The Prince Of Death Row Records (YouTube TV)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (Fx/Hulu)
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix)
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
How To Sue The Klan
Outstanding Social Media Personality Of The Year
Shirley Raines
The Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award
Jotaka Eaddy
Vanguard Award
Essence
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Crystal Jenkins — No Good Deed, “Letters of Intent”
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Ben Watkins — Cross, “Hero Complex”
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks, — Young. Wild. Free.
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — Nickel Boys
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Tiffany Johnson — How to Die Alone, “Trust No One”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Rapman — Supacell, “Supacell”
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special
Tina Mabry — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Dawn Porter — Luther: Never Too Much
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
One of Us Knows: A Thriller — Alyssa Cole
Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction
Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest — Fawn Weaver
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
Grown Woman — Sarai Johnson
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America — Joy-Ann Reid
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair — Tomesha Faxio
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets — Kwame Alexander
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York — Samarra St. Hilaire
Outstanding Graphic Novel
Punk Rock Karaoke — Bianca Xunise
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
Native Land Pod
Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast
We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
Club Shay Shay
Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast
Two Funny Mamas
Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
Stranded
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
Paul Tazewell — Wicked
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
Debi Young — Shirley
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
Lawrence Davis — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
Rebel Ridge
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