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Top 5 Most Memorable Moments from the 56th NAACP Image Awards 2025
The 56th NAACP Image Awards took place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, delivering a night of celebration, inspiration, and unforgettable highlights. The annual event—often dubbed the “Black Oscars”—honored the brilliance of people of color in film, television, music, and literature. Hosted by the hilarious Deon Cole, the evening was packed with emotional wins, powerful speeches, and historic tributes. From The Wayans Family’s induction into the NAACP Hall of Fame to Keke Palmer’s Entertainer of the Year crowning, here are the top 5 most memorable moments from last night’s NAACP Image Awards that had everyone talking.
1. The Wayans Family’s Heartfelt and Hilarious Hall of Fame Induction
The Wayans family at the 56th NAACP Image Awards
The induction of The Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame was hands-down the night’s standout moment. This comedic dynasty—featuring Keenen Ivory, Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon Wayans—took the stage to a roaring ovation, celebrating over 30 years of groundbreaking contributions to Black entertainment.
2. Keke Palmer’s Wins Entertainer of the Year at the 56th NAACP Image Awards
Keke Palmer stole the show when she was named Entertainer of the Year, beating out heavyweights like Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. The multihyphenate star, already a winner earlier in the week for hosting Password, radiated joy as she accepted the Award. In her speech, the 31-year-old gave a special (and perfectly pitched) shoutout to Erivo for her “exceptional” performance in ‘Wicked.’
3. Kerry Washington’s Emotional Win and Tyler Perry Shoutout
Kerry Washington at the 56th NAACP Image Awards
Kerry Washington took the stage to receive a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for The Six Triple Eight. The Netflix war drama, directed by Tyler Perry, also won Outstanding Motion Picture. Washington’s speech was a beautiful tribute to the real-life Black women of the 6888th Battalion whose stories the film honors.
Washington, who portrayed Major Charity Adams, thanked Perry for his vision, the brilliant cast of the film, as well as the women of the 688th Battalion before briefly leaving the stage—only to return with a laugh, saying she “forgot to thank Tyler Perry.” Which, of course, she didn’t. This candid moment was met with the audience’s playful “You DID!” and laughs.
4. Kamala Harris’ Powerful Chairman’s Award Acceptance
Former Vice President Kamala Harris brought the house down with her acceptance of the Chairman’s Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment to justice and equality. As the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as VP, her presence at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards was historic. Her speech was a rallying cry, reflecting on her journey and urging the audience to continue pushing for equity: “We stand on the shoulders of giants—now it’s our turn to lift others up.”
5. Dave Chappelle’s Raw and Real President’s Award Speech
Comedy legend Dave Chappelle received the prestigious President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
The Award, given annually to individuals who’ve made significant cultural or societal impact, was a fitting tribute to Chappelle’s decades-long career. Known for his fearless humor and incisive social commentary on Chappelle’s Show and beyond, the comedian took the stage to a thunderous standing ovation. In a rare serious turn, he called the honor “the most meaningful of my career,” reflecting on the challenges of staying true to his voice in a polarized world. “Don’t let the world discourage you—keep telling your truth,” he told the audience, his words resonating deeply on a night-themed “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence.”
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has confirmed that Hollywood legend Denzel Washington will join the cast of Black Panther 3. This announcement came during Coogler’s appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, where he revealed that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar winner, whom he regards as “the greatest living actor.”
Washington first hinted at his involvement in the Marvel project during a November 2024 interview on the Today show in Australia, generating excitement among fans. Coogler, who has long admired Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about their upcoming collaboration, noting their close relationship and Washington’s cultural significance. “Denzel is family at this point,” he said in the interview.
Although Marvel Studios has not officially announced Black Panther 3, the franchise’s success, having grossed over $2 billion globally from its first two films, makes a third installment a logical step. The film is still in early development, and while there is no confirmed release date, Coogler hinted that it’s “not long” away, potentially targeting a 2028 release following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation about Washington’s role is abundant, with fans suggesting he could portray a new Wakandan character, a historical figure like Bashenga, or even a multiverse variant of T’Challa or T’Chaka. The emotional connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who credited Washington’s mentorship for his career, adds significant weight to this casting choice.
Halle Berry and Van Hunt went public with their relationship in September 2020. After five years of dating, Hunt, a Grammy-winning musician, proposed to the Oscar-winning actress, but Berry has not yet accepted.
Berry’s decision to decline Hunt’s proposal, at least for now, stems primarily from her history with marriage. The actress has been married three times previously—to former MLB player David Justice (1993–1997), singer Eric Benét (2001–2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013–2016). She also shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and a son, Maceo, 11, with Martinez. Hunt has been married once and has a teenage son, Drake.
During the Today interview, Berry explained, “Well, I’ve been married three times. Van has been married once, and so no, we don’t feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way. We don’t.”
While Berry has not accepted Hunt’s proposal, she has not ruled out marriage entirely. In the same interview, she expressed that she believes Hunt is the right partner for her, stating, “I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married.” She added that any future marriage would be a choice made out of desire for expression, not obligation, and hinted at a potential wedding “soon.”
Batwoman‘s star Javicia Leslie is engaged!
The 37-year-old shared the exciting news via Instagram earlier today with a caption that reads, “An answered prayer.”
According to his bio, Leslie’s now-fiancé, Nana-Yaw Asamoah, is a New York native and a sports and entertainment executive. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment.
While the couple’s romantic relationship has not been public until now, Leslie has been open about being bisexual. In fact, she is the first Black and queer woman to play the aforementioned DC’s superhero.
During an interview on E! News’ Daily Pop, the actress shared that her role in the CW series inspired her to come out to her mom. “For me, I never felt like I had to hide anything,” Leslie said. “That wasn’t really where I was coming from. I just hadn’t had a conversation, so I just wanted to talk to my mom about it because I was living my life. I just wanted to be able to talk to her so she didn’t have to be told through the media.”
According to the shared Instagram post, Asamoah proposed to Leslie in Napa Valley, at what appears to be a winery, in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. Friends, family, and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and best wishes to the couple. We are joining in as well!
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Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
Here Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
Batwoman’s Javicia Leslie Gets Engaged in Napa Valley
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