The 40th annual NAACP Image Awards not only celebrated the historical presidency of Barack Obama, the multicultural show also marked the 100th anniversary of the influential civil rights organization.
In addition to tapping Tyler Perry and Halle Berry as the show's hosts, producers culled the best of the best of entertainment's top talent to honor the achievements and performances of people of color in TV, film, music and literature.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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Grammy Award-winning pop icon, Beyoncé opened the show in a flowing white gown that recalled vintage Hollywood glamour. The celebrated singer-actress performed her new song, 'Halo' with archival footage from the Civil Rights movement as the backdrop. It was quite obvious that the set had an emotional effect on Knowles. Her eyes seemed watery -- as if she was ready to cry.
Beyoncé's breathtaking performance proved exactly why she earned this year's Outstanding Female Artist award. The Golden Globe-nominated actress wasn't the only 'Dreamgirl' gracing the stage and walking away with gold; Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, who has had an event-filled week performing and winning her first Grammy, also lit up the Shrine Auditorium with her presence.
"This is where we come from," Hudson said, accepting the trophy for outstanding new artist. "So it's always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love. I really cherish this and appreciate it."
Shortly after receiving the award, the J Records vocalist made her mark at the centennial celebration with her stunning tribute to boxing legend Muhammad Ali by singing 'The Impossible Dream.'
Other notable performances included will.i.am ('Redemption'), Seal ('People Get Ready'), and Stevie Wonder's still timely 'Black Man.'
Below is a list of some of the major awards that were given out during the course of the telecast:
*Outstanding Actor in Drama or Series: Hill Harper ('CSI: NY')
*Outstanding New Artist: Jennifer Hudson*Outstanding Actress In Comedy Series: Tracee Ellis Ross ('Girlfriends')
*Outstanding Female Artist: Beyoncé
*Chairman's Award: Al Gore; Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai
*Outstanding Comedy Series: 'Tyler Perry's House of Pain'
*Outstanding Role in TV Movie, Mini-Series: Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad ('Raisin in the Sun')
*Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Taraji P. Henson ('The Curious Case of Benjamin Button')
*Vanguard Award Recipient: Russell Simmons
*President's Award: Muhammad Ali
*Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: Will Smith ('Seven Pounds')
*Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Rosario Dawson ('Seven Pounds')
*Outstanding Motion Picture: 'The Secret Life of Bees'
*Outstanding Drama Series: 'Grey's Anatomy'
*Outstanding Actress In a Drama Series: Chandra Wilson ('Greg's Anatomy')
*Outstanding Creator for Writing a Drama Series: Shonda Rhimes ('Greg's Anatomy')
*Outstanding Talk Show Series: 'The View'
*Outstanding Supporting Actor In a Drama Series: Taye Diggs ('Private Practice')
*Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama: Debbi Morgan ('All My Children's')
*Outstanding Director for Drama Series: Ernest Dickerson ('Lincoln Heights')
Several winners were awarded before the live ceremony, including Chandra Wilson of 'Grey's Anatomy' for actress in a drama series, Columbus Short of "Cadillac Records" for outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture and singer-actor Jamie Foxx for outstanding male artist.
Comments: (96)
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By: Sheryl on 2/13/2009 12:24AM
One word: STUNNING! So many beautiful black people (inside and out) in one place at one time.... simple stunning. I am always proud to be an African American, but it is moments like this that make me swell up even more with pride.
PS... I just wanted to wrap Hill Harper up and bring him home with me! He is just an amazing man.
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By: TANEK on 2/13/2009 4:52PM
YES YOU ARE RIGHT IT GET BETTER EVERY YEAR I WAS GLAD TO SEE JENNIFER HUDSON TOOO.
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By: Alex on 2/16/2009 6:42AM
Wow!!! Miley Cyrus's sex tape here:
http://youcelebtube.com/go.php
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By: Richard on 2/16/2009 7:20AM
Most all black people who make it big always have white caucasion blood in their heritage. Very few real full blacks ever rise above the norm or make something of themselves. Maybe its the white blood that drives them to succeed. Comments Anyone ???
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By: mrstone117 on 2/13/2009 12:38AM
I LIKE THE A LOT. THANK YOU
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By: naomi on 2/13/2009 12:35AM
Jennifer Hudson stole the show!!! No doubt about it!! Go JHUD!!!! SO glad to have you back!!!
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By: aurora j. on 2/13/2009 8:28PM
jeffifer hudson is a God Gift to our black society. She has proven to everyone "when God is for you who can be against you. She has inspired my life and my dreams. I believe that GOD has no prospective person. If he has done it for her, he can do the same for me. I am trusting GOD for deliverance through her success. Barak Obama was recently added and always be reminded Dr. King was first to start our dreams. He saided one day we will all join hands. I thank GOD his dream is being fulfilled through JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR who died for all of us.
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By: just4fun on 2/13/2009 6:19AM
She is gorgeous beauty! I saw her profile on _Casualchats.com. Is she seeking excitement there? for one night stands??
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By: Garret Davis on 2/13/2009 6:55AM
When honoring the Greatest they should have at least spelled his name correctly.A small mistake yet when Honoring such an Icon at least take the time to do it right..........We Love you Muhammad !
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By: Brian on 2/13/2009 3:40PM
Thank you so much I could not believe that when Jennifer was honoring Ali that they kept showing the screen behind her with his name misspelled! I'm surprised the director seeing this did not just take other shots. Come on people, we need to be better then that!
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