2009 NAACP Image Awards: Bringing Black Star Power

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 )

Getty Images

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.