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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 )
Getty Images
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: thisthingisreal on 2/13/2009 5:19PM
I was so tired from working and going to school I did not get a chance to watch the NAACP awards, I am truly sorry. However I did get to see "B" sing, and I am sorry about this too, she has such a strang voice, I can't get with it, I love her and I love her music but, her voice its just strang to me. I don't know, nonethless, I love you "B" I just want you to sing normal, something about how you sing isn't right. I don't know how others feel, but I feel you should do a different type of singing like Anita Baker smooth your voice, all that rolling of your voice, something isn't right about, I mean, something isn't right, smooth your voice out like Tony Braxton some body. Much love home girl! Your pretty your beautiful, your classy, lets bring that out while you sing.
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By: Sharon on 2/13/2009 5:26PM
@Doris, hello, I can appreciate your perspective on the matter, although I don't entirely agee with some of your thoughts. You have made some relevent points, and raise issues that are important and prevelent in the entertaiment industry. One no longer needs true talent to make it in Hollywierd, just a good sex-tape..
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By: sam on 2/14/2009 7:01AM
I missed the 40th NAACP AWARDS show. Wher can I get a copy???
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By: doris on 2/13/2009 5:54PM
My dear Sonja, new young black talent is all around the city. Here in New York and Los Angeles. But when you are Black, there are just so many roles to go around. The problem is, these singer/rapper wanna-be actors are buying up all the acting slots, leaving practically none for the true new-blood acting talent. Go to your local communty theatre, in any black community and see these kids. And Beyonce', Sean Combs and the majority of the singer/rapper pack can't touch them. I have Degrees in Acting. I've lived in New York and Los Angeles, and I've seen the best black talent (young and old)there is. And, when you get a starring role in a film, the talent is supposed to already be there, not "growing" or when you get a major role in a Broadway play, getting that type of role takes more than a couple of dance and singing lessons. These people didn't earn what these roles, they bought it.
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By: pecantan on 2/13/2009 6:17PM
I think the show was great, i truely enjoyed the show.
JUhd-What a blessing. PDiddy- I just love the guy.T-P Henson so much talent,Congrad to everyone.
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By: chris on 2/13/2009 6:45PM
Beyonce needed her hair roots done.
Jennifer was excellent and they all mentioned that it was like coming home or being at home.
Well that is the NAACP, our home, where you are loved. You cannot believe the hipe from the other award shows, its alwys the same people getting awards there, not enough of folks of color.
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By: doris on 2/13/2009 6:35PM
Hey people, I'm no hater, far from it. What I'm saying OUT LOUD about these singer/rapper actor wanna be's, is whispered everyday, every minuet, and every second in the "real" black acting community; and that includes the power-house seasoned black actors that have to work opposite these people. Word out on the street is that it is just down-right frustrating. Come on yall, you have to wonder, how do these people get these roles. And if you you are not a die-hard fan of their singing/rapping, you have to wonder. It just makes you go Hummmm.
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By: HERNOT VERSAINT on 2/13/2009 6:54PM
If I must say something about the SHOW itself, it is imperative that it should be held above this special year, after JAN. 20, which has been brought, of course by every singel thing appears COLOR aspects; It is not a race issue, but a natural context that deserves HONORS to honor whoever had worked for. Do not focus on the individual figures, but on the collective works and sacifices to contribute into the dream came true that WE all as citizen did not miss to enjoy and celebrate as a global cheering of colors; No one can stop life, if you try, yours will be over! GREAT ONE, GREAT PEOPLE AND A GREAT NATION MUST ACCEPT THE DIFFERENCE TO BE GREATER. p.s. try to read: "21st CENTURY EVE" by VERSAINT, at poetry.com
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By: Mammy on 2/14/2009 1:47AM
Why didnt the fake Beyonce thank her husband, didnt mention him. Mentioned money hungry moms and pops...
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By: 295a7c66 on 2/13/2009 9:32PM
THEY CALL IT THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ,FIRST OF ALL YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT THE WORD IMAGE MEANS,IT SEEMS LIKE BEFORE A BLACK MAN CAN BECOME BIG IN HOLLYWOOD HE MUST BE MADE WEAK FIRST ,SOME WHERE ALONG THE HE MUST WEAR A DRESS AMONG OTHER DISRESPECTFUL THINGS...THE PEOPLE IN HIGH PLACES IN HOLLYWOOD ARE MASTERS OF WEIGHING A WANNABES WORTH BEFORE THEY ALLO W THEM TO PARTICITATE IN THERE GAME OF CHESS,AND BLACKS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE PONDS...THE LIPS OF AKING SPEAK AS AN ORACLE,AND HIS MOUTH SHOULD NOT BETRAY JUSTICE...SOLOMON
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