Viola Davis receives prestigious Chairman’s prize at NAACP Image Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Viola Davis delivered a powerful speech about self-esteem, resilience and collective progress on stage at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Saturday night, telling the audience that personal and national growth requires confronting truth and hardship.
“There is no becoming without healing and radical acceptance of one’s truth,” Davis said after receiving the NAACP President’s Award at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium near Los Angeles. “Either we move forward together or not at all. »
The Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner reflected on her journey from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success, saying, “I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted to succeed because I thought it was important.”
Davis, 60, has been widely acclaimed for his performances in films such as “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Doubt,” while captivating viewers in the legal drama “How to Get Away With Murder.” She achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy for the audio version of her memoir, “Finding Me,” adding to two Tonys, an Emmy and an Oscar for the film adaptation of “Fences.”
“No one can describe the journey from the little chocolate girl searching for hope,” Davis said, “to the girl living a transcendent life.”
The ceremony opened with host Deon Cole mixing sharp political humor and sharp cultural commentary, including a censored shot referencing immigration enforcement and a nod to the recent awards season disruption involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the British Academy Film Awards.
Cole’s monologue drew strong reactions from the crowd as he joked about removing anything associated with “ICE” from the guest list before transitioning into a comedic prayer segment that touched on celebrities and news headlines.
The actor-comedian then referenced the BAFTA disruption, which occurred on February 21 when a racist slur was shouted from the audience by Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson while Jordan and Lindo were presenting at a pre-recorded ceremony earlier in the day.
In his live monologue, Cole humorously gave his warning to anyone prone to inappropriate outbursts.
“If there are any white men here in the audience with Tourette’s syndrome, I suggest you tell them they can read in the room tonight,” he joked.
The ceremony, showcasing black achievements in film, television, music and literature, included appearances by Regina Hall and other presenters, with major honors and competitive awards throughout the evening.
Hall presented the first award of the evening to Miles Caton, who accepted the trophy for his outstanding performance in the film “Sinners.” Before presenting the award, Hall also paid tribute to Caton’s “Sinners” co-stars, Jordan and Lindo, praising their composure.
“I would just like to take a moment for the two kings that are in this audience and send you so much love for your class,” Hall said.
“Sinners,” Ryan Coogler’s thrilling supernatural thriller, dominated the awards in the film categories with 18 nominations.
A tribute was also on the evening’s program for Colman Domingo, honored with the President’s Award.
The ceremony also honored Rev. Jesse Jackson and his decades of activism and influence on American politics, culture and movements for social justice.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson paid a heartfelt tribute recognizing the legacy of the civil rights leader, who died on February 17 at the age of 84.
A protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson gained national prominence during the civil rights movement and continued to advocate for marginalized communities for decades through his Rainbow/PUSH coalition.
From voting rights to education to economic inclusion, he has pushed businesses and political leaders to expand opportunities for Black Americans while promoting self-esteem and empowerment.
Its long-standing message – “I am somebody” – has become a rallying cry across generations, emphasizing dignity and possibility regardless of circumstances.
The tribute drew applause from the audience, highlighting the lasting impact of Jackson’s leadership across generations.
