Awards
Page: 21
“I won a lot of awards recently, but this one tonight is probably the most special award I’ve ever gotten because it’s from this institution that represents these people, us people of color, Black people.”
That’s how comedian and actor Dave Chappelle began his acceptance speech upon becoming the first comedian to receive the President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday (Feb. 22). Then gliding back and forth between being serious and, of course, humorous, he delivered insightful and compelling comments while delivering a call to arms to the entertainment industry that drew strong applause amid a standing ovation.
Chappelle continued his speech by introducing his “god brother Ben Jealous,” a former president of the NAACP. “I asked him, ‘What do you think I should say tonight?,” said Chappelle. “And Ben sent me a whole speech [to audience laughter]. But what was important? He said in 1915 the movie Birth of a Nation came out and had a hideous depiction of African Americans. And by 1927 the NAACP had opened its first office here in Hollywood. And from then, 100 years ago to this very night, they have been chipping away at this industry so that people like me can stand up in front of people and tell my story or our stories. Each and every artist in here, every opportunity we get, every time we’re on camera, on stage, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine. But tonight, man, I feel invigorated because all my Netflix checks cleared [more audience laughter].
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“I don’t owe anybody any work right now,” Chappelle continued in part. “So every time you see me, just know I’m only up there because I want to be right up there. I hope all of us who work in this industry feel strong and inspired and not discouraged, especially because this is a very difficult time right now, and your institution is, sadly, more relevant than it’s been in a long time. We got a lot of work to do, but it feels good to know that we’re not in it alone, that we got each other. And remember community is everything. Shout out to everybody who lost their home or was displaced from their home … Don’t ever be afraid to lean on each other. My father told me a phrase that got me all the way to where I am today. He said, “Whenever you mess up or you feel like you can’t get up, remember these words because they’re magic words. And I said, ‘What’s the words, dad?’ And he said, ‘Whoops’ [audience laughter] ’ Let’s keep it moving, y’all, let’s keep it moving.”
After thanking the NAACP and the audience before heading off stage, Chappelle also paid tribute to veteran film and TV director/ producer Stan Lathan, who was in the audience. Lathan’s lengthy list of credits includes Chappelle’s stand-up comedy shows such as Killin’ Them Softly, Equanamity and Sticks and Stones as well as Sesame Street, Sanford & Son and Def Comedy Jam.
Prefacing the award presentation was an introduction from NAACP president/CEO Derrick Johnson who said in part, “We’re honoring him with the NAACP President’s Award, an award that isn’t just about recognizing legends in their field but about celebrating their impact on culture. For decades, Dave has made us laugh like no one else can, and let’s be real. We need that now more than ever. Countless others have recognized him for his genius in comedy, but we’re honoring him for his fearless social commentary, for making us think, for pushing boundaries and for the way his comedy has challenged the status quo and resonated with people of every background.”
Johnson’s comments were followed by a video segment featuring various clips from Chappelle’s career onstage and in television and film as well as his philanthropic work including his support of The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Flint water crisis. Among the industry colleagues and friends participating in the video was fellow comedian and actor Eddie Murphy who said, “Dave is maybe the most intellectual comedian ever.”
Chappelle is a six-time Grammy Award winner for best comedy album, most recently in February for The Dreamer. His accolades also include five Primetime Emmy Awards: three for his Netflix comedy specials Sticks & Stones and Equanimity & The Bird Revelation and two for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017 and 2021. Chappelle is also the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Keke Palmer was named entertainer of the year at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, which were held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif. on Saturday (Feb. 22). The other nominees in the category were Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe.
Palmer also won outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show or variety series or special for the reboot of Password, but her win in the top category was considered a surprise. In accepting her award, she made clear she expected the red-hot Erivo to win.
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The NAACP presented dozens of awards, most of them prior to the televised ceremony. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which had won a Grammy for album of the year on Feb. 2, was voted outstanding album. It’s Bey’s fourth win in that category, which puts her in a tie with Whitney Houston for the most awards in that category in the show’s history. Beyoncé also won outstanding female artist for a record-extending eighth time.
Chris Brown won outstanding male artist for the fourth time, which puts him in tie with Usher for second place among all winners in this category. Luther Vandross leads with seven wins. (Vandross’ continuing legacy was seen when Luther: Never Too Much won for outstanding documentary – motion pictures.) Brown won two additional awards. “Residuals” won outstanding soul/R&B song.“Hmmm,” featuring Davido, took outstanding international song.
Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammys, including record and song of the year, won outstanding hip-hop/rap song and outstanding music video/visual album.
Doechii won outstanding new artist. She was Grammy-nominated for best new artist, but lost to Chappell Roan. This is the sixth year in a row that the NAACP winner in this category was at least nominated for the Grammy for best new artist.
The Six Triple Eight won outstanding motion picture. This is the second film directed by Tyler Perry to win in this category, following For Colored Girls (2011). Denzel Washington, Taylor Hackford and Ryan Coogler have also directed two NAACP Image Award winners in this category.
Neither of the Black actors nominated for lead acting Oscars this year won in their categories at the NAACP Image Awards. Erivo (Wicked) lost to Kerry Washington for The Six Triple Eight. Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) lost to Martin Lawrence for Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Three notable second-generation stars won awards (along with their famous parents). Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s 13-year-old daughter, won for outstanding character voice performance, motion picture for Mufasa: The Lion King. Malcolm Washington, the son of Denzel Washington, won for outstanding breakthrough creative, motion picture, for The Piano Lesson. His father won outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture for Gladiator II. Damon Wayans Jr. won outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for Poppa’s House. His father Damon Wayans wonthe lead actor prize for that same show.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… won outstanding variety show (series or special). On the Netflix special, Foxx shed light on his April 2023 health emergency. He revealed that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke which resulted in his hospitalization.
The Prince of Death Row Records, about singer October London, won outstanding short-form series or special – reality/nonfiction/documentary.
The Jennifer Hudson Show won outstanding talk series, while the show’s host won outstanding host in a talk or news/information (series or special), individual or ensemble. Hudson won entertainer of the year at the NAACP show three years ago.
Cliff “Method Man” Smith won outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for Power Book II: Ghost. Smith, a member of the East Coast hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, has had significant success in both hip-hop and acting.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award. Dave Chappelle became the first comedian to receive the President’s Award. The BET Media Group won the NAACP Founders Award.
The Wayans Family received the Hall of Fame Award. In addition, three family members won individual honors. As noted, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. both won for Poppa’s House. Marlon Wayans won outstanding guest performance for Bel Air.
Ledisi, joined by a gospel choir, performed the gospel standard “How I Got Over” in a special segment remembering the victims of the recent wildfires, which devastated the historically-Black neighborhood of Altadena, Calif. Clara Ward wrote the song, which has been performed by such greats as Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin.
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s “The Golden Time of Day” soundtracked the In Memoriam spot, which included Beverly. There was a separate tribute to Quincy Jones, which included clips of such signature works “Ai No Corrida,” Brothers Johnson’s “Stomp!” and the funky instrumental theme to TV’s Sanford & Son.
Here’s a complete list of the nominations in key categories in the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, with winners marked.
Entertainer of the year
Cynthia Erivo
WINNER: Keke Palmer
Kendrick Lamar
Kevin Hart
Shannon Sharpe
Outstanding album
Alligator Bites Never Heal — Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Cape Town to Cairo — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
Coming Home — Usher (mega/gamma.)
WINNER: Cowboy Carter — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
Glorious — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
Outstanding soul/R&B song
“16 CARRIAGES” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” — Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
“I Found You” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
WINNER: “Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
“Saturn” — SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding hip hop/rap song
“Mamushi” — Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba (Hot Girl Productions LLC/Warner Music Group)
“Murdergram Deux” — LL Cool J feat. Eminem (Def Jam Recordings)
“Noid” — Tyler, the Creator (Columbia Records)
WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
“Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
Outstanding male artist
WINNER: Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
J. Cole (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
October London (Death Row Records/gamma.)
Usher (mega/gamma.)
Outstanding female artist
WINNER: Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
H.E.R. (RCA Records)
Outstanding new artist
WINNER: Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Myles Smith (RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment)
Samoht (Affective Music)
Shaboozey (American Dogwood/Empire)
Tyla (Epic Records)
Outstanding duo, group or collaboration (traditional)
WINNER: Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)
Leela James feat. Kenyon Dixon — “Watcha Done Now” (Shesangz Music, Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC)
Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick — “God Problems (Not by Power)” (Tribl Records)
Muni Long & Mariah Carey — “Made for Me” (Supergiant Records/Def Jam Recordings)
Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett & Buddy McLain — “Thankful” (McLain Music, LLC)
Outstanding duo, group or collaboration (contemporary)
FLO & GloRilla — “In My Bag” (Island Records)
GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore — “RAIN DOWN ON ME” (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
Usher & Burna Boy — “Coming Home” (mega/gamma.)
Victoria Monét feat. Usher — “SOS” (Sex on Sight) (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
WINNER: Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)
Outstanding gospel/Christian album
Heart of a Human — DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration)
WINNER: Live Breathe Fight — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Still Karen — Karen Clark Sheard (Karew Records/Motown Gospel)
Sunny Days — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
The Maverick Way Reimagined — Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)
Outstanding international song
“Close” — Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
WINNER: “Hmmm” — Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
“Jump” — Tyla (Epic Records)
“Love Me JeJe” — Tems (RCA Records/Since ‘93)
“Piece of My Heart” — Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)
Outstanding music video/visual album
“Alright” — Victoria Monét (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
“Alter Ego (ALTERnate Version)” — Doechii, JT (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
“Boy Bye” — Chloe Bailey (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
WINNER: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
“Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
Outstanding soundtrack/compilation album
Bob Marley: One Love (Soundtrack) (Tuff Gong/Island Records)
Genius: MLK/X (Songs from the Original Series) (Hollywood Records)
Reasonable Doubt (Season 2) (Original Soundtrack) (Hollywood Records)
The Book of Clarence (The Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Geneva Club under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records, LLC)
WINNER: Wicked: The Soundtrack (Republic Records)
Outstanding gospel/Christian song
“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
“Do It Anyway” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel)
“God Problems (Not by Power)” — Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick (Tribl Records)
“I Prayed for You (Said a Prayer)” MAJOR. — (NowThatsMAJOR/MNRK Music Group)
WINNER: “Working for Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
Outstanding jazz album
Creole Orchestra — Etienne Charles (Culture Shock Music)
Epic Cool — Kirk Whalum (Artistry Music)
Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies — Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson Records)
On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute — Matthew Whitaker (MOCAT Records)
WINNER: Portrait — Samara Joy (Verve Records)
Outstanding original score for television/motion picture
Challengers (Original Score) (Milan Records)
Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (WaterTower Music)
WINNER: Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack) (Walt Disney Records)
The American Society of Magical Negroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Back Lot Music)
The Book of Clarence (Original Motion Picture Score) (Milan Records)
Outstanding motion picture
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)
Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)
The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
WINNER: The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding actor in a motion picture
André Holland — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)
Colman Domingo — Sing Sing (A24)
John David Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Kingsley Ben-Adir — Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)
WINNER: Martin Lawrence — Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding actress in a motion picture
Cynthia Erivo — Wicked (Universal Pictures)
WINNER: Kerry Washington — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Lashana Lynch — Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)
Lupita Nyong’o — A Quiet Place: Day One (Paramount Pictures)
Regina King — Shirley (Netflix)
Outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture
Brian Tyree Henry — The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM Studios)
Corey Hawkins — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
David Alan Grier — The American Society of Magical Negroes (Focus Features)
WINNER: Denzel Washington — Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures)
Samuel L. Jackson — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Danielle Deadwyler — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
WINNER: Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Lynn Whitfield — Albany Road (Faith Filmworks)
Outstanding independent motion picture
Albany Road (Faith Filmworks)
Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)
Rob Peace (Republic Pictures)
WINNER: Sing Sing (A24)
We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics)
Outstanding international motion picture
El lugar de la otra (Netflix)
WINNER: Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
Memoir of a Snail (IFC Films)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (NEON)
The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi (ArtMattan Films)
Outstanding breakthrough performance in a motion picture
Brandon Wilson — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Clarence Maclin — Sing Sing (A24)
Danielle Deadwyler — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
WINNER: Ebony Obsidian — The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Ryan Destiny — The Fire Inside (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding ensemble cast in a motion picture
Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)
The Book of Clarence (Sony Pictures)
The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
WINNER: The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)
Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding animated motion picture
WINNER: Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Kung Fu Panda 4 (DreamWorks Animation)
Moana 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Piece by Piece (Focus Features)
The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)
Outstanding character voice–over performance – motion picture
Aaron Pierre — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Anika Noni Rose — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Ayo Edebiri — Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
WINNER: Blue Ivy Carter — Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Lupita Nyong’o — The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)
Outstanding short form (live action)
Chocolate with Sprinkles (AFI)
Definitely Not a Monster
If They Took Us Back
My Brother & Me (MeowBark Films)
WINNER: Superman Doesn’t Steal
Outstanding short form (animated)
if(fy) (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)
Nate & John (Unity Animation Project, LLC)
WINNER: Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz “Jackie Robinson” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
Self (Pixar Animation Studios)
Walk in the Light (419 Studios)
Outstanding breakthrough creative (motion picture)
David Fortune — Color Book (Tribeca Studios)
WINNER: Malcolm Washington — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
RaMell Ross — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Titus Kaphar — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)
Zoë Kravitz — Blink Twice (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding youth performance in a motion picture
Anthony B. Jenkins — The Deliverance (Netflix)
Blake Cameron James — We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics)
Percy Daggs IV — Never Let Go (Lionsgate)
Jeremiah Daniels — Color Book (Tribeca Studios)
WINNER: Skylar Aleece Smith — The Piano Lesson (Netflix)
Outstanding cinematography in a motion picture
Andrés Arochi — Longlegs (NEON)
WINNER: Jomo Fray — Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
Justin Derry — She Taught Love (Andscape)
Lachlan Milne — Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)
Rob Hardy — The Book of Clarence (Sony Pictures)
Outstanding comedy series
WINNER: Abbott Elementary (ABC)
How to Die Alone (Hulu)
Poppa’s House (CBS)
The Neighborhood (CBS)
The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding actor in a comedy series
Cedric The Entertainer — The Neighborhood (CBS)
WINNER: Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)
David Alan Grier — St. Denis Medical (NBC)
Delroy Lindo — UnPrisoned (Hulu)
Mike Epps — The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding actress in a comedy series
Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Kerry Washington — UnPrisoned (Hulu)
Natasha Rothwell — How to Die Alone (Hulu)
WINNER: Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Tichina Arnold — The Neighborhood (CBS)
Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series
WINNER: Damon Wayans Jr. — Poppa’s House (CBS)
Giancarlo Esposito — The Gentlemen (Netflix)
Kenan Thompson — Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Tyler James Williams — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
William Stanford Davis — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series
WINNER: Danielle Pinnock — Ghosts (CBS)
Ego Nwodim — Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Janelle James — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Sheryl Lee Ralph — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Wanda Sykes — The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding drama series
9-1-1 (ABC)
Bel-Air (Peacock)
WINNER: Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Found (NBC)
Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding actor in a drama series
Aldis Hodge — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Donald Glover — Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon Prime Video)
Harold Perrineau — FROM (MGM+)
Jabari Banks — Bel-Air (Peacock)
WINNER: Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding actress in a drama series
Angela Bassett — 9-1-1 (ABC)
Emayatzy Corinealdi — Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
WINNER: Queen Latifah — The Equalizer (CBS)
Shanola Hampton — Found (NBC)
Zoe Saldaña — Lioness (Paramount+)
Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series
Adrian Holmes — Bel-Air (Peacock)
WINNER: Cliff “Method Man” Smith — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Isaiah Mustafa — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Jacob Latimore — The Chi (Paramount+)
Morris Chestnut — Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series
Adjoa Andoh — Bridgerton (Netflix)
Coco Jones — Bel-Air (Peacock)
Golda Rosheuvel — Bridgerton (Netflix)
Lorraine Toussaint — The Equalizer (CBS)
WINNER: Lynn Whitfield — The Chi (Paramount+)
Outstanding limited television (series, special or movie)
WINNER: Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)
Griselda (Netflix)
Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
The Madness (Netflix)
Outstanding actor in a limited television (series, special or movie)
WINNER: Aaron Pierre — Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Colman Domingo — The Madness (Netflix)
Kelvin Harrison Jr. — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)
Kevin Hart — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Laurence Fishburne — Clipped (FX/Hulu)
Outstanding actress in a limited television (series, special or movie)
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
WINNER: Naturi Naughton — Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie (Lifetime)
Sanaa Lathan — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
Sofía Vergara — Griselda (Netflix)
Uzo Aduba — The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
Outstanding supporting actor in a limited television (series, special or movie)
Don Cheadle — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Luke James — Them: The Scare (Amazon Prime Video)
Ron Cephas Jones — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)
WINNER: Samuel L. Jackson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Terrence Howard — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding supporting actress in a limited television (series, special or movie)
Brandy Norwood — Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)
Jayme Lawson — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)
Loretta Devine — Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love (Lifetime)
Sanaa Lathan — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)
WINNER: Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)
Outstanding news/information (series or special)
Black Men’s Summit (BET Media Group)
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
Laura Coates Live (CNN)
NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
WINNER: The ReidOut (MSNBC)
Outstanding talk series
Hart to Heart (Peacock)
Sherri (Syndicated)
Tamron Hall Show (Syndicated)
WINNER: The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The Shop Season 7 (YouTube)
Outstanding reality program, reality competition or game show (series)
WINNER: Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Password (NBC)
Rhythm + Flow (Netflix)
The Real Housewives of Potomac (Bravo)
Tia Mowry: My Next Act (WeTV)
Outstanding variety show (series or special)
BET Awards 2024 (BET Media Group)
Deon Cole: Ok, Mister (Netflix)
WINNER: Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… (Netflix)
Katt Williams: Woke Foke (Netflix)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Outstanding children’s program
Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)
Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)
WINNER: Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Sesame Street (MAX)
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin (Apple TV+)
Outstanding performance by a youth (series, special, television movie or limited–series)
Caleb Elijah — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
Graceyn Hollingsworth — Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
WINNER: Leah Sava Jeffries — Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
Melody Hurd — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)
TJ Mixson — The Madness (Netflix)
Outstanding host in a talk or news/information (series or special) – individual or ensemble
Abby Phillip — NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
Henry Louis Gates Jr. — Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
WINNER: Jennifer Hudson — The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Joy Reid — The Reidout (MSNBC)
Sherri Shepherd — Sherri (Syndicated)
Outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show or variety (series or special) – individual or ensemble
Alfonso Ribeiro — Dancing With the Stars (ABC)
WINNER: Keke Palmer — Password (NBC)
Nick Cannon — The Masked Singer (FOX)
Steve Harvey — Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Taraji P. Henson — BET Awards 2024 (BET Media Group)
Outstanding guest performance
Ayo Edebiri — Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Cree Summer — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Keegan-Michael Key — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
WINNER: Marlon Wayans — Bel-Air (Peacock)
Maya Rudolph — Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Outstanding animated series
Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)
Everybody Still Hates Chris (Comedy Central)
WINNER: Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Iwájú (Disney+)
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel)
Outstanding character voice-over performance (television)
Angela Bassett — Orion and the Dark (Netflix)
WINNER: Cree Summer — Rugrats (Nickelodeon)
Cree Summer — The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime Video)
Dawnn Lewis — Star Trek: Lower Decks (Paramount+)
Keke Palmer — The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy (Amazon Prime Video)
Outstanding short form series or special – reality/nonfiction /documentary
In the Margins (PBS)
NCAA Basketball on CBS Sports (CBS)
Roots of Resistance (PBS)
SC Featured (ESPN)
WINNER: The Prince of Death Row Records (YouTube TV)
Outstanding breakthrough creative (television)
WINNER: Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Diarra Kilpatrick — Diarra From Detroit (BET+)
Maurice Williams — The Madness (Netflix)
Thembi L. Banks — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)
Vince Staples — The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)
Outstanding documentary (film)
Daughters (Netflix)
Frida (Amazon MGM Studios)
King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones (Freestyle Digital Media)
WINNER: Luther: Never Too Much (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix)
Outstanding documentary (television)
WINNER: Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix)
Black Twitter: A People’s History (Hulu)
Gospel (PBS)
Simone Biles Rising (Netflix)
Sprint (Netflix)
Outstanding short form documentary (film)
Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps (American Masters and Firelight Media)
Danielle Scott: Ancestral Call (American Masters and Firelight Media)
WINNER: How to Sue the Klan
Judging Juries
Silent Killer (Kaila Love Jones Films)
Outstanding social media personality of the year
Kai Cenat
Keith Lee
RaeShanda Lias
WINNER: Shirley Raines
Tony Baker
The Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award
WINNER: Jotaka Eaddy
Vanguard Award
WINNER: Essence
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Clément Ducol and Camille have a chance to join this list for their work on Emilia Pérez.
02/21/2025
Ángela Aguilar and pianist Arthur Hanlon closed Premio Lo Nuestro with a heart-rending performance of their huapango-inspired single, “Bala Perdida.” This collaboration brought a fresh twist to traditional Mexican music, creating a deeply emotive finale for the three-hour broadcast.
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Hanlon kicked things off with elegant riffs, masterfully playing the grand piano, with his use of the sustain pedal making the piano sound larger than the arena itself. Ángela, donning an elegant one-shoulder dress, wore her hair longer than usual.
Later, Cuban star Yotuel, dressed in a Japanese-style samurai outfit, and Puerto Rican artist Darell joined the celebrations to perform their track “Repetimos,” which reached No. 9 on Billboard‘s Tropical Airplay chart.
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“It’s a beautiful thing because it’s a different genre,” Ángela Aguilar said earlier during a red carpet interview. “It’s a huapango, which is Mexican music, but done in a modern way.” Their performance highlighted the versatility and dynamic range of both artists, seamlessly blending classical elements with modern influences to captivate the audience.
“We wrote the song and got together with Ángela,” Hanlon told Billboard at the red carpet. “I’m always looking for magic. And I knew that with this song and with Angela, by placing the piano in the desert, we would create a contrast between the music and the natural environment. That’s how this song was born.”
Ángela Aguilar received eight nominations, and won mariachi/ranchera song of the year for “Por El Contrario” with Becky G and Leonardo Aguilar.
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G and Carín León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Check out more highlights from Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 at Billboard.com.
Xavi and Manuel Turizo captured hearts with their bachata collaboration “En Privado” at Premio Lo Nuestro 2025. Celebrated at Miami’s Kaseya Center, the Mexican-American star first kicked off with his No. 1 Billboard hit “La Diabla” before transitioning to their duet. The performance highlighted the duo’s versatility and artistic flair as they embraced the soft, […]
La India, known as “The Princess of Salsa,” was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 37th annual Premio Lo Nuestro, which took place Thursday (Feb. 20).
Salsa singer Luis Figueroa introduced the living legend, saying she was one one of the reasons he fell in love with the sound of salsa. Then, the woman of the hour, dressed in a regal blue suit, showed her prowess singing medley of her greatest hits, including “Ese Hombre,” “Dicen Que Soy” and “Mi Mayor Venganza,” with Sergio George on the piano.
Right after her riveting performance, Victor Manuelle presented La India with the special honor. “Today, I have the honor and privilege of giving an award to one of the most representative voices of our genre, baptized by Celia Cruz as ‘La Princesa de La Salsa,’” he said.
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In tears, La India gave a heartfelt speech: “This is for my fans, thank you for being by my side. I want to thank God, the Almighty, the one who never abandons us. I want to thank the musicians, Sergio George, I want to thank the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, my godfather Pedro Knight, Tito Puente, Little Louie Vega. La India arrived, and I never looked back and I was loyal and remain loyal to my tropical salsa genre. To the Latinos, we are important in this land. They will never run us out of this land of the Americas. Never.”
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.
La India, Alejandro Fernández and Manuel Alejandro are being honored with special awards. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Dynamic Mexican duo Belinda and Tito Double P lit up the stage at the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro with their captivating corrido “La Cuadrada.”
Reinventing herself as “Beli bélica” and embodying the persona of an undercover agent, Belinda teamed up with the rapidly rising star from Culiacán, Sinaloa. Together, they masterfully crafted a complex narrative of love and deception.
She took the stage with authority, initially clad in a black furry jacket. She then dramatically revealed a stunning red lace one-piece and complemented the look with big furry black boots. Tito complemented her presence perfectly, dressed in an all-black ensemble.
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Their performance vividly brought to life the drama and opulence depicted in their music video. Her crystalline vocals harmonized with powerful guitar riffs and vibrant trumpet sequences, while Tito’s growl deepened the song’s intensity.
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Earlier that night, Tito revealed to Billboard during the red carpet, “There’s an EP coming with Hassan, with Peso, in the next few months. The tour Ay Mamá starts in March throughout the United States.”
In addition to their show-stopping performance, Tito received two nominations: Mexican music new artist and Mexican music collaboration of the year for his team-up with Peso Pluma on “Dos Días.” Belinda also received two noms at this year’s awards— pop female artist of the year and best female combination for her collaboration with Kenia Os on the track “Jackpot.”
Broadcasting live on Thursday (Feb. 20) from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
To check out more coverage of Premio Lo Nuestro, visit Billboard.com.
Manuel Alejandro received the Visionary Award at the Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 ceremony. At 92 years old, the Spanish musician, arranger, and producer was recognized on Thursday (Feb. 20) for his six-decade career, during which he has written more than 500 songs and worked with iconic romantic crooners including José José, Rocío Jurado, and Julio Iglesias, among many others.
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The artist was recognized with an elegant and moving presentation in which Alejandro Sanz, Niña Pastori, Carín León and Laura Pausini, with Edgar Barrera on the piano and an orchestra, performed his classics “Procuro Olvidarte,” “Qué Sabe Nadie,” “Dueño de Nada” and “Mi Amante Amigo,” respectively, before joining their voiced for “Como Yo Te Amo.”
“For me this is a great celebration, because since I started in America so many years ago, this beautiful America, I realized that the strength of yours, of its people, ended when they heard a love song,” said Manuel Alejandro, hoarse but beaming with joy. “So, the only thing I did my whole life was delve deep, listen to your vibrations, your deepest feelings, and write them down verbatim. Nothing more.”
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Born in Jerez de la Frontera–Cádiz in 1932, Manuel Álvarez-Beigbeder Pérez (his real name) has music in his blood, as his father was renowned composer Germán Álvarez Beigbeder.
In the 1970s, he achieved success as the author of the most emblematic songs for Raphael: “Yo Soy Aquel,” “Cuando Tú No Estás,” and “Cierro Mis Ojos,” to name a few. He continued to write great hits that decade for voices like Libertad Lamarque, Pedro Vargas, Julio Iglesias, Rocío Jurado, “El Puma” José Luis Rodríguez, and more. In the 80s and 90s, he also wrote and produced for stars such as Emmanuel, José José, Isabel Pantoja, and Plácido Domingo.
“I share this award with magnificent songwriters such as this boy here, Edgar Barrera, who a few days ago receiving a Grammy mentioned me as a role model,” he added. “I also share it with those composers that you all know, like Roberto Cantoral or Armando Manzanero, who accompanied me along the way to get here.”
Other two artists received special awards this year: La India, who was honored with the Premio Lo Nuestro Lifetime Achievement Award, and Alejandro Fernández with the Premio Lo Nuestro Excellence Award.
Broadcasting live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony is co-hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza. Becky G & Carin León lead the list of nominations with 10 nods each. They are followed by Shakira and Myke Towers, with nine nods each; and Ángela Aguilar, Emilia, Grupo Frontera and Leonardo Aguilar, with eight nominations each.
This year, the gala’s theme is “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), honoring the artists, songs, and albums that connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.
Alejandro Fernández was honored with the Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia (Excellence Award) during the 2025 ceremony held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, a tribute that celebrated his expansive and influential career across various genres of Mexican music
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His children Camila and Alex Fernández warmly introduced the Mexican legend, commending his ability to captivate hearts with a voice that has gracefully transcended genres — from ranchera to Latin pop, and romantic ballads to mariachi — over the course of more than three decades.
Dressed in traditional, elegant mariachi attire complete with a striking sombrero, Alejandro Fernández demonstrated the enduring appeal of Mexican musical heritage.
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The medley of rancheras performed by Fernández, a tribute to his late, legendary father Chente, began with “Un Millón de Primaveras,” transitioned smoothly into the polka-driven “La Ley del Monte,” and culminated with the mariachi-fusion hit “Estos Celos.” The performance was a display of his vocal prowess and a vivid reminder of his contribution to elevating Mexican music on the global stage. During his performance, a candid shot captured Pepe Aguilar enthusiastically bobbing his head, visibly moved by the rendition.
The prestigious award was presented by Carín León, who handed the trophy to Alejandro Fernández amid cheers. In his acceptance speech, Alejandro expressed:
“This is an accolade that I deeply appreciate as it reflects the effort and perseverance put into my career. First and foremost, I thank my father, who I’m sure is throwing a party up there and would be immensely proud of this recognition. I also thank my mother, my children who are here today, my granddaughters, and my entire family. To Carlos, my lifelong companion, to my team from management, Alex, Jason, Octavio, and to Universal Music, my president Jesús López, Univision, and most importantly, to all my fans who have always supported me and shared my love for Mexican music.”
The 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro, with the theme “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations), brought together a celebration of Latin music’s past, present, and future. Hosted by Laura Pausini, Thalia, and Alejandra Espinoza, the night was filled with memorable performances and accolades.