*Queen Latifah is set to return as host of the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards, airing LIVE on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET
“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host. We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman for her tremendous cultural impact,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET.
“Queen Latifah, NAACP and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different,” Orlando added.
“The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year. We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other changemakers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO.
Queen Latifah emceed the ceremony for the first time last year.
Your host for the 55th #NAACPImageAwards is none other than @IAMQUEENLATIFAH. 🥳🥂👏🏽 Watch the Awards on March 16 at 8pm ET on @BET. pic.twitter.com/6M0lbubnkj
— NAACP Image Awards® (@naacpimageaward) March 5, 2024
“It’s an honor to host the 54th NAACP Image Awards, especially in the year we are celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop,” Latifah previously stated. “This is a night to celebrate Black excellence and Black contribution to our industry and beyond. Celebrating one another, lifting each other up and you know we’ll have fun doing it!”
According to the press release, award-winning writer, double poet laureate, and activist Amanda Gorman will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award during the live telecast.
“Amanda Gorman stands as one of the brightest young voices in our nation and has emerged as a formidable force inspiring a new generation of leaders toward transformative change through her advocacy efforts and poetic brilliance,” said Leon W. Russell, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to positive change, Gorman continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and social landscape, proving that words have the power to shape a better future.”
Per the release, the “Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create change. Past honorees include U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.”
The 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS will also be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the ceremony airs).
READ MORE: Queen Latifah Launches New Initiative to Fight Obesity Stigma
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