Entertainments

NAACP Image Awards 2024: How to Watch, Honorees, and Entertainer of the Year Nominees

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 is set to honor exceptional individuals in entertainment, sports, and culture who have made a significant impact. This year’s ceremony, which takes place on Saturday evening in Pasadena, California, will feature former Vice President Kamala Harris receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while the legendary Wayans family will be inducted into the NAACP Awards Hall of Fame.

With an exciting lineup of honorees, nominees, and special performances, the NAACP Image Awards 2024 promises to be a must-watch event. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to watch the ceremony live, who will be honored, and the top contenders for Entertainer of the Year.

When and Where to Watch the NAACP Image Awards 2024

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 will take place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The ceremony kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time) and will feature live performances, award presentations, and tributes.

The event will be broadcast live on BET and will also be simulcast on CBS. Viewers can tune in via multiple platforms, including BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, Pop, TV Land, Logo, Comedy Central, and Smithsonian Channel. For those looking to stream the event, the show will be available on BET’s official website and select streaming services.

Kamala Harris to Receive the Chairman’s Award

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored with the NAACP Chairman’s Award, recognizing her contributions to justice, equality, and social change. Harris made history as the first woman and first person of color to serve as U.S. Vice President. Before that, she was a U.S. senator from California and the state’s attorney general.

Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP’s national board of directors, described Harris as a “force of change” and praised her relentless dedication to advancing justice and equity. Past recipients of the Chairman’s Award include Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis, and legendary actress Ruby Dee.

The Wayans Family Inducted into NAACP Hall of Fame

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 will also celebrate the Wayans family, inducting them into the NAACP Awards Hall of Fame. This legendary family has left an indelible mark on comedy, television, and film over the past few decades.

Honorees from the Wayans family include Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr.

Their contributions to entertainment include:

“In Living Color” – The iconic 1990 sketch comedy series created by Keenen Ivory Wayans.
“Major Payne” – A 1995 comedy starring Damon Wayans Sr.
“Scary Movie” – Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and written by Marlon and Shawn Wayans.
“White Chicks” – The 2004 comedy co-written and starring Marlon and Shawn Wayans.
“Poppa’s House” – A CBS sitcom starring Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr., both of whom are nominated for awards this year.

Marlon Wayans is also up for an award for his guest appearance on Peacock’s “Bel-Air”.

Nominees for Entertainer of the Year

One of the most anticipated categories of the NAACP Image Awards 2024 is Entertainer of the Year. This year’s nominees include a mix of talent from music, film, and sports:

Kendrick Lamar – The Grammy-winning rapper made headlines for his battle with Drake and released “Not Like Us,” which won five Grammy Awards. He also performed during the Super Bowl halftime show.
Cynthia Erivo – The Oscar-nominated actress impressed audiences with her performance in “Wicked” and is set to host the upcoming Tony Awards.
Keke Palmer – She starred in the hit buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” which topped the box office, and won an Emmy for her work on NBC’s “Password.”
Kevin Hart – Hart continued to showcase his comedic brilliance in “The Roast of Tom Brady” and starred in “Lift” and “Borderlands.”
Shannon Sharpe – The former NFL Hall of Famer has made an impact in media with his popular podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” alongside Chad Ochocinco Johnson.

Special Honorees and Performances

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 will also feature a special honor for Dave Chappelle, who will receive the President’s Award for his outstanding contributions to comedy and culture. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson praised Chappelle’s thought-provoking humor and his impact on the industry. This marks the first time a comedian has received this prestigious award, which has previously been awarded to Jay-Z, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Usher, and John Legend.

Additionally, music icon Quincy Jones will be honored with a special tribute by DJ D-Nice, and Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi will perform alongside the Adam Blackstone Band.

What to Expect from the NAACP Image Awards 2024

The NAACP Image Awards 2024 will not only celebrate Black excellence in entertainment but will also highlight important social issues. This year’s event will also include a tribute to Altadena residents affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires, reinforcing the NAACP’s commitment to uplifting communities.

With Deon Cole as the host, a star-studded lineup of presenters, and unforgettable performances, the NAACP Image Awards 2024 is set to be an unforgettable night celebrating excellence in music, film, television, sports, and activism.

Don’t miss this incredible celebration of Black talent and culture—tune in on BET, CBS, or your favorite streaming platform to catch all the action live!