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Danielle Broadway<\/span> Los Angeles<\/em> – Michael B. Jordan took home entertainer of the year at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, winning for his dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the blues\u2011soaked vampire tale “Sinners”. Hosted by comedian Deon Cole, the ceremony celebrated some of the biggest names in Black entertainment.<\/p>\n Jordan thanked his father \u2014 absent from the event \u2014 for grounding him in Black history and giving him the confidence to know exactly who he is.<\/p>\n The Oscar nominee also won best actor in a motion picture, dedicating the honor to his late “Black Panther” co\u2011star Chadwick Boseman. Before that, “Sinners” secured best motion picture, cementing a major night for the film, which was directed by Ryan Coogler.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>‘Sinners’ review: Blues epic is overstuffed even before vampires crash party<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Jordan is an American actor, producer, and director that found his big break in Hollywood after playing a troubled youth named Wallace, in the first season of the HBO crime drama series \u201cThe Wire.\u201d<\/p>\n From there, his career continued to evolve with roles in the NBC sports drama series \u201cFriday Night Lights,\u201d and the HBO film \u201cFahrenheit 451.\u201d<\/p>\n His first collaborative film with Coogler was for \u201cFruitvale Station\u201d in 2013 and continued with films \u201cCreed,\u201d \u201cBlack Panther,\u201d and most recently \u201cSinners.\u201d<\/p>\n Coogler\u2019s \u201cSinners,” a celebration of blues music and Black culture in the Segregation-era U.S. South, has become a breakout phenomenon, shattering records with 16 Oscar nominations and more than $368 million at the global box office.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>Where to watch all 2026 Oscar Best Picture nominees before awards night<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Image Awards, presented by the 117\u2011year\u2011old NAACP, remain the premier celebration of Black artists and storytellers in Hollywood.<\/p>\n One of the evening\u2019s highlights was when Coogler and Delroy Lindo addressed the incident at last week\u2019s BAFTA awards, when a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted the N\u2011word as Lindo and Jordan presented an award.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>BBC apologizes for airing BAFTA racial slur made by guest with Tourette’s<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown,\u201d Lindo, who starred in “Sinners,” said, calling it \u201ca classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive.\u201d<\/p>\n Music legends Salt\u2011N\u2011Pepa \u2014 Cheryl \u201cSalt\u201d James, Sandra \u201cPepa\u201d Denton and DJ Spinderella \u2014 electrified the crowd as they were inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t know we were building a movement,\u201d Spinderella told the audience. \u201cBut looking back, we changed what women in hip\u2011hop were allowed to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Their induction places them among icons like Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire.<\/p>\n Viola Davis, honored with the Chairman\u2019s Award, delivered one of the night\u2019s most resonant speeches.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m still learning how to step into the feeling that I deserve moments like this,\u201d said Davis, who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony Award.<\/p>\n She reflected on growing up \u201ca little chocolate girl with thick lips and a wide nose\u201d in 1965 Rhode Island \u2014 and how chasing success once felt synonymous with chasing significance.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is a hero\u2019s journey,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Davis used her platform to call for unity and collective remembrance.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no soul of a nation without the soul of its people,\u201d she said. \u201cNot just those breathing in this room, but those who are no longer here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe move forward together, or not at all,” she added.<\/p>\n Colman Domingo, recipient of the President\u2019s Award, said he abandoned four prepared speeches to speak spontaneously from the heart.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>Save the date for the 2026 Ford Fireworks in Detroit<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0|\u00a0 Reuters<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nPremier celebration<\/h2>\n