By Terence Cullen
tcullen@actumllc.com

New York, New York – Jotaka Eaddy, a leading social impact strategist and the founder of #WinWithBlackWomen, receive the Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors on February 21 in Los Angeles. Previously called the Social Justice Award, the recognition was renamed this year in honor of Dr. Mildred Bond Roxborough, a lifelong Civil Rights activist and the longest-serving staff member of the NAACP.

The NAACP Image Awards are globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award ceremonies that uplift Black excellence and hold a standard of excellence, justice, equality, and progressive change, as exemplified by Eaddy’s career. She has focused her work on bringing together Black women in positions of power everywhere, leveraging over 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building. Founded in August 2020 with a group of 90 women on its first Zoom call, #WinWithBlackWomen has grown into an intergenerational, intersectional collective of 200,000 Black women from across business, sports, movement, politics, entertainment, and beyond. Last year, the group made history in championing Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential bid, convening 90,000 women on the day of the campaign’s launch and raising over $3 million for the Harris-Walz ticket. Their work inspired more than 200 pro-Harris affinity groups that collectively raised over $20 million for the campaign.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially after such a pivotal and challenging year. The work of Civil Rights pioneers like Dr. Mildred Bond Roxborough has paved the way for Black women like me to continue the fight for justice,” said Jotaka Eaddy. “To be named at the NAACP’s preeminent ceremony honoring esteemed colleagues and leaders, all of whom I deeply admire, is a tremendous privilege—one I don’t take lightly. Together, we’ve worked on crucial issues, from voting rights and education to women’s reproductive freedoms and building generational wealth, and only together will we continue this path forward.”

Eaddy is also the founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, LLC, where she leads transformative change and global impact for clients including advising Oprah Winfrey: OWN Network’s award-winning OWN Your Vote Campaign; supporting the expansion of inclusive policy and platform changes for some of the world’s largest tech companies and venture firms; and guiding the launch of Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women Initiative that created a historic $1 billion investment in Black women.

“Despite so much chaos and falsehoods around diversity, equity and inclusion, our mission is far from over. We will remain united, standing shoulder to shoulder, and continue working tirelessly for the justice and respect we rightfully deserve,” Eaddy continued.

Eaddy’s previous accomplishments range from her election as the University of South Carolina’s first Black Woman Student Body President and groundbreaking work to abolish the juvenile death penalty in America, to her pivotal leadership as Senior Advisor to the NAACP–all before her successful transition to the C-Suite of Silicon Valley. Described as the “Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley” by Forbes Magazine, Eaddy is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; was recently named the Associated Press’s No. 3 “People to Know” in its 2024 Guide to Democracy; and recognized in Marie Claire’s 2024 Changemakers, ESSENCE’s 2024 Power 40, and TIME Magazine’s 2025 ‘The Closers’.

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Contributed

Award-winning producer Kiah Clingman returns to her hometown for the highly anticipated screening of Color Book at the Over the Rhine International Film Festival on March 6, 2025. The film, written and directed by David Fortune, has garnered national and international recognition, world premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival before making its international debut at the 50th Deauville Film Festival, where it was awarded the Prix de la Critique (Critic’s Prize). Most recently, Color Book has been nominated for two NAACP Awards at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Breakthrough Creative – Feature Film.

A Cincinnati native, Clingman is the daughter of James and Sylvia Clingman and a proud alumna of Princeton High School.

Color Book is a beautifully observed story about a father-and-son relationship. After a heartbreaking loss, Lucky (Will Catlett) becomes a widowed single father to his son Mason (Jeremiah Daniels), who has Down syndrome. As they navigate their shared grief, the two learn to connect, forming a delicate but unbreakable bond.

This moving drama marks the narrative feature film debut of David Fortune, who was recently recognized by Variety as one of its “10 Directors to Watch” for 2025, alongside filmmakers like Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), Malcolm Washington (The Piano Lesson), and Halina Reijn (Babygirl). In addition, Variety selected Color Book as its Critic’s Pick, highlighting the film’s emotional depth and compelling performances.

Produced by Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, and Autumn Bailey Ford, Color Book is executive produced by Naturi Naughton, Two Lewis (Take Two Entertainment), and Korstian Vandiver.

Opening Night Gala & Special Talkback

The hometown premiere of Color Book will take place on March 6, 2025, as part of the Opening Night Gala at the Over the Rhine International Film Festival. Following the screening, there will be a special talkback with Marissa Bode, who starred in Wicked.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Over the Rhine International Film Festival, including the Color Book screening and Opening Night Gala, are available at: OTR Film Festival Tickets

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By Syreta Oglesby, NAACP Media

LOS ANGELES – Renowned actor and award-winning recording artist Dawnn Lewis has earned a well-deserved nomination for the 2025 NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television) for her portrayal of Captain Carol Freeman in Star Trek: Lower Decks. This recognition underscores her extraordinary vocal talent and her continued ability to bring compelling characters to life across various mediums.

Lewis’s role as the fierce and intelligent Captain Carol Freeman in Star Trek: Lower Decks has garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. Her performance has been hailed for its depth, nuance and authenticity, contributing to the show’s success as a fan-favorite in the Star Trek franchise.

As one of the standout voices in animated television, Lewis adds a strong and empowering presence to the show, bringing both strength and vulnerability to her character.

“I am truly honored to receive this nomination,” said Lewis. “The Star Trek franchise has always been an inspiration to me, as it champions diversity and inclusivity. To be a part of this groundbreaking series is a privilege, and I’m deeply grateful to the NAACP for this recognition of my voice-over performance.” 

In addition to Lewis’s 30+ year career as an Emmy-nominated actor, Grammy-award winning recording artist and songwriter in the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, she is passionate about using her platform to give back. In 2017, she founded A New Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to provide financial and programmatic support toward the education of underserved youth and support services in underserved communities. The foundation has awarded over $500K in scholarships and new computers to graduating seniors.

The 2025 NAACP Image Awards ceremony is  Feb. 22, with a live broadcast scheduled on both BET and CBS. 

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PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Angela Bassett won entertainer of the year at Saturday’s NAACP Image Awards on a night that also saw her take home an acting trophy for the television series “9-1-1.”

The Bassett-led Marvel superhero sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” won best motion picture at the ceremony, which was broadcast live on BET from Pasadena, California.

Viola Davis won outstanding actress for the action epic “The Woman King,” a project she championed and starred in. Will Smith won for the slavery drama “Emancipation,” his first release since last year’s Academy Awards, where he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage before winning his first best actor trophy.

“I never want to not be brave enough as a woman, as a Black woman, as an artist,” Davis said, referencing a quote from her character in the film, which she called her magnum opus. “I thank everyone who was involved with ‘The Woman King’ because that was just nothing but high-octane bravery.”

“Abbott Elementary” won for outstanding comedy series. Creator and series star Quinta Brunson invited her costars onstage and praised shows like “black-ish” for paving the way for her series.

The 54 NAACP Image Awards were presented Saturday in Pasadena, California, with Queen Latifah hosting. Serena Williams received the Jackie Robinson Sports award, which recognizes individuals in sports for high achievement in athletics along with their pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement.

The ceremony, which honors entertainers, athletes and writers of color, was hosted by Queen Latifah. Special honorees included Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union and civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

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Saturday, February 22, 2020 

Netflix Leads with 30 Nominations in the Television Categories, 

Universal Pictures Leads with 15 Nominations in the Motion Picture Categories, RCA Records Leads with 14 Nominations in the Recording Categories and Penguin Random House Leads with 8 Nominations in the Literary Categories  

The nominees for the 51st NAACP Image Awards were announced today at a joint press conference with Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP and Connie Orlando, Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. The winners will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special airing on BET Networks on Saturday, February 22, 2020 8/7c. 

Netflix leads the television category nominations with 30, with an additional 12 nominations in the motion picture categories for a total of 42. RCA Records leads in the music recording categories with 14, followed by Columbia Records and BMG respectively with 7. Universal Pictures leads the motion picture categories with 15 nominations, and Penguin Random House has 8 nominations followed by HarperCollins with 4 in the literary categories. 

“Representation across entertainment and the arts has profound meaning and unparalleled power to shape perceptions, influence culture, and galvanize communities,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and experiences that have resonated with many, and we’re proud to continue celebrating their outstanding achievements and performances.”  

“This is a historic occasion for BET Networks, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate our network’s 40th anniversary in conjunction with this milestone moment of hosting the NAACP Image Awards,” said Scott Mills, President of BET Networks. “It is our distinct privilege to be able to acknowledge contributions of talent in TV, music, movies and literature and we look forward to celebrating these contributions next month.” 

The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also recognizes individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. The Image Awards previously aired on TV One. 

In previous years, Image Awards attendees included Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Steve Harvey, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Terry Crews, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, and many more. 

Voting is now open to the public to determine the winners of the 51st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS by visiting www.naacpimageawards.net – Winners will be revealed during the 51st NAACP Image Awards telecast. For all information and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at www.naacpimageawards.net or on Facebook at naacpimageawards and Twitter @naacpimageaward (#NAACPImageAwards). 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 

•      Angela Basset
•      Billy Porter
•      Lizzo
•      Regina King
•      Tyler Perry

TELEVISION CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Comedy Series 

•      “Ballers” (HBO)
•      “black–ish” (ABC)
•      “Dear White People” (Netflix)
•      “grown–ish” (Freeform)
•      “the Neighborhood” (CBS)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series 

•      Anthony Anderson – “black-ish” (ABC)
•      Cedric The Entertainer – “the Neighborhood” (CBS)
•      Don Cheadle – “Black Monday” (Showtime)
•      Dwayne Johnson – “Ballers” (HBO)
•      Tracy Morgan – “The Last O.G.” (TBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series 

•      Logan Browning – “Dear White People” (Netflix)
•      Jill Scott – “First Wives Club” (BET+)
•      TiffanyHaddish- “The Last O.G.” (TBS) 
•      Tracee Ellis Ross – “black-ish ” (ABC)
•      Yara Shahidi – “grown-ish” (Freeform)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series 

•      AndreBraugher- “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (NBC) 
•      Deon Cole – “black-ish” (ABC)
•      Laurence Fishburne – “black-ish” (ABC)
•      Terry Crews – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (NBC)
•      Tituss Burgess – “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series 

•      Halle Bailey – “grown-ish” (Freeform)
•      Loretta Devine – “Family Reunion” (Netflix)
•      MarsaiMartin – “black-ish” (ABC)
•      Regina Hall – “Black Monday” (Showtime)
•      TichinaArnold – “the Neighborhood” (CBS)

Outstanding Drama Series 

•      “Godfather of Harlem” (EPIX)
•      “Greenleaf” (OWN)
•      “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
•      “The Chi” (Showtime)
•      “Watchmen” (HBO)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series 

•      Billy Porter – “Pose” (FX Networks)
•      Forest Whitaker – “Godfather of Harlem” (EPIX)
•      KofiSiriboe- “Queen Sugar” (OWN) 
•      Omari Hardwick – “Power” (Starz)
•      Sterling K. Brown – “This Is Us” (NBC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series 

•      Angela Bassett – “9-1-1” (FOX)
•      Regina King – “Watchmen” (HBO)
•      RutinaWesley – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
•      SimoneMissick- “All Rise” (CBS) 
•      Viola Davis – “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series 

•      DelroyLindo – “The Good Fight” (CBS All Access)
•      Giancarlo Esposito – “Godfather of Harlem” (EPIX)
•      Harold Perrineau – “Claws” (TNT)
•      NigélThatch – “Godfather of Harlem” (EPIX)
•      Wendell Pierce – “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” (Prime Video)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series 

•      CCH Pounder – “NCIS: New Orleans” (CBS)
•      Lynn Whitfield – “Greenleaf” (OWN)
•      Lyric Ross – “This Is Us” (NBC)
•      Susan Kelechi Watson – “This Is Us” (NBC)
•      Tina Lifford – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)  

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

•      American Son (Netflix)
•      Being Mary Jane (BET Networks)
•      Native Son (HBO)
•      True Detective (HBO)
•      When They See Us (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

•      CaleelHarris – “When They See Us” (Netflix)
•      EthanHenruHerisse – “When They See Us” (Netflix) 
•      Idris Elba – “Luther” (BBC America)
•      JharrelJerome – “When They See Us” (Netflix)
•      MahershalaAli – “True Detective” (HBO)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

•      AunjanueEllis – “When They See Us” (Netflix)
•      Gabrielle Union – “Being Mary Jane” (BET Networks)
•      Kerry Washington – “American Son” (Netflix)
•      Niecy Nash – “When They See Us” (Netflix) 
•      Octavia Spencer – “Truth Be Told” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) 

•      PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (PBS)
•      Surviving R. Kelly (Lifetime)
•      The Breakfast Club (REVOLT)
•      The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (National Geographic)
•      Unsung (TV One)

Outstanding Talk Series 

•      “Red Table Talk” (Facebook Watch)
•      “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
•      “The Real” (Syndicated)
•      “The Shop: Uninterrupted” (HBO)
•      “The Tamron Hall Show” (Syndicated)

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series/Game Show 

•      “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
•      “Lip Sync Battle” (Paramount Network)
•      “Rhythm + Flow” (Netflix)
•      “Sunday Best” (BET Networks)
•      “The Voice” (NBC)

Outstanding Variety (Series or Special) 

•      “2019 Black Girls Rock!” (BET Networks)
•      “Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones” (Netflix)
•      “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (Netflix)
•      “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
•      “Wanda Sykes: Not Normal” (Netflix)

Outstanding Children’s Program 

•      “DocMcStuffins” (Disney Junior)
•      “Family Reunion” (Netflix)
•      “Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History” (Netflix)
•      “Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest” (Disney XD)
•      “Motown Magic” (Netflix)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series) 

•      CaleelHarris – “When They See Us” (Netflix)
•      Lonnie Chavis – “This Is Us” (NBC)
•      Lyric Ross – “This Is Us” (NBC)
•      MarsaiMartin – “black-ish” (ABC)
•      Miles Brown – “black-ish” (ABC)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble 

•      Angela Rye – “Young Gifted and Broke: A BET Town Hall” (BET Networks)
•      Jada Pinkett Smith – “Red Table Talk” (Facebook Watch)
•      Lester Holt – “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” (NBC)
•      Trevor Noah – “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
•      Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Meghan McCain, Abby Huntsman, Ana Navarro – “The View” (ABC)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble 

•      IyanlaVanzant – “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
•      LL Cool J – “Lip Sync Battle” (Paramount Network)
•      Regina Hall – “2019 BET Awards” (BET Networks)
•      Steve Harvey – “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)
•      Wayne Brady – “Let’s Make A Deal” (CBS)

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series 

•      Blair Underwood – “Dear White People”( Netflix)
•      David Alan Grier – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
•      Kelly Rowland – “American Soul” (BET Networks)
•      MAJOR. – “STAR” (FOX)  
•      Sanaa Lathan – “The Affair” (Showtime)

RECORDING CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Album 

•      “CuzI Love You” -Lizzo (Nice Life Records/Atlantic Records) 
•      “Homecoming: The Live Album” – Beyoncé (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      “I UsedToKnow H.E.R.” – H.E.R. (RCA Records) 
•      “Sketchbook” – Fantasia (Rock Soul Inc./BMG)
•      “Worthy” -India.Arie(India.Arie Inc./BMG) 

Outstanding New Artist 

•      Ari Lennox (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
•      LilNasX (Columbia Records) 
•      Lucky Daye (Keep Cool/RCA Records)
•      Mahalia (Burkmar/Warner Music UK)
•      Mykal Kilgore (Affective Music)

Outstanding Male Artist 

•      Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)
•      Khalid (RCA Records)
•      LilNasX (Columbia Records) 
•      MAJOR. (BOE Music Group/EMPIRE)
•      PJ Morton (Morton Records)

Outstanding Female Artist 

•      Beyoncé (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      Fantasia (Rock Soul Inc./BMG)
•      H.E.R. (RCA Records)
•      India.Arie (India.Arie Inc./BMG)
•      Lizzo (Nice Life Records/Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Song – Traditional 

•      “Enough” – Fantasia (Rock Soul Inc./BMG)
•      “Jerome” – Lizzo (Nice Life Records/Atlantic Records)
•      “SPIRIT” – Beyoncé (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      “Stand Up” – Cynthia Erivo (Back Lot Music)
•      “Steady Love” – India.Arie (India.Arie Inc./BMG)

Outstanding Song – Contemporary 

•      “Before I Let Go” – Beyoncé (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      “Hard Place” – H.E.R. (RCA Records)
•      “Juice” – Lizzo (Nice Life Records/Atlantic Records)
•      “Talk” – Khalid (RCA Records)
•      “Motivation” – Normani (Keep Cool/RCA Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration 

•      “Brown Skin Girl” – Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, Beyoncé & WizKiD (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      “No Guidance” – Chris Brown feat. Drake (Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records)
•      “Say So” – PJ Morton feat. JoJo (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
•      “Shea Butter Baby” – Ari Lennox feat. J. Cole (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
•      “Show Me Love” – Alicia Keys feat. Miguel (RCA Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album 

•      “Carib” – David Sanchez (Ropeadope)
•      “Center of The Heart” – Najee (Shanachie)
•      “Love & Liberation” – Jazzmeia Horn (Concord Jazz)
•      “SoulMate” – Nathan Mitchell (Enm Music Group)
•      “The Dream Is You: Vanessa Rubin Sings Tadd Dameron” – Vanessa Rubin (Vanessa Rubin)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song (Traditional or Contemporary) 

•      “I Made It Out” – John P. Kee feat. Zacardi Cortez (Kee Music Group/Entertainment One)
•      “Laughter” – Bebe Winans feat. Korean Soul (Regimen Records)
•      “Love Theory” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Records/RCA Records)
•      “Not Yet” – Donnie McClurkin (Camdon Music/RCA Inspiration)
•      “Victory” – The Clark Sisters (Karew Records/Motown Gospel/Capitol CMG)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album 

•      “Hard Place” – H.E.R. (RCA Records)
•      “Juice” – Lizzo (Nice Life Records/Atlantic Records)
•      “No Guidance” – Chris Brown feat. Drake (Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records)
•      “Steady Love” – India.Arie (India.Arie Inc./BMG)
•      “Talk” – Khalid (RCA Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album 

•      “Harriet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – Terence Blanchard (Back Lot Music)
•      “Queen & Slim The Soundtrack” – Various Artists (Motown Records)
•      “The Lion King: The Gift” – Beyoncé w/Various Artists (Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records)
•      “The Lion King Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – Various Artists (Walt Disney Records)
•      “Us (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – Michael Abels (Back Lot Music)

LITERATURE CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction 

•      “New Daughters of Africa” – Margaret Busby (HarperCollins Publishers)
•      “Out of Darkness, Shining Light” – Petina Gappah (Simon and Schuster)
•      “Red at the Bone” – Jacqueline Woodson (Riverhead Books PRH)
•      “The Revisioners” – Margaret Wilkerson Sexton (Counter Point Press)
•      “The Water Dancer” – Ta-Nehisi Coates (One World)  

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction 

•      “Breathe: A Letter to My Sons” – Dr. Imani Perry (Beacon Press)
•      “STONY THE ROAD: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow” – Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Penguin Press)
•      “The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations” – Toni Morrison (Alfred A. Knopf)
•      “The Yellow House” – Sarah M. Broom (Grove Atlantic)
•      “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays” – Damon Young (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author 

“American Spy” – Lauren Wilkinson (Random House) 

•      “I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer” – Hal Banfield (Author), Javier Vasquez (Illustrator), (Literary Revolutionary)
•      “More Than Pretty: Doing The Soul Work To Uncover Your True Beauty ” – Erica Campbell (Howard Books)
•      “Such A Fun Age” – Kiley Reid (Penguin Publishing Group)
•      “The Farm” – Joanne Ramos (Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography 

•      “Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System” – Cyntoia Brown-Long (Atria Books)
•      “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward” – Valerie Jarrett (Viking Press)
•      “More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)” – Elaine Welteroth (Viking Press)
•      “My Name Is Prince” – Randee St. Nicholas (HarperCollins Publishers)
•      “The Beautiful Ones” – Prince (Author), Dan Piepenbring (Edited by), (Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional 

•      “Inspire Your Home: Easy, Affordable Ideas to Make Every Room Glamorous” – Farah Merhi (Tiller Press)
•      “Letters to the Finishers (who struggle to finish)” – Candace E. Wilkins (New Season Books)
•      “More Than Pretty: Doing the Soul Work that Uncovers Your True Beauty” – Erica Campbell (Howard Books)
•      “Vegetables Unleashed” – José Andres (HarperCollins Publishers)
•      “Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, And Opportunity For Black Women In America” – Karen Arrington (Author), Joanna Price (Illustrator), Sheryl Taylor (Forward) (Mango Publishing)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry 

•      “A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland” – DaMaris B. Hill (Bloomsbury Publishing)
•      “Felon: Poems” – Reginald Dwayne Betts (W.W. Norton Company)
•      “Honeyfish” – Lauren K. Alleyne (New Issues Poetry and Prose)
•      “Mistress” – Chet’la Sebree (New Issue Poetry and Prose)
•      “The Tradition” – Jericho Brown (Copper Canyon Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children 

•      “A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation” – Barry Wittenstein (Author), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator), (Penguin Random House)
•      “Hair Love” – Matthew A. Cherry (Author), Vashti Harrison (Illustrator), (Kokila)
•      “Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment” – Parker Curry (Author), Jessica Curry (Author), Brittany Jackson (Illustrator), (Aladdin Books)
•      “Ruby Finds a Worry” – Tom Percival (Bloomsbury Publishing)
•      “Sulwe” – Lupita Nyong’o (Author), Vashti Harrison (Illustrator), (Simon & Schuster, BFYR)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens 

•      “Around Harvard Square” – C.J. Farley (Akashic Books)
•      “Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl’s Brave Fight to Walk” – Meredith Davis (Author), Rebeka Uwitonze (Author), (Scholastic Inc.)
•      “Hot Comb” – Ebony Flowers (Author), Ebony Flowers (Illustrator), (Drawn and Quarterly)
•      “I’m Not Dying with You Tonight” – Gilly Segal (Author), Kimberly Jones (Author), (Sourcebooks Fire)
•      “The Forgotten Girl” – India Hill Brown (Scholastic Inc.)

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Motion Picture 

•      “Dolemite is My Name” (Netflix)
•      “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      “Us” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture 

•      Chadwick Boseman – “21 Bridges” (STX Films)
•      Daniel Kaluuya – “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      Eddie Murphy – “Dolemite is My Name” (Netflix)
•      Michael B. Jordan – “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      Winston Duke – “Us” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture 

•      Alfre Woodard – “Clemency” (Neon)
•      Cynthia Erivo – “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      Jodie Turner-Smith – “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      Lupita Nyong’o – “Us” (Universal Pictures)
•      Naomie Harris – “Black and Blue” (Screen Gems/Sony Pictures)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture 

•      Jamie Foxx – “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      Leslie Odom, Jr. – “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      Sterling K. Brown – “Waves” (A24)
•      Tituss Burgess – “Dolemite Is My Name” (Netflix)
•      Wesley Snipes – “Dolemite Is My Name” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture 

•      Da’Vine Joy Randolph – “Dolemite is My Name” (Netflix)
•      Janelle Monáe – “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      Jennifer Lopez – “Hustlers” (STX Films)
•      Marsai Martin – “Little” (Universal Pictures)
•      Octavia Spencer – “Luce” (Neon)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in Motion Picture 

•      Cynthia Erivo – “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      Jodie Turner-Smith – “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      Marsai Martin – “Little” (Universal Pictures)
•      Rob Morgan – “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      Shahadi Wright Joseph – “Us” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture 

•      “Dolemite is My Name” (Netflix)
•      “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      “Us” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture 

•      “Clemency” (Neon)
•      “Dolemite is My Name” (Netflix)
•      “Luce” (Neon)
•      “Queen & Slim” (Universal Pictures)
•      “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (Netflix)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Film) 

•      Alfre Woodard – “The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios)
•      Donald Glover – “The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios)
•      James Earl Jones – “The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios)
•      Lupita Nyong’o – “Serengeti” (Discovery Channel)
•      Sterling K. Brown – “Frozen II” (Walt Disney Studios)

DOCUMENTARY CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Documentary (Film) 

•      “Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool” (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
•      “The Black Godfather” (Netflix)
•      “The Apollo” (HBO)
•      “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” (Magnolia Pictures)
•      “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality” (HBO)

Outstanding Documentary (Television – Series or Special) 

•      “Free Meek” (Prime Video)
•      “Hitsville: The Making of Motown” (Showtime)
•      “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (Netflix)
•      “Martin: The Legacy of A King” (BET Networks)
•      “ReMastered: The Two Killings of Sam Cooke” (Netflix)

WRITING CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series 

•      Cord Jefferson – “The Good Place” – Tinker, Tailor, Demon, Spy (NBC)
•      Gloria Calderon Kellett, Mike Royce – “One Day at a Time” – Ghosts (Netflix)
•      Jason Kim – “Barry” – Past=Present x Future Over Yesterday (HBO)
•      Karen Gist, Peter Saji – “Mixed-ish” – Let Your Hair Down (ABC)
•      Trevor Noah – “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” – Steve King’s Comments Meet Trevor Noah: Racism Detective (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series 

•      Ava DuVernay, Michael Starrbury – “When They See Us” – Part Four (Netflix)
•      Damon Lindelof, Cord Jefferson – “Watchmen” – The Extraordinary Being (HBO)
•      Nichelle Tramble Spellman – “Truth Be Told” – Monster (Apple TV+)
•      Nkechi Okoro Carroll – “All American” – Hussle & Motivate (The CW)
•      Pat Charles – “Black Lightning” – The Book of Secrets: Chapter One: Prodigal Son (The CW)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Television) 

•      Cas Sigers-Beedles – “Twas the Chaos Before Christmas” (BET)
•      Melissa Bustamante – “A Christmas Winter Song” (Lifetime)
•      Patrik-Ian Polk – “Being Mary Jane” (BET Networks)
•      Suzan-Lori Parks – “Native Son” (HBO)
•      Yvette Nicole Brown – “Always a Bridesmaid” (BET Networks)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)  

•      Chinonye Chukwu – “Clemency” (Neon)
•      Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham – “Just Mercy” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
•      Doug Atchison – “Brian Banks” (Bleeker Street and ShivHans)
•      Jordan Peele – “Us” (Universal Pictures)
•      Kasi Lemmons, Gregory Allen Howard – “Harriet” (Focus Features)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES 

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series 

•      Anya Adams – “GLOW” – Outward Bound (Netflix)
•      Justin Tipping – “Black Monday” -7042 (Showtime)
•      Ken Whittingham – “Atypical” – Road Rage Paige (Netflix)
•      Randall Winston – “Grace and Frankie” – The Pharmacy (Netflix)
•      Shaka King – “Shrill” – Pool (Hulu)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series 

•      Ava DuVernay – “When They See Us” – Part Four (Netflix)
•      Carl H. Seaton, Jr. – “Snowfall” – Hedgehogs (FX Networks)
•      Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – “Power” – Forgot About Dre (STARZ)
•      Debbie Allen – “Grey’s Anatomy” – Silent All These Years (ABC)
•      Jet Wilkinson – “The Chi” – The Scorpion and the Frog (Showtime)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television) 

•      Codie Elaine Oliver – “Black Love” (OWN)
•      Janice Cooke – “I Am Sombody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story (Lifetime)
•      Kenny Leon – “American Son” (Netflix)
•      Rashid Johnson – “Native Son (HBO)
•      Russ Parr – “The Bobby Debarge Story” (TV One)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film) 

•      Chiwetel Ejiofor – “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (Netflix)
•      Jordan Peele – “Us” (Universal Pictures)
•      Kasi Lemmons – “Harriet” (Focus Features)
•      Mati Diop – “Atlantics” (Les Films du Bal Presente en Co-Production avec Cinekap et Frakas Productions en Co-Production avec Arte France Cinema et Canal+ International for Netflix)
•      Reginald Hudlin – “The Black Godfather” (Netflix)

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