Celebrating Black Brilliance: Cardi B, Michelle Obama, and Kendrick Lamar Crowned Early Victors at the NAACP Image Awards.

The 57th NAACP Image Awards are unfolding as a vibrant testament to Black excellence across the realms of film, television, music, literature, and digital media. With a series of virtual pre-shows leading up to the main live ceremony, the week has already seen a parade of influential figures and groundbreaking projects recognized for their profound impact and artistic merit. From music powerhouses like Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar to thought leaders such as Michelle Obama and Don Lemon, the early wins underscore a dynamic and evolving landscape of Black creativity and influence.

Night two of the virtual pre-show, a highly anticipated segment, cemented several luminaries’ places in this year’s honoree roster. Rapper and cultural icon Cardi B emerged as a dominant force, collecting an impressive three NAACP Image Awards. Her wins included the coveted Outstanding Female Artist, a testament to her continued reign in the music industry, and Outstanding Album for her latest critically acclaimed record, “Am I the Drama?” This album, with its introspective yet characteristically bold lyrical themes, has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, showcasing her artistic growth and unwavering authenticity. Adding to her Tuesday night haul, her track “ErrTime” secured the prize for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song, further solidifying her lyrical prowess and ability to craft chart-topping anthems. This remarkable triple victory significantly expands her Image Awards collection, building upon her previous win for her role as judge and executive producer on the popular music competition series, “Rhythm & Flow.” Cardi B’s journey from reality television personality to a global music phenomenon is a powerful narrative of self-made success, and these awards underscore her enduring influence and fearless approach to artistry.

Beyond the pulsating beats of hip-hop, the world of news and insightful commentary also saw significant recognition. Veteran journalist Don Lemon, a voice synonymous with incisive reporting and candid discussion, celebrated a dual victory for his eponymous talk show, “The Don Lemon Show.” His podcast garnered awards for Outstanding Podcast – News and Information and Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture, highlighting its capacity to engage audiences with timely discussions on pressing societal issues. Lemon’s transition to the podcasting sphere has allowed him to continue his journalistic mission with an independent voice, fostering conversations that are both informative and thought-provoking. His wins reflect the growing power of digital audio platforms as crucial avenues for diverse narratives and analyses. Sharing the spotlight in the podcasting realm was former First Lady Michelle Obama, whose insightful series “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” clinched two awards: Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help and Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment. Co-hosted with her brother, Craig Robinson, the podcast has become a beacon for listeners seeking guidance, inspiration, and candid conversations about life, culture, and personal growth. These collective wins for Lemon and Obama underscore the significant impact of podcasting as a medium for Black creators to share their perspectives and connect with a global audience, with their shows claiming four out of the five awards presented in that particular category.

The musical landscape continued to be dominated by artistic giants, with Kendrick Lamar, already a major winner from the first night, adding further accolades to his impressive resume. On Tuesday, Lamar was named Outstanding Male Artist, a testament to his consistent innovation and unparalleled lyrical genius. He also shared the prestigious Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album award with the immensely talented SZA for their Grammy-winning hit song, “Luther.” This collaboration, celebrated for its artistic depth and visual storytelling, represents a powerful synergy between two of contemporary music’s most compelling voices. Lamar’s continued success at the Image Awards reflects his profound cultural impact and his ability to consistently push artistic boundaries, while his joint win with SZA highlights the beauty and power of collaborative Black artistry.

The cinematic world also made a strong showing, particularly with Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated film, “Sinners.” The period vampire thriller, which leads this year’s nominations with a staggering 18 nods, began its awards journey by securing prizes for Outstanding Soundtrack and Outstanding Original Score. These early wins for “Sinners” underscore the film’s immersive world-building and its compelling auditory experience, setting a high bar for its broader reception. Coogler, known for his masterful storytelling and commitment to elevating Black narratives through projects like “Black Panther” and “Creed,” promises a fresh take on the genre with “Sinners.” The anticipation for the live, televised ceremony is palpable, where the remaining major awards, including those for “Sinners” in other categories, will be announced. The main event, scheduled to air live on Saturday, February 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS, will be hosted by the charismatic Deon Cole from the iconic Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Also making waves in television categories is the recently wrapped Peacock series “Bel-Air,” which garnered seven nominations, reaffirming its success in reimagining a beloved classic for a new generation. The show’s signature category, Entertainer of the Year, boasts an impressive lineup of nominees including the multi-talented Cynthia Erivo, dynamic musician Doechii, the incomparable Kendrick Lamar, acclaimed actor Michael B. Jordan, and versatile artist Teyana Taylor, all of whom have left an indelible mark on culture this past year.

A profound aspect of the NAACP Image Awards week is the recognition of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society and culture through special honorees. This year’s lineup is particularly distinguished. The legendary Viola Davis, an EGOT winner and an actress of unparalleled talent and gravitas, will be presented with the Chairman’s Award. This honor celebrates her groundbreaking career, her powerful performances, and her unwavering advocacy for representation and equity within the entertainment industry and beyond. Her work consistently challenges norms and uplifts Black narratives, making her a true titan of her craft. Colman Domingo, whose star has been on a meteoric rise with critically acclaimed performances across film, television, and stage, is set to receive the President’s Award. Domingo’s versatility, his profound characterizations, and his dedication to authentic storytelling embody the spirit of this award, recognizing his significant impact on the arts. In the realm of fashion and cultural influence, A$AP Rocky will be honored with the Vanguard Award for fashion. Rocky’s distinctive style, his trendsetting aesthetics, and his influence on contemporary fashion and lifestyle make him a deserving recipient, acknowledging his role in shaping global cultural trends. Finally, the prestigious Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award will be presented to Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant. This award recognizes his tireless work and profound dedication to social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment, highlighting the critical role of faith leaders in advocating for positive change within society.

The celebrations kicked off on Monday, February 23, with the first night of the three-part virtual event, setting an auspicious tone for the week. Former First Lady Michelle Obama and rap icon Kendrick Lamar were among the initial recipients, with Obama’s latest literary work, “The Look,” winning the award for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography. This insightful book, which delves into her style evolution from her time in the White House to her life post-presidency, resonated deeply with readers, exploring themes of identity, self-expression, and the power of personal narrative through fashion. The win marks another literary triumph for Obama, following her immense success with her memoir “Becoming” in the same category in 2019, solidifying her status as a compelling author and an enduring global role model for women and girls. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance was recognized as Outstanding Short-Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary. The performance, a masterclass in artistry and cultural commentary, captivated millions and demonstrated Lamar’s unique ability to blend entertainment with profound social messaging. These early wins for both Obama and Lamar are not isolated incidents; both are repeat winners, with Obama’s consistent literary accolades and Lamar’s impressive nine previous trophies, including two for his 2025 anthem “Not Like Us,” underscoring their sustained excellence and impact.

The virtual pre-show ceremonies, skillfully hosted by Angel “ThatChickAngel” Laketa Moore and Khleo Thomas, aired exclusively on YouTube and NAACP+, making the celebration accessible to a broad audience. Night one primarily focused on recognizing excellence in literary categories, alongside two pioneering digital content creator prizes. In a forward-thinking move, the NAACP Image Awards embraced the burgeoning world of gaming for the first time, honoring Berlin Edmond Jr., widely known as Berleezy, with the top prize for Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech. This new category highlights the NAACP’s recognition of evolving media landscapes and the significant influence of Black creators in digital spaces. Additionally, Keith Lee was celebrated with the award for Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fitness/Wellness/Food, acknowledging his impact in a rapidly expanding online sector. These new categories reflect a vital expansion of the Image Awards’ scope, ensuring that the organization continues to champion Black excellence across all contemporary platforms and artistic expressions.

The complete list of winners from night one and night two further illustrates the breadth and depth of talent celebrated:

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

“luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding New Artist

Monaleo – “Who Did the Body?” (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Female Artist

Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

Kendrick Lamar (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song

“ErrTime” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

Outstanding International Song

“Is It” – Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding Jazz Album

“We Insist! 2025” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

“Tasha” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground Remix” (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)

Cardi B, ‘The Don Lemon Show’ and SZA Win on Night 2 of NAACP Image Awards’ Virtual Pre-Show

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends (Remix)” (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film

“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

Outstanding Album

“Am I The Drama?” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form

“Interesting Things with JC” (Jim Connors LLC)

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information

“The Don Lemon Show” (Lemon Media Network)

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help

“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” (Higher Ground)

Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment

“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” (Higher Ground)

Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture

“The Don Lemon Show” (Lemon Media Network)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

“The Look” – Michelle Obama (Crown)

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

“A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics” – Juanita Tolliver (Legacy Lit/Hachette Book Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

“Who Better Than You?” – Will Packer (Penguin Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism

“On Borrowed Time” – Anissa Durham (Online)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

Charles B. Fancher – “Red Clay” (Blackstone Publishing)

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

“Death of the Author” – Nnedi Okorafor (William Morrow)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

“The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems” – Patricia Smith (Scribner)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

“Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark” – Allen R. Wells; Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers/Macmillan)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

“Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi” – Angie Thomas (HarperCollins/Clarion Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel

“Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation” – Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damien Duffy, illustrated by John Jennings and David Brame (Abrams ComicArts)