In a night celebrating Black excellence, Keke Palmer was honored as Entertainer of the Year at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, held on February 22, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California.
Palmer’s standout performance in the 2025 tragicomedy film “One of Them Days,” where she starred alongside R&B artist SZA and actor Katt Williams, garnered critical acclaim, with the film boasting a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Upon receiving her award, Palmer emphasized the significance of community and mutual support, stating, “It’s so important that we come here together and celebrate one another.
Nobody has uplifted me more than you, all the people in this room.” Her career, which began with a breakthrough role in the 2006 film “Akeelah and the Bee,” has seen her evolve into a multifaceted entertainer, including leading roles in television series like “True Jackson, VP.”
The NAACP Image Awards, organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, are esteemed honors recognizing outstanding performances by Black artists across various entertainment sectors. This year’s event, broadcast live on BET and CBS, featured a theme of “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” highlighting the rich contributions of Black artists to the cultural landscape.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award for her dedication to public service and her efforts to drive meaningful change.
In her acceptance speech, Harris remarked, “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, written by us, by we the people.”
A highlight of the evening was the induction of the Wayans family into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. were celebrated for their substantial contributions to comedy and entertainment.
Keenen Ivory Wayans, in particular, was recognized for creating and starring in the 1990s sketch comedy show “In Living Color,” which opened doors for numerous Black comedians and artists, including Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, and Jim Carrey.
The event also honored Tyler Perry’s film “The Six Triple Eight,” which won Outstanding Motion Picture, with lead actress Kerry Washington receiving the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. The film “The Piano Lesson” led the nominations with 14 nods, showcasing the depth and diversity of Black storytelling in cinema.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective impact of Black artists and leaders in shaping culture and driving societal progress.
