The NAACP Image Awards Nominations Are Finally In — Find Out Who Made The Cut

Morgan Murrell

7 January 2025 at 2:43 pm·7-min read

The 56th NAACP Image Awards nominations were released today, and there are so many celebs and creatives being acknowledged for their work in TV, film, music, writing, costume design, and more.

A person stands on stage at an awards ceremony, with a large screen displaying "President's Award" in the background — Paras Griffin / Getty Images for BET

The Piano Lesson, the Malcolm Washington-directed film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, leads the way with 14 nominations.

Two people in vintage-style clothing stand indoors, one holding a hat. The setting suggests a historical period — David Lee / © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Next up are Nickel Boys, Bob Marley: One Love, and The Book of Clarence, with six nominations, followed by Wicked and The Six Triple Eight, earning five nominations.

Two people in white shirts looking up outdoors, smiling — Kasimu Harris /©Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer /Courtesy Everett Collection

Here's a taste of what you can expect:

Entertainer of the Year

Cynthia Erivo in an elegant floral gown poses with manicured nails at an event — Cynthia ErivoKeke PalmerKendrick LamarKevin HartShannon Sharpe

Matt Winkelmeyer / WireImage / Getty Images

Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year

Kai Cenat smiling, wearing a cap, a dark jacket, and layered sparkling necklaces, seated indoors at an event — Kai CenatKeith LeeRaeShanda LiasShirley RainesTony Baker

Paras Griffin / Getty Images

Outstanding Motion Picture

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in a car, one wearing sunglasses, both laughing and enjoying the moment, captured as part of a celebrity media feature — *Bad Boys: Ride or Die* (Sony Pictures)*Bob Marley: One Love* (Paramount Pictures)*The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)*The Six Triple Eight* (Netflix)*Wicked* (Universal Pictures)

Frank Masi / © Sony Pictures Releasing / Courtesy Everett Collection

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

André Holland in a tuxedo stands on a red carpet in front of a curtain, smiling with hands clasped — André Holland — *Exhibiting Forgiveness* (Roadside Attractions)Colman Domingo — *Sing Sing* (A24)John David Washington — *The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)Kingsley Ben-Adir — *Bob Marley: One Love* (Paramount Pictures)Martin Lawrence — *Bad Boys: Ride or Di*e (Sony Pictures)

Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

Kerry Washington in elegant, asymmetric gown and gloves, posing with hands clasped — Kerry Washington — *The Six Triple Eight* (Netflix)Lashana Lynch — *Bob Marley: One Love* (Paramount Pictures)Lupita Nyong’o — *A Quiet Place: Day One* (Paramount Pictures)Regina King — *Shirley* (Netflix)Cynthia Erivo — *Wicked* (Universal Pictures)

Dan Doperalski / Penske Media via Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Brian Tyree Henry in a tailored suit with a bow tie, standing and smiling in front of a wooden grid backdrop — Brian Tyree Henry — *The Fire Inside* (Amazon MGM Studios)Corey Hawkins — *The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)David Alan Grier — *The American Society of Magical Negroes* (Focus Features)Denzel Washington — *Gladiator II* (Paramount Pictures)Samuel L. Jackson — *The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)

Michael Rowe / Getty Images for IMDb

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in a floral, puff-sleeve top and pants, posing at Golden Globes event with flower backdrop — Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — *Exhibiting Forgiveness* (Roadside Attractions)Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — *Nickel Boys* (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)Danielle Deadwyler — *The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)Ebony Obsidian — *The Six Triple Eight* (Netflix)Lynn Whitfield — *Albany Road* (Faith Filmworks)

Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

Sing Sing (A24)Albany Road (Faith Filmworks)Exhibiting Forgiveness (Roadside Attractions)Rob Peace (Republic Pictures)We Grown Now (Sony Pictures Classics) — *Sing Sing* (A24)*Albany Road* (Faith Filmworks)*Exhibiting Forgiveness* (Roadside Attractions)*Rob Peace* (Republic Pictures)*We Grown Now* (Sony Pictures Classics)

A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

Outstanding International Motion Picture

Two people in formal, mid-20th century attire inside a lavish room with ornate decor and a dessert table in the background — *El lugar de la otra* (Netflix)*Emilia Pérez* (Netflix)*Memoir of a Snail* (IFC Films)*The Seed of the Sacred Fig* (NEON)*The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi* (ArtMattan Films)

Diego Araya Corvalan / © Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Ryan Destiny wearing a deep v-neck blouse and long necklace, with long flowing hair. Neutral background — Ryan Destiny — *The Fire Inside* (Amazon MGM Studios)Brandon Wilson — *Nickel Boys* (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)Clarence Maclin — *Sing Sing* (A24)Danielle Deadwyler — *The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)Ebony Obsidian — *The Six Triple Eight* (Netflix)

Corey Nickols / Getty Images North America

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

A group of musicians in a scene from Bob Marley: One Love is joyfully gathered in a room, with one playing guitar and another with a drum. They are casually dressed and smiling — *Bob Marley: One Love* (Paramount Pictures)*The Book of Clarence* (Sony Pictures)*The Piano Lesson* (Netflix)*The Six Triple Eight* (Netflix)*Wicked* (Universal Pictures)

Chiabella James / © Paramount Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

Animated characters from "Inside Out" stand together in a colorful control room, portraying various emotions with unique expressions and features — *Inside Out 2* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)*Kung Fu Panda 4* (DreamWorks Animation)*Moana 2* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)*Piece by Piece* (Focus Features)*The Wild Robot* (DreamWorks Animation)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance — Motion Picture

Aaron Pierre in a dark suit poses outdoors at a nighttime event with decorative lights in the background — Aaron Pierre — *Mufasa: The Lion King* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)Anika Noni Rose — *Mufasa: The Lion King* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)Ayo Edebiri — *Inside Out 2* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)Blue Ivy Carter — *Mufasa: The Lion King* (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)Lupita Nyong’o — *The Wild Robot* (DreamWorks Animation)

Mike Marsland / Mike Marsland / WireImage

Outstanding Comedy Series

The cast of Abbott Elementary, agroup of seven people, dressed in formal and casual attire, pose on stairs in front of a brick building — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)*How to Die Alone* (Hulu)*Poppa’s House* (CBS)*The Neighborhood* (CBS)*The Upshaws* (Netflix)

Pamela Littky / ABC via Getty Images

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Cedric the Entertainer — The Neighborhood (CBS)Damon Wayans — Poppa’s House (CBS)David Alan Grier — St. Denis Medical (NBC)Delroy Lindo — UnPrisoned (Hulu)Mike Epps — The Upshaws (Netflix) — Cedric the Entertainer — *The Neighborhood* (CBS)Damon Wayans — *Poppa’s House* (CBS)David Alan Grier — *St. Denis Medical* (NBC)Delroy Lindo — *UnPrisoned* (Hulu)Mike Epps — *The Upshaws* (Netflix)

Earl Gibson Iii / Penske Media via Getty Images

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Ayo Edebiri smiling on red carpet in elegant, fitted white gown with voluminous curly hair — Ayo Edebiri — *The Bear* (FX/Hulu)Kerry Washington — *UnPrisoned* (Hulu)Natasha Rothwell — *How to Die Alone* (Hulu)Quinta Brunson — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)Tichina Arnold — *The Neighborhood* (CBS)

Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Giancarlo Esposito in a dark shirt and coat at an outdoor event — Giancarlo Esposito — *The Gentlemen* (Netflix)Damon Wayans Jr. — *Poppa’s House* (CBS)Kenan Thompson — *Saturday Night Live* (NBC)Tyler James Williams — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)William Stanford Davis — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)

Cesc Maymo / Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Danielle Pinnock in an elegant dress with a pleated skirt on the red carpet, holding a clutch — Danielle Pinnock — *Ghosts* (CBS)Ego Nwodim — *Saturday Night Live* (NBC)Janelle James — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)Sheryl Lee Ralph — *Abbott Elementary* (ABC)Wanda Sykes — *The Upshaws* (Netflix)

Michael Ostuni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Outstanding Drama Series

Group of emergency responders, two in firefighter uniforms and two in police uniforms, talking near an ambulance — *9-1-1* (ABC)*Bel-Air* (Peacock)*Cross* (Amazon Prime Video)*Found* (NBC)*Reasonable Doubt* (Hulu)

Richard Foreman Jr. Smpsp / 20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Aldis Hodge — Cross (Amazon Prime Video)Donald Glover — Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Amazon Prime Video)Harold Perrineau — FROM (MGM+)Jabari Banks — Bel-Air (Peacock)Michael Rainey Jr. — Power Book II: Ghost (Starz) — Aldis Hodge — *Cross* (Amazon Prime Video)Donald Glover — *Mr. & Mrs. Smith* (Amazon Prime Video)Harold Perrineau — *FROM* (MGM+)Jabari Banks — *Bel-Air* (Peacock)Michael Rainey Jr. — *Power Book II: Ghost* (Starz)

Michael Rowe / Getty Images for IMDb

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Person posing on a red carpet, wearing an elegant green dress with black gloves, short hair styled softly — Emayatzy Corinealdi — *Reasonable Doubt* (Hulu)Angela Bassett — *9-1-1* (ABC)Queen Latifah — *The Equalizer* (CBS)Shanola Hampton — *Found* (NBC)Zoe Saldaña — *Lioness* (Paramount+)

Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Adrian Holmes in a sleek tuxedo poses confidently on a red carpet, with sponsor logos in the background — Adrian Holmes — *Bel-Air* (Peacock)Cliff “Method Man” Smith — *Power Book II: Ghost* (Starz)Isaiah Mustafa — *Cross* (Amazon Prime Video)Jacob Latimore — *The Chi* (Paramount+)Morris Chestnut — *Reasonable Doubt* (Hulu)

Momodu Mansaray / Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

A person in a stylish wide-brimmed hat and sleeveless top stands against a blurred backdrop, appearing confident and elegant — Adjoa Andoh — *Bridgerton* (Netflix)Coco Jones — *Bel-Air* (Peacock)Golda Rosheuvel — *Bridgerton* (Netflix)Lorraine Toussaint — *The Equalizer* (CBS)Lynn Whitfield — *The Chi* (Paramount+)

Lia Toby / Getty Images

Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

Group of people in 70s-style outfits, some in leisure suits, others in glamorous attire, posed in a retro-themed setting — *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (Peacock)*Genius: MLK/X* (National Geographic)*Griselda* (Netflix)*Rebel Ridge* (Netflix)*The Madness* (Netflix)

Peacock

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

Kelvin Harrison Jr. in a dark suit with a shirt poses in front of a backdrop with "Awards" partially visible — Kelvin Harrison Jr. — *Genius: MLK/X* (National Geographic)Aaron Pierre — *Rebel Ridge* (Netflix)Colman Domingo — *The Madness* (Netflix)Kevin Hart — *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (Peacock)Laurence Fishburne — *Clipped* (FX/Hulu)

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

Sanaa Lathan on the red carpet in a sleek, fitted red dress at a celebrity event, posing against a backdrop with text — Sanaa Lathan — *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat* (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat* (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)Naturi Naughton — *Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie* (Lifetime)Sofía Vergara — *Griselda* (Netflix)Uzo Aduba — *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat* (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

Luke James wearing a sleeveless shirt and hat poses in front of a backdrop with flowers at a celebrity event — Luke James — *Them: The Scare* (Amazon Prime Video)Don Cheadle — *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (Peacock)Ron Cephas Jones — *Genius: MLK/X* (National Geographic)Samuel L. Jackson — *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (Peacock)Terrence Howard — *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist* (Peacock)

Prince Williams / WireImage / Getty Images

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)

Brandy Norwood — Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+)Jayme Lawson — Genius: MLK/X (National Geographic)Loretta Devine — Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love (Lifetime)Sanaa Lathan — Young. Wild. Free. (BET+)Taraji P. Henson — Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock)

Stewart Cook / Getty Images for A24

Tune in to the 2025 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. on BET and CBS.

You can find the full nomination list here.

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