Plot Synopsis

The NAACP IMAGE AWARDS celebrates the accomplishments of people of color working in the fields of literature, music, television and film. The awards also honor individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. The IMAGE AWARDS were first held on February 4, 1967 at the Beverly Hilton, first televised in 1974 and first broadcast live in 2007. The NAACP President's Award, chosen by the NAACP President and CEO, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. In 2023, the show was in front of an audience for the first time in three years, after being virtual/remote in 2021 and 2022.
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Hosted by Queen Latifah from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA, the 54th Annual NAACP IMAGE AWARDS premieres live on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 8-10pm ET (live)/ PT (tape) on BET, with a simulcast on CBS, VH1, BET Her, MTV, TV Land, Comedy Central, Paramount, Logo, CMT, MTV2, Pop, and Smithsonian Channel. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years.

U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) will receive the Chairman's Award. Past honorees include John Lewis, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Ruby Dee, The Neville Brothers, Bono, Danny Glover, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Rev. James Lawson, and last year's recipient Samuel L. Jackson. the Chairman's Award honors those who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.

23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will receive the Jackie Robinson Sports Award, which is is presented to individuals in sports for their high achievement in athletics in addition to their contributions in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement. Previous recipients include Steph Curry, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilma Rudolph and Harlem Globetrotters, among others

Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade will receive the President's Award during the program, following past recipients like LeBron James, Rihanna, Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter, Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O'Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Muhammad Ali, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, among others. The President's Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

Presenters for the awards show include Brian White, Method Man, Damson Idris, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Issa Rae, Janelle Monae, Janelle James, Jonathan Majors, Kerry Washington, Letitia Wright, Morris Chestnut, Ms. Pat, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Terrence Howard, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell.