The 57th NAACP Image Awards took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, hosted by Deon Cole for the second year. Cole's satirical monologue joking about Nicki Minaj drew backlash from her fans, while honorees like Viola Davis and Michael B. Jordan delivered powerful speeches. Attendees also addressed a recent BAFTA incident involving racial slurs.
Oh honey, the 57th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 28 served up a mix of laughs, shade, and straight-up inspiration at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Deon Cole, back as host, kicked things off with a mock altar call in his opening monologue, praying for celebs in need of divine help. But it was his bit on Nicki Minaj that had the room in stitches—and her Barbz in a frenzy. 'Lord, we want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj, Lord, yes. She’s been going through a lot lately,' Cole preached, before dropping: 'She hasn’t been herself, Lord. I believe whatever is in her a** is affecting her brain, Lord. Take it out her a*, Lord. We bind that spirit in her a*, Lord.' The jab referenced Minaj's recent MAGA support and her appearance with Donald Trump at a Mar-a-Lago crypto event. The audience, including Michael B. Jordan and Regina Hall, reacted with laughter and shock. 😲
But the Barbz weren't amused. Cole shared their savage Threads messages on social media, like one telling him to 'Go dig ur mama upppp' and another lengthy roast about his late mom and appearance. Messy! Meanwhile, the night celebrated Black excellence. Viola Davis accepted the Chairman’s Award, sharing: 'There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth.' She reflected on her childhood as a 'little chocolate girl' in 1965 Rhode Island, emphasizing a hero’s journey to purpose.
Colman Domingo received the President’s Award, honoring his mother and stepfather Clarence Boles, who urged him to 'work with your mind' for soft hands and meaningful work. Salt-N-Pepa got inducted into the Hall of Fame for their 40-year hip-hop legacy. Michael B. Jordan snagged Entertainer of the Year, simply stating: 'Man, I love being Black. Thank y’all.' 🔥
The BAFTA drama spilled over too. Delroy Lindo, onstage with Ryan Coogler, thanked supporters after John Davidson's involuntary N-word tic during their presentation: 'We appreciate all the support... something that could be very negative becoming very positive.' Jayme Lawson called out BAFTA and BBC on the carpet for exploiting Davidson's Tourette’s and airing the slur while censoring 'Free Palestine': 'They want to celebrate our art, but won’t protect it!' Davidson later clarified his tics are involuntary and he felt 'deeply mortified.'
Fashion? Iconic. Teyana Taylor slayed in Ashi Studio Couture, Kerry Washington in Sergio Hudson, and Quinta Brunson turned heads in Gabriela Hearst with her mullet. Gold dominated for Terrence J and Domingo. So, is this the tea on resilience or what?
