From Whoopi to Mo’Nique: The Most Memorable Black Awards Show Hosts

In the past, awards show hosts would be an afterthought to the big event. They’d open with a monologue or musical number, do a few fun comedy bits during the show and send everyone home at the end. However, in recent years, the job has become a lot more controversial, as hosts push the envelope of what they can get away with in these star-studded rooms. With everyone wondering if the job is becoming too risky, we’re looking back on some the most memorable Black awards show hosts.

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Whoopi Goldberg – 1999 Academy Awards

Whoopi Goldberg has hosted the Academy Awards four times. She brought something different to each outing, but her 1999 appearance as Queen Elizabeth I is one of her most memorable moments.

Mo’Nique – 2004 BET Awards

Mo’Nique celebrated Beyonce with an unforgettable “Crazy in Love” dance number that drove the crowd wild. No one was more excited than Queen Bey herself.

Diana Ross – 1974 Academy Awards

At the 46th Academy Awards in 1974, Diana Ross made history as the first Black woman to co-host the Oscars. She hosted alongside Burt Reynolds, John Huston, and David Niven.

Anthony Anderson – 2023 Primetime Emmys

At the 75th Primetime Emmys, Anthony Anderson helped showcase TV history and celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was notable for how completely uncontroversial it was.

Chris Rock – 2016 Academy Awards

Chris Rock hosted the Academy Awards in 2005 and 2016, even making jokes at Jada Pinkett Smith’s expense back then. But thanks to a far more infamous Oscars moment he may have learned his lesson.

Regina Hall – 2019 BET Awards

Regina Hall has a down to Earth, everywoman quality that makes her endlessly hilarious. She’s also not afraid to go completely over the top, which makes her our hero.

Trevor Noah – 2023 Grammys

Trevor Noah will host his fourth straight Grammys on Feb. 4. What makes him so perfect for the show is that he always seems like he’s having just as much fun as we are. He was freaking out over Beyonce, Harry Styles and Bad Bunny more than the at home audience.

Richard Pryor – 1977 Academy Awards

Seriously, how nervous do you think the Academy was in those moments before Richard Pryor went on stage?

Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes – 2022 Academy Awards

Alongside co-host Amy Schumer, no one’s hosting stint has been overshadowed more than Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes. The three women actually did a pretty fun job with the 94th Academy Awards. Unfortunately, all anyone talks about from that night is the slap.

Queen Latifah – 2023 NAACP Image Awards

Only Queen Latifah can effortlessly transition from classic jazz singer to “Ladies First” hip-hop legend. All Hail the Queen!

Alicia Keys – 2019 Grammys

While hosting the Grammys in 2019, Alicia Keys played to her strengths and opened the show with a medley of “Songs I Wish I Wrote,” which included classics and new nominees. It immediately put the audience at ease and started the show on a celebratory note.

LL Cool J – 2016 Grammys

At his core, five-time Grammy host LL Cool J loves music and entertaining. He’s also extremely well-liked in the industry. Nominees know they can trust him on the big night.

Jerrod Carmichael – 2023 Golden Globes

Jerrod Carmichael hosted the first Golden Globes following its racism scandal. It was a constant source of material for the comedian. Turns out, poking fun at the controversy didn’t go over well with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association or viewers.

Chris Tucker – 2013 BET Awards

Chris Tucker doesn’t do these sorts of gigs often, so when he hosted the BET Awards in 2013, we knew it was going to be hilarious. And as he told stories about his friend Michael Jackson, he didn’t disappoint.

Jamie Foxx – 2009 BET Awards

Jamie Foxx had the unenviable task of hosting the BET Awards just days after the death of Michael Jackson. However, he made it clear that he wasn’t there “to celebrate,” not host.

Sammy Davis Jr. – 1975 Academy Awards

Sammy Davis Jr. is a consummate entertainer. Even on stage with Oscar winners and fellow co-hosts Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra, he stood out as the star of the show.