Throughout awards season we’ve carefully chronicled all the nominations at mainstream shows like the Oscars, BAFTAs and SAG Awards. We’ve had a lot to say about the lack of recognition for Black projects and artists. Now, we finally get a chance to congratulate all these fantastic films, TV series and artists, as the nominations for the 55th NAACP Image Awards were announced Thursday and they feature many of our favorites.
Motion Pictures
What’s instantly evident is that these nominations are for us. “American Fiction;” “Origin;” “Rustin;” “The Color Purple;” and “They Cloned Tyrone” are up for Outstanding Motion Picture. While most of these are no surprise, seeing Netflix’s intriguing sci-fi/comedy “They Cloned Tyrone” get a nod tells us in a very loud voice that this show is unapologetically Black. The film pokes fun at the conspiracies that regularly make their way around barber shops and cookouts. It’s the kind of movie the Oscars would never appreciate, and that’s exactly why we love it.
In the Outstanding Actor category, Oscar nominees Colman Domingo and Jeffrey Wright are joined by Denzel Washington (“The Equalizer 3”), Jamie Foxx (“The Burial”) and John Boyega (“They Cloned Tyrone”). This is essentially a murderer’s row of the best Black actors in the world. Men who routinely deliver unforgettable work, but aren’t always recognized by mainstream awards shows and critics.
As star-studded and awe-inspiring as those names are, Supporting Actor might be even more impressive. Colman Domingo (“The Color Purple”), Corey Hawkins (“The Color Purple”), Glynn Turman (“Rustin”) and Jamie Foxx (“They Cloned Tyrone”), join Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown (“American Fiction”). When you have an actual legend alongside award winners and multi-hyphenate generational talents, you know this is a lineup you won’t get at just any show. Seriously, this might be too much Black Excellence for one category.
Television
In the TV categories, “Abbott Elementary” received its usual avalanche of nominations. However, it’s really exciting to see “Harlem,” “Survival of the Thickest,” “The Neighborhood” and “UnPrisoned” also nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series. In fact, Netflix’s underrated gem “Survival of the Thickest” received nods for Actor, Actress, Breakthrough Creative (Television) and Guest Performance. I hope Michelle Buteau enjoys her well-deserved victory lap.
In what might be our favorite nomination on the entire list, Michael B. Jordan got a nod for Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series for his hilarious hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live.” We didn’t know he had those comedy chops, but now that we do, we expect to see him in a grown folks rom-com very soon.
Entertainer of the Year
Colman Domingo; Fantasia Barrino; Halle Bailey; Keke Palmer; and Usher are the stars up for Entertainer of the Year. You can’t argue with any of those names, as they all had a truly fantastic 2023. We don’t know what Usher has planned for the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, but whatever it is will probably seal the deal on this fan voted award.
The 55th NAACP Image Awards air live at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 on CBS.