The 38th annual NAACP Image Awards took place Friday March 2, 2007 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The two hour event was broadcasted live for the first time. LL Cool J a NAACP Image Award winner and a two time Grammy Award winner hosted the event. The event started with a performance by Leelah James and the Image Award Dancers.
Forest Whitaker's and Jennifer Hudson's Oscars have a new friend to keep them company. The two both received an NAACP Image Award at Friday's event.
Whitaker received an Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in "The Last King of Scotland." In his acceptance speech Whitaker noted that winning the award is one of his blessings and gifts he has received. "One of the most special gifts was being able to go back to Africa and touch my roots," said Whitaker.
American Idol's Randy Jackson and Smokie Robinson presented the first award of the program to Hudson. Hudson received an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in "Dreamgirls." "You are the people that I have always admired and looked up to as beautiful black women. So it's an honor to be in the same category with you ladies," said Hudson to the other actresses nominated for the award. Hudson dedicated her award to Anika Noni Rose who was also nominated for the award. Rose was one of Hudson's colleagues in "Dreamgirls." Hudson also thanked Jackson for choosing her as a "wildflower," on American Idol.
Djimon Hounson won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for "Blood Diamond." The other actors nominated included Harry Belafonte for "Bobby," Danny Glover for "Dreamgirls," Eddie Murphy also for "Dreamgirls," and Jaden Christopher Syre Smith for "The Pursuit of Happyness."
During the award ceremonies the NAACP Special Awards were presented. The Special Awards includes the Hall of Fame Award, the Chairman's Award, and the President's Award. NAACP President and CEO Bruce Gordon along with actress Kerri Washington presented journalist Soledad O'Brien with the President's Award. The reason were presenting this award to her is because she asks the questions no one else will ask. She stays with the story when everyone else has moved on. She is not about the sound bite, she is about the truth," said Gordon.
O'Brien is the co-anchor for "American Morning" which airs on CNN. She was born to an Afro-Cuban mother and an Australian-Irish father. Her parents believed education was very important and sent all of their six children to Harvard. While at Harvard, O'Brien earned a degree in English and American literature.
O'Brien said "it is a privilege to cover the most important stories of our times and to be a voice for people that have no voice, shine a light on places that sometimes people would prefer to ignore, to ask the uncomfortable questions." O'Brien who conducted reports for CNN's coverage of Hurricane Katrina told audience members and viewers to "please do not forget about the people of New Orleans. Think about all those people there and everywhere. They have not recovered, they are not okay," said O'Brien.
During the award ceremonies two other NAACP Special Awards were also presented. The Special Awards includes the Hall of Fame Award, the Chairman's Award, and the President's Award. Actress Raven Simone from "That's So Raven," and Keke Palmer from "Akeelah and The Bee" presented William H. Cosby with the Hall of Fame Award.
Simone received two NAACP Image awards for Children's Program and Outstanding Performance in a Children's program. Palmer won and Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. "If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be standing on this podium today. I really want to thank you for my shot. He believed in me," said Simone.
In 1965 Cosby a comedian, actor, activist, author, jazz aficionado and recording artist break came. Cosby took the role of Alexander Scott on "I Spy." Cosby was the first black actor to get a leading role on a primetime TV drama. When Cosby was giving his speech he told a story about a friend of his "Joe Black," which a majority of the audience members didn't understand and Cosby may have not understood what he said either.
Tyra Banks along with NAACP Chairman Julian Bonds presented Bono with the Chairman's Award. This award honors those in entertainment that are involved in social change. "We need the community that taught the world about civil rights to teach them something about human rights," said Bono.
In Africa 500 thousand people die each day from Aids. Bono noted that Aids is a big issue in America with the main victims of the deadly disease are African American women. Bono spoke about his One Campaign, which two million people have joined to help end poverty. "Where you live should not decided whether you live or whether you die," said Bono He also said that "we can be the generation that ends extreme poverty."
"Grey's Anatomy," received four NAACP Image Awards. The Show earned an Image award for Outstanding Drama Series. Shonda Rhimes, received an award for Writing in Drama Series for "Grey's Anatomy" "It's the End of the World." Actress Chandra Wilson won an Image award for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Isaiah Washington received an Image award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. "Last time I was up here I felt deserving of something. This time I feel extraordinary privileged," said Washington.
Ugly Betty received three Image Awards. The series was honored as the Outstanding Comedy Series. Vanessa Williams received an Image Award for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Silvio Horta als received an award for the comedy writing of "Ugly Betty."
"Girlfriends," Tracee Ellis Ross received an Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a comedy series for her role as Joan Clayton. "I love my job, I love what I do. For the last seven years I couldn't think of a better place to grow up and become women," said Ross. The actress told the audience members that she was wearing her mommy's dress as she left the stage after receiving her award. Reggie Hayes also received an Image Ward for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in "Girlfriends."
Besides the opening performance by James, the audience and viewers of the Image Awards got to see many other performers. The Roots who received an award for Outstanding Duo or Group performed. India.Arie performed "I Am Not My Hair," which won the artist an Image award for Outstanding Music Song. Mary J. Blige did not perform at the event but received two Image Awards one for Outstanding Female Artist and the second for Music Video "Be Without You."
A List of this year's winner and nominees for the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards can be found online at www.naacpimageawards.net .
(Photo: Saharra J. White) Djimon Hounson won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for "Blood Diamond."
