Viola Davis receives a prestigious president

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Viola Davis gave a powerful speech about self-esteem, resilience and collective progress on stage at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Saturday night, telling the audience that personal and national growth requires confronting truth and hardship.

“There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one’s truth,” Davis said after receiving the NAACP President’s Award at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, near Los Angeles. “Either we move forward together or we don’t move forward at all.”

The Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner reflected on her journey from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success, saying, “I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was important.”

Davis, 60, has earned widespread praise for his performances in films such as “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Doubt,” as well as captivating television audiences in the legal drama “How to Get Away With Murder.” He achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy for the audiobook version of his memoir, “Finding Me,” as well as two Tony Awards, an Emmy and an Academy Award for the film adaptation of “Fences.”

“No one can describe the journey from the chocolate girl searching for hope,” Davis said, “to the girl living a transcendent life.”

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Deon Cole opens ceremony with biting jokes and BAFTA jab

The ceremony began with host Deon Cole mixing sharp political humor with pointed cultural commentary, including a censored comment referencing immigration enforcement and a nod to the recent awards season disruption involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the British Academy Film Awards.

Cole’s monologue drew strong reactions from the crowd as he joked about removing anything associated with “ICE” from the guest list before transitioning into a comedic prayer segment touching on current celebrities and headlines.

The actor and comedian then referenced the BAFTAs disruption, which occurred on February 21 when Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson shouted a racial slur into the audience while Jordan and Lindo presented during a ceremony that had been pre-recorded earlier in the day.

In his live monologue, Cole humorously warned anyone prone to inappropriate outbursts.

“If there are any white men in the audience with Tourette syndrome, I advise you to tell him he can read the room tonight,” he joked.

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The ceremony, which highlighted black achievements in film, television, music and literature, featured appearances by Regina Hall and other presenters, with top honors and competitive awards throughout the night.

Hall presented the first award of the night to Miles Caton, who accepted the trophy for outstanding performance in a motion picture for “Sinners.” Before presenting the award, Hall also recognized Caton’s “Sinners” co-stars, Jordan and Lindo, and praised their composure.

“I’d like to take a moment for the two kings who are in this audience and send them a lot of love for their class,” Hall said.

“Sinners,” Ryan Coogler’s thrilling supernatural thriller, led the awards in the film categories with 18 nominations.

Also on the evening’s agenda was a tribute to Colman Domingo, honored with the President’s Award.

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jackson remembered

The ceremony also honored Reverend Jesse Jackson and his decades of activism and influence in American politics, culture and social justice movements.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson paid a heartfelt tribute recognizing the legacy of the civil rights leader, who died on February 17 at the age of 84.

A protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate, Jackson rose to national prominence during the Civil Rights Movement and continued to advocate for marginalized communities for decades through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

From voting rights and education to economic inclusion, she pressured corporations and political leaders to expand opportunities for African Americans while promoting self-esteem and empowerment.

Its long-held message – “I am somebody” – became a rallying cry across generations, emphasizing dignity and possibility regardless of circumstances.

The tribute drew applause from the audience, underscoring the lasting impact of Jackson’s leadership across multiple generations.