Rihanna called for unity as she won the President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards on Saturday (22.02.20).
The 32-year-old singer was handed the prestigious accolade during the ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center in recognition of her “groundbreaking career as an artist and musician”, as well as being a “stellar public servant”.
During her appearance at the show – which honors the achievements of people of color in motion pictures, TV, music, and literature – Rihanna said: “I’m going to try to keep this simple because tonight really isn’t about me.
“Because the purpose is bigger than me … My part is a very small part of the work that’s being done in this world – and the work that’s yet to be done.”
The chart-topping singer then reflected on her philanthropic efforts.
She said: “If there’s anything that I’ve learned, we can only fix this world together. We can’t do it divided. I cannot emphasize that enough.
Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Ella Fitzgerald, Kerry Washington, and Spike Lee.
Elsewhere, Lizzo was named the Entertainer of the Year, has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 12 months. The 31-year-old star overcame competition from Angela Basset, Billy Porter, Regina King, and Tyler Perry to win the coveted gong.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan won the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture prize for his performances in ‘Just Mercy’.
Michael’s co-star Jamie Foxx beat the likes of Leslie Odom, Wesley Snipes, Tituss Burgess, and Sterling K. Brown to win the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture accolade.
Lupita Nyong’o won the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her performance in ‘Us’, seeing off competition from Alfre Woodard, Cynthia Erivo, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Naomie Harris to claim the gong.
What’s more, ‘Little’ Star Marsai Martin was named the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, as well as being the winner of the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture prize.
Here is the full list of NAACP Image Awards winners:
Outstanding Motion Picture: Just Mercy
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: Michael B Jordan
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Lupita Nyong’o
Entertainer of the Year: Lizzo
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Jamie Foxx
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Marsai Martin
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in Motion Picture: Marsai Martin
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture: Just Mercy
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture: Dolemite is My Name
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: James Earl Jones
Outstanding Comedy Series: Black-ish
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: Anthony Anderson
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: Tracee Ellis Ross
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Deon Cole
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Marsai Martin
Outstanding Drama Series: Greenleaf
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Omari Hardwick
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Angela Bassett
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Harold Perrineau
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Lynn Whitfield
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special:
When They See Us
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special: Jharrel Jerome
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special: Niecy Nash
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: Anya Adams
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series: 50 Cent
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television): Rashid Johnson
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film): Chiwetel Ejiofor
Outstanding Album: Beyonce
Outstanding New Artist: Lil Nas X
Outstanding Male Artist: Bruno Mars
Outstanding Female Artist: Beyonce
