2022 NAACP Image Awards: See Which One of Your Favorite Stars Landed the Nomination for ‘Entertainer of the Year’
Nearly 54 years ago, the NAACP began honoring Black talent in Hollywood with their annual Image Awards, recognizing outstanding performances in film, television, theatre, music, and literature.
The night also awards those whose contributions to the industry and community are so impactful that they need their own special segment. These trophies include the “President’s Award” for distinguished public service, the “Hall of Fame Award”, which was last awarded to comedian and actor Eddie Murphy.
As we prepare for another fantastic award ceremony, check out the stars nominated for this year’s “Entertainer of the Year” award.
Lil Nas X
On the heels of celebrating the release of his debut full-length album Montero, in a year that was more uncertain than the last, one thing was for sure, 2021 was definitely Lil Nas X’s year. With tracks like "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby," featuring Jack Harlow that topped Billboard's pop singles chart, X proved he wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and trust where his creativity took him whether it made sense to folks or not. It’s no surprise he’s been nominated for “Entertainer of the Year.”
Megan Thee Stallion
Captain of the hotties proved just why she’s our number one hot girl. In 2021, the Houston hottie dropped an explosive visual for her blazing hit single “Thot Sh*t,” dabbled in both self-love and romance while encouraging young girls it’s ok to do both, but perhaps most impressively, she graduated from Texas Southern University, proving that you can achieve anything in due time and with patience.
Regina King
Regina King is dominating the entertainment industry one project at a time. After making her directorial debut in 2020 with One Night in Miami, King returned brighter than ever, but this time in front of the camera as Trudy Smith in the Netflix Black western, The Harder They Fall. King has been an inspiration to fans and peers alike since starting her career in the Hollywood in the mid 80s, her talent and contribution makes her the perfect candidate for “Entertainer of the Year.”
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Tiffany Haddish
Haddish is a burst of energy in any project she takes part of. In the relatively short period since fans have been introduced to her work, Haddish has already proven she isn’t just a one trick pony by becoming the first Black woman to win a Grammy in the “Best Comedy Album” category since her self-appointed mentor and legendary actress Whoopi “EGOT” Goldberg in 1986.
Jennifer Hudson
When you’re hand-picked by the legendary Aretha Franklin herself to portray her in a biopic, you know you must be doing something right. Fans were given the unique opportunity to watch Hudson’s star shine brighter each year since her earlier days as a contestant on the hit reality music competition show American Idol.
Although she finished in seventh place, the actress persisted in making it big in the entertainment industry—and that she did—earning several accolades in both music and acting. Her powerhouse performance in the movies like Dreamgirls, which earned her anOscar win, and her even more riveting vocal ability she displayed while singing some of Franklin’s greatest hits easily make her the entertainer of the year to beat.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 8/9c.
