2023 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Most Unforgettable Ceremony Hosts
We’re nearly a month away from the 2023 NAACP Image Awards, and we’re looking back on some of our favorite winning moments, musical performances, and the hosts who keep the night filled with entertainment and laughter.
For the last nine years, award-winning actor Anthony Anderson has taken on hosting duties, making him the longest-running host in the ceremony’s history. However, the black'ish star isn’t the only emcee who cemented his spot in hosting history thanks to his comedic stylings. So, in honor of this year’s celebration of Black Hollywood and excellence, here are five of our most unforgettable hosts.
Anthony Anderson
Award-winning actor Anthony Anderson has been proudly taking on hosting duties for the NAACP Image Awards since 2014, when he was first announced as host of the 45th annual event. The Blackish star is the longest-running host in NAACP history, boosting an impressive nine years of jokes and entertaining antics under his belt.
Chris Tucker
Veteran comedian Chris Tucker may not have almost a decade's worth of NAACP hosting duties on his resume, but he’s kept viewers well entertained for two years in a row in 2001 and 2002 at the 32nd and 33rd annual events. The funnyman would make another appearance three years later for the 36th ceremony.
Whitney Houston / Denzel Washington
The music and acting world reunited when Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and the late singing icon Whitney Houston hosted the 27th annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1996.
Washington initially co-hosted the annual celebration of Black excellence with renowned choreographer Debbie Allen in 1986 and 1987.
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The Cast of Girlfriends
Actresses Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and Jill Marie Jones, better known as the cast from the hit television series Girlfriends, took on hosting duties on March 6, 2004.
Steve Harvey
Legendary comedian Steve Harvey has made a successful career hosting various television shows, including Family Feud and the Miss Universe contest. In 2013, the veteran Hollywood star brought those talents to the 44th annual NAACP Image Awards.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
