2022 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Times a Winner’s Speech Inspired Us
The NAACP Image Awards honors outstanding performances in film, television, theater, music, and literature and recognizes stars whose contributions have surpassed their performances on stage. Over the years, not only have these recipients continued their efforts in the community but have used their platform to encourage others to join, like when Rihanna told fellow allies to “pull up” or when Denzel Washington encouraged aspiring filmmakers not to give up while using director Barry Jenkins as a reference point.
This year’s award show is undoubtedly no different. However, before we can celebrate the best and brightest in Hollywood, here are five times a winner’s speech inspired us.
Denzel Washington - Outstanding Actor / Motion Picture
In 2017, Washington took home the NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture" for his role as Troy Maxon in the August Wilson adapted film Fences. After thanking Wilson for his artistic contribution, the veteran star used the time to speak selflessly highlighted Fellow director Barry Jenkins for his Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.
“I am particularly proud and happy about the young filmmakers, actors, singers, writers, producers that are coming up behind my generation, in particular Barry Jenkins,” Washington said. “Young people understand, this young man made 10, 15, 20 short films before he got the opportunity to make Moonlight, so never give up. Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish.”
Rihanna - President’s Award
In 2020 Grammy Award-winning singer and philanthropist Rihanna accepted one of the organization’s most prestigious honors–the President’s Award. During her acceptance speech, the “Umbrella” singer shared that if there was any she learned throughout her career was that “we can only fix this world together.”
Elsewhere she added, “We can’t do it divided. I cannot emphasize that enough. We can’t let the de-sensitivity seep in..” The successful entrepreneur called out those who were genuinely looking to make a change to “pull up.”
“I mean, how many of us in this room have colleagues and partners and friends from other races, sexes, religions? Show of hands. Well, they want to break bread with you, right? They like you? Well, then this is their problem too. So when we’re marching and protesting and posting about the Michael Brown Jr.s and Atatiana Jeffersons of the world, tell your friends to pull up.”
Lizzo - Entertainer of the Year
During the 2020 NAACP Image Award ceremony, Lizzo continued the theme of unity during her acceptance speech for Entertainer of the Year. “I just want to shout out all the big black girls I bring onstage with me. I do that because I want them to know they are the trophies,” the Grammy Award-singer said.
“Since this is the final award of the night, I don’t even want to make it about me. Every last one of you: You are the award. We are so special. We are such beautiful people. This is just a reminder of all the incredible things that we can do.”
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Tyler Perry - Chairman’s Award
Perry’s heart is perhaps as massive as the catalog of films and television series he creates. In 2010, the actor and director accepted the Chairman’s Award at the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards. The honor is bestowed to individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.
Tracee Ellis Ross - Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series
After accepting her award for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series”. The actress took a moment to share the spotlight with several of her fellow actresses and ended her speech declaring that she loved “being a part of the ever-growing chorus of Black women owning our own legacies.”
Watch the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 8/9c.
