2023 NAACP Image Awards: A Look Back at Some of Our Most Memorable Female Hosts
Hollywood veteran Queen Latifah ushered in a new era of the NAACP Image Awards after becoming the first female to host the annual event in nearly a decade after actor Anthony Anderson took the role in 2014.
Now that the celebration is over, we’re looking back at some of our most memorable moments, wins, speeches, and everything in between. So in honor of this year’s ceremony, we’re looking back at some of our most unforgettable female hosts.
Jayne Kennedy
Actress, model, producer, and philanthropist Jayne Kennedy Overton became the first Black woman to host the NAACP Image Awards in 1982. The multi-talented star shared her hosting duties with actors George Peppared and Michale Warren.
Debbie Allen
Legendary actress and choreographer Debbie Allen initially hosted the ceremony in 1986 alongside Academy award-winner Denzel Washington. The duo returned the following year to host the annual event.
The cast of Girlfriends
In 2004, the NAACP Image Awards had not one but four hosts for the 35th annual event. The cast of the hit series Girlfriends—Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and Jill Maire Jones—held it down before passing the hosting baton to comedian Chris Tucker the following year.
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Halle Berry
In 2009 Academy Award-winner Halle Berry shared her hosting duties with another Hollywood giant—Tyler Perry, while actress and singer Jennifer Hudson took home several awards, including “Outstanding Album,” “Outstanding New Artist,” and more.
Queen Latifah
Actress, emcee, and producer Queen Latifah helped make this year’s NAACP Image Awards another fantastic celebration in the books for Black Hollywood and culture.
