2025 NAACP Image Awards: Kerry Washington’s Oops Moment, Keke Palmer’s Show-Stealing Riff, and Other Best Moments from This Year’s Ceremony
The 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards was a night filled with unforgettable moments, from well-deserved wins to viral-worthy surprises that had the audience in stitches. Hosted by the effortlessly hilarious Deon Cole, the ceremony celebrated the best in Black excellence across film, television, music, and beyond.
Of course, no award show is complete without a bit of chaos—just ask Kerry Washington, who hilariously second-guessed herself mid-show in an “oops” moment that instantly became meme material. Then there was Keke Palmer, proving yet again why she’s everyone’s favorite entertainer by effortlessly stealing the spotlight with a side-splitting take on Cynthia Erivo’s “Wicked” riff. From emotional tributes to unexpected hilarity, here are the standout moments that had everyone talking—and will have you hitting replay all week.
Deon Cole’s Unfiltered Opening Monologue
Host Deon Cole wasted no time setting the tone for the night, delivering a monologue that blended sharp social commentary with perfectly timed shade.
Whether poking fun at industry diversity efforts or roasting some of the nominees, Cole’s fearless approach kept the audience engaged. His best moment? A prayer with the audience as he asked, “Lord, we ask you to bless Kanye West and cover him. He went from making wonderful beats to swastika t-shirts, and Lord, we just want you to cover our brother Kanye.”
And without missing a beat, he added, “And while you’re covering him, cover his wife too, Lord. She’s been very naked down here. Bless her with a scarf, or a bow tie, or a ribbon or something!”
The comedian also poked fun at former NFL star and commentator Shannon Sharpe and his penchant for medium-sized clothing.
Quincy Jones Tribute
The late legendary Quincy Jones received a heartfelt tribute honoring his groundbreaking contributions to music, film, and culture.
The presentation featured a montage of his most iconic moments—from producing Michael Jackson’s greatest albums to scoring timeless films—while DJ D-Nice spun soundtracks produced by Jones, including Rufus and Chaka Khan’s 1979 disco classic, “Do You Love What You Feel.”
Marlon Wayans roasts his own family at the podium
The legendary Wayans family received a well-deserved induction into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, but it was Marlon Wayans who turned the heartfelt tribute into a full-on roast. While honoring his brother and comedy pioneer, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Marlon slipped into a flawless impersonation—deep voice, serious expression, and all sending the crowd (and his own family) into hysterics. Only the Wayans could turn an acceptance speech into a stand-up set.
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Keke Palmer’s spot-on Cynthia Erivo impression
Seconds after winning Fresh off winning Entertainer of the Year, Keke Palmer had the audience in stitches when she mimicked Cynthia Erivo’s now-iconic riff in the “Defying Gravity” from the movie “Wicked” during her acceptance speech. Her exaggerated (but scarily accurate) rendition had the room hollering and even got a smirk from the film’s star herself, who was also in attendance that evening. Leave it to Keke to steal the show, even when she’s not trying.
Kerry Washington’s hilarious encore
Kerry Washington took home the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in “Six Triple Eight”—but the real comedy came after.
Following an inspiring acceptance speech, the veteran actress suddenly rushed across the stage just as “Beyond the Gates” stars Clifton Davis and Karla Mosley were preparing to present, mistakenly thinking she had forgotten to thank the film’s director, Tyler Perry. However, before she could get the words out, the audience shouted in unison that she had, in fact, already thanked him in her original speech.
Embracing the moment with a laugh, Washington playfully waved and walked off,
