2020 NAACP Image Awards to Air on February 22

As the countdown continues before the NAACP Image Awards air on BET at 8:00 p.m. on February 22, “armchair judges” continue to speculate on the winners. The history of these prestigious awards has its origins in 1962 when the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch of the NAACP was founded, specifically to address racial inequality in the entertainment industry. Sammy Davis Jr. allowed the NAACP to use his Beverly Hills address, making it possible to obtain the charter for the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch.

Today’s Image Awards include 60 categories, a far cry from the original two categories. The Awards recognize not only achievements in film, television, music, and literature but also the achievements of people of color who use their creative endeavors to promote social justice.

The coveted “Entertainer of the Year” category includes such luminaries as Angela Bassett, Regina King, Tyler Perry, Lizzo, and Billy Porter. “Outstanding Motion Picture” titles include “Harriett,” “Just Mercy,” “Dolemite is My Name,” “Queen & Slim”, and “Us.” Outstanding Actors and Actresses, Outstanding Supporting Actors and Actresses, Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, and Outstanding Ensemble Cast are only a few more categories that will surely have viewers on the edge of their seats during the February 22 broadcast.