Los Angeles (AFP) – Viola Davis He gave a powerful speech about self-worth, resilience and collective progress on the 57th NAACP Image Awards Saturday night stage, telling the audience that personal and national growth requires facing truth and hardship.
“There is no becoming without healing and without radical acceptance of one’s truth,” Davis said after receiving the NAACP President’s Award at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium near Los Angeles. “We either move forward together or we don’t move at all.”
The Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner spoke about her journey from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success, saying: “I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it mattered.”
Davis, 60, has won widespread acclaim for his performances in films including “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Doubt,” and also captured the attention of television viewers in the legal drama “How to Get Away With Murder.” She achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy Award for the audiobook version of her memoir “Finding Me,” as well as two Tony Awards, an Emmy Award, and an Academy Award for “Fences.”
“No one can describe the journey of going from the little chocolate girl searching for hope, to the girl living a transcendent life,” Davis said.
The party started with the host Dion Cole Mixing sharp political humor with pointed cultural commentary, including a censored jab at immigration enforcement and a nod to the recent awards season turmoil that included… Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo in British Academy Film Awards.
Cole’s monologue elicited loud reactions from the audience when he joked about removing anything associated with “ICE” from the guest list before segueing into a comedic prayer segment touching on celebrities and current headlines.
The comedian then referred to the BAFTA upset, which occurred on February 21 when A.J Racial slurs were shouted from the audience by Tourette syndrome supporter John Davidson as Jordan and Lindo performed during a pre-recorded concert earlier in the day.
In his direct monologue, Cole humorously gave his warning to anyone prone to inappropriate outbursts.
“If there are any white men here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight,” he joked.
The ceremony highlighted black achievements in film, television, music and literature, and featured appearances from Regina Hall and other presenters, with grand honors and competitive prizes throughout the evening.
Hall presented the top award of the night to Miles Caton, who accepted the award for his outstanding performance in Sinners. Before handing out the award, Hall also recognized Caton’s “Sinners” co-stars Jordan and Lindo, praising their composure.
“I would like to take a moment with the two kings in this audience and send you so much love for your class,” Hall said.
“Sinners,” director Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller, led the awards in the film categories with 18 nominations.
Honoring was also on the evening’s agenda Coleman DomingoHe was honored with the President’s Award.
The ceremony was also honored Rev. Jesse Jackson and his decades of activism and influence on American politics, culture, and social justice movements.
actor Samuel L. Jackson He gave a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the civil rights leader, who died on February 17 at age 84.
A disciple of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and twice Presidential candidateJackson rose to national prominence during the civil rights movement and continued to advocate for marginalized communities for decades through the Rainbow/PUSH coalition.
From voting rights and education to economic inclusion, he has pushed corporations and political leaders to expand opportunities for Black Americans while promoting self-worth and empowerment.
His long message — “I’m Somebody” — became a rallying cry across generations, affirming dignity and possibility no matter the circumstances.
The honor was met with applause from the audience, underscoring the lasting impact of Jackson’s leadership on multiple generations.