By Derrik J. Lang, Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --It was a total knockout for Michael B. Jordan at the NAACP Image Awards in a ceremony that took several jabs at Hollywood for the lack of racial diversity.
The star of the boxing drama "Creed" was honored Friday as both the entertainer of the year and outstanding actor in a motion picture for his role as Apollo Creed's son.
"I used to sneak into the Image Awards, and now I'm standing here as the entertainer of the year, which is mind-blowing," he said.
"Straight Outta Compton," which tells the story of the pioneering rap group N.W.A., picked up the outstanding motion picture prize.
"I want to thank the NAACP for this because without you riding for us for the last 100 years, we would not be standing here," director F. Gary Gray said.
Image Awards host Anthony Anderson kicked off the ceremony by invoking N.W.A. for a rap about the lack of racial diversity at other awards shows.
The "black-ish" star donned a gold chain and a baseball cap with the words "Nominees With Attitude" to sing about such snubs as "Beasts of No Nation" and Jordan at the Academy Awards.
"Listen, y'all, I don't mean to sound cocky, but the movie's called 'Creed,' not 'Rocky,' " he rapped.
Anderson later joked during his opening monologue that he didn't want the Academy Awards to go overboard in response to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy by honoring a movie like "Madea Goes Trick or Treating in Compton" as best picture or handing out Kevin Harts instead of Oscars.
"Hollywood needs to know that this is what diversity is supposed to look like," a more serious Anderson told the crowd at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
When he walked on stage to present "Creed" as an outstanding motion picture contender, Sylvester Stallone was surprised to be greeted warmly by the audience.
"I certainly didn't expect that," said the "Rocky" star, who failed to recognize Jordan and "Creed" filmmaker Ryan Coogler in his acceptance speech at last month's Golden Globes. He later returned to the stage to thank them and apologized on Twitter.
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee were among this year's Image Awards attendees who said they won't attend this year's Oscar ceremony after a second year of mostly white nominees.
Despite several comments – both mocking and thoughtful – about the lack of racial diversity in Hollywood, it was mostly show business as usual for the 47th Image Awards, which are presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor people of color in entertainment.
"black-ish" swept the TV comedy categories with Anderson winning the award for outstanding actor, while the show was selected as outstanding comedy series and his co-star Tracee Ellis Ross was honored as outstanding actress.
On the TV drama side, "Empire" dominated with wins for outstanding drama series, actor and actress for Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.
"We don't need to ask for acceptance from anyone," Henson said. "We are enough."
Sanaa Lathan was awarded the trophy for best actress in a motion picture for her role as a terrorized lobbyist in "The Perfect Guy."
John Legend received the NAACP President's Award, which recognizes those who have achieved career success and public service. In his speech, the singer-songwriter lauded activists who fight for social justice.
"Despite the daunting problems, I am hopeful that our generation will demand and achieve radical change in our lifetime," said Legend after he performed "All of Me."
For the first time, the NAACP Chairman's Award, which honors distinguished public service, was presented to eight recipients, including pastor Jamal Bryant, "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett and the activist group Concerned Student Collective 1950 at the University of Missouri, Columbia. The winners joined together on stage with their fists raised in the air.
"I think Hollywood should take notes from this awards show," said "Scandal" actor Guillermo Diaz on the red carpet before the show.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More