By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --The civil rights drama "Selma" won top honors at the NAACP Image Awards in a ceremony that took sharp notice of snubs of African-American artists and their work by the Oscars.
"This is more than a movie," Oprah Winfrey, who was a "Selma" producer and appeared in it, said Friday in accepting the trophy for outstanding motion picture. "It's important that we all know who we are so we know where we're going, and claiming the glory."
"Selma," which dramatizes events surrounding the 1965 Alabama voting rights marches led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., also captured best actor honors for David Oyelowo, who played King.
"I want to take this opportunity to say I thank the Lord I was able to play one of the most transcendent human beings who ever walked the planet," Oyelowo said.
Awards host Anthony Anderson, the "black-ish" star whose freshman ABC sitcom was a big TV winner Friday, opened the night with a jab at the Academy Awards, which this year has an all-white slate of acting nominees.
The critically acclaimed "Selma," although a best-picture and best-song nominee at the Feb. 22 Oscars, failed to garner bids for Oyelowo or director Ava DuVernay. In January, it received a Golden Globe award for best song.
"People are up in arms because they feel the other award shows have snubbed us. So what. We've got our own show, right?" Anderson said. He then launched into a number that included the lyrics: "Writing, directing, no respect from this city," and a refrain, "Forget the Oscars, hallelujah," the Emmys and Golden Globes.
Taraji P. Henson was a double winner: she was named best actress in a movie for "No Good Deed" and entertainer of the year. Henson, star of the new Fox midseason hit "Empire, is enjoying an especially good 2015.
On the TV side, Anderson won the award for best comedy series actor for "black-ish," which was honored as best comedy series and captured a best actress trophy for Tracee Ellis Ross.
"To be able to do show about raising our black families every day is a blessing," said "black-ish" creator and producer Kenya Barris.
"How to Get Away with Murder" was named best drama series, with star Viola Davis named best actress in a drama. "Criminal Minds" star Shemar Moore was named best actor in a drama series.
Spike Lee received the NAACP President's Award, which recognizes those who have combined career success and public service. In his speech, the filmmaker addressed the obstacles facing blacks.
"This stuff is rigged. It's not set up for us to win. It's always been like that. Since we were stolen from mother Africa … we always find to make a way," he said, lifting his trophy.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the first African-American to hold that office, accepted the NAACP Chairman's Award honoring distinguished public service.
He said he was honored to carry on the Justice Department's legacy that included ensuring "the most sacred of American rights, the right to vote." Holder, who is leaving the job after six years, called on the nation to "reject the forces of hate and division."
Veteran music industry executive Clive Davis, who nurtured the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys, received the Vanguard Award, which recognizes work that increases understanding of racial and social issues.
He realized early in his career that African-Americans were being "pigeon-holed" as R&B artists and losing out on financial and career opportunities because of that, Davis said. He said he was proud to be honored for his efforts to help black artists reach their full potential.
The 46th NAACP Image Awards, given by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People civil rights group, aired on TV One.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this yearโs AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckisโ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwoodโs Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
โAt the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,โ said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. โWe look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.โ
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraรญn, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the worldโs most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More