By Jonathan Landrum Jr., Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --Usher was named entertainer of the year at the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday night, which highlighted works by entertainers and writers of color.
After Usher accepted his award at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the superstar R&B singer spoke about being thankful about the journey of his successful career that has lasted three decades.
He reeled off several of his recent big moments including his sold-out residency in Las Vegas, getting married, releasing his ninth studio album "Coming Home" and his Super Bowl halftime performance, which became the most-watched in the game's history.
Usher beat out Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer.
"I don't know how many people do that much stuff in one setting," said the multi-Grammy winner, who was presented the award by Oprah Winfrey. After being surprised by Winfrey's presence, he thanked those who have supported him throughout the years.
"This is for you, you, my number ones," the singer said as the audience repeated his words back to him. The final words of his speech were recited lyrics from his popular song "Superstar" from his 2024 album "Confessions," which has sold more than 10 million units in the U.S.
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President's Award for the singer's public service achievements through his New Look Foundation. He thanked the strong women in his life, including his mother and wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl halftime performance last month.
"The say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman," he said.
Queen Latifah hosted the awards ceremony aired live on BET.
"The Color Purple" was awarded best motion picture. The musical film featured star-studded cast including Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Domingo, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins and Bailey.
Barrino, who starred as Celie in the film, won for best actress in a motion picture.
"I didn't prepare a speech, because I didn't think I was going to win," the singer-actor said. "I was afraid to play Celie, but I'm glad I did. Because I kept saying 'If I don't win an award, the awards that I will win will come from the people who watched 'Color Purple' and the women who will relate to her and feel like Oscars when they walk out.'"
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
"We stand here in brotherhood," said Michael Bivins while his group members behind him. The Grammy-nominated group includes Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Ricky Bell.
"You've seen our story. You know what we've been through," said Bivins, who spoke about the group overcoming conflict and tension in their earlier years to now holding a residency in Las Vegas.
"But we call each other every day," he continued. "We text each other every day. We check on our families. You watched us grow up. We're still growing."
Damson Idris won best actor in a drama television series for his role in "Snowfall." Henson and Domingo took home best supporting roles in "The Color Purple." Domingo also won best actor in a motion picture for his role in "Rustin."
SCHROM x Yacht Club and Be Electric Studios Launch Electric XR for Virtual Production
SCHROM x Yacht Club, a full-service live-action, tabletop, and postproduction company, has teamed with Be Electric Studios, a soundstage, equipment rental, and virtual production company, to launch Electric XR, a virtual production collective.
Industry veteran Thomas Rossano will lead the new venture, which provides advanced virtual production solutions across multiple facilities. He brings over 25 years of experience in live-action, tabletop, postproduction and talent curation to enhance Electric XR’s offerings as a resource for brands and agencies, as well as other production companies in need of virtual production solutions. Additionally Rossano continues to serve as EP at XR New York (XR-NY), a role he’s held since December 2022. SCHROM x Yacht Club originally established XR-NY to help provide XR services for third-party rentals. While XR-NY will continue to function independently for SCHROM X Yacht Club, it now operates under the Electric XR umbrella.
Rossano’s expertise spans producing live-action commercials, branded content, interactive and experiential content. In addition to leading Electric XR, he holds responsibilities at SCHROM x Yacht Club which include driving business development, collaborating with sales reps and expanding the company’s creative talent network. Rossano’s career includes serving as an exec producer at Hungry Man for about 11 years, right from that company’s inception. He then went on to become a partner at Station Film where he also had a lengthy tenure. Later he was a partner at PRISM. Then after the pandemic hit, he became a freelance EP for nearly two years, looking into opportunities in virtual production, which led him to XR NY and now Electric XR. Over the years, he has produced high-profile... Read More