2012, 43rd NAACP Image Awards - TV

The 43rd NAACP Image Awards

Dazzles Again!

By Rych McCain, International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist

Photos by Earl Gibson

KeKe Palmer wins her 4th Image Award

     Once again it was that time of year when the best of the best come together to celebrate red carpet fashion and bling; reunion and camaraderie amongst friends, peers and colleagues and recognize great artistic achievements by people of color. Of course we are describing the 43^rd NAACP Image Awards which broadcast live, Friday, Feb 17, 2012, on the NBC/Universal Network from the famed Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The red carpet arrivals were on fire with excitement from all of the dazzling gowns and bling. One of the highlights was the presence of a group of Tuskegee Fighter Pilots from Word War II. Even though they are well in their 80’s, these distinguished American war heroes drew the applause and admiration from the beginning to the end of the red carpet. They were greeted the same way during the telecast.       

     The two hour live special was hosted by Sanaa Latham and Anthony Mackie. Special awards that were given included the NAACP Vanguard Award to film maker George Lucas; the NAACP Chairman’s Awards to Radio One/TV One Founder Cathy Hughes and the NAACP President’s Award to The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association. Some of the individual award highlights included Regina King for “Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series,” KeKe Palmer who collected her fourth Image Award for “Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Series or Special” and of course “The Help” for “Outstanding Motion Picture,” Viola Davis for “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Pictures for “the Help” and Octavia Spencer from “The Help” for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.”      

     Performing for the evening gala was Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin, Ne-Yo, Jennifer Hudson and a moving tribute to the late Whitney Houston by Yolanda Adams who took it home and had church. After the cameras went to break, one choir member decided to breakout in a holy dance a ski bit but nobody really got into him so he faked calming down. Not everybody is impressed with that kind of carrying on in a crowd like that. Highlights also included the pairing of Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson and Diahann Carroll as presenters. They are definitely up in age but the love and respect for them as Black Afrikan sho-biz royalty was at a favor pitch high via the overwhelming, rousting, standing ovation they received upon coming out to the podium . For a complete list of the winners go to www.naacpimageawards.net

                 

© 2012 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM

 (You DID Hear It From Me)!

E-Mail: feedbackrych@sbcglobal.net