The New 411
The NAACP recently announced that Anthony Anderson is set to return as host for the 50th NAACP Image Awards. Anderson is a two-time NAACP Image Awards Winner for his role on Black-ish and will be hosting the show for the sixth consecutive year. Winners for the 50th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special airing on TV One on Saturday, March 30, at 9 p.m./8 p.m. (central) from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Anderson is currently the star and Executive Producer of ABC’s multi-award-winning sitcom, Black-ish, a four-time NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, and Anderson is also set to star in the upcoming Netflix film “Beats.”
“We are pleased to have Anthony as our host for our 50th Anniversary. Anthony’s charisma on stage has won over our audience and continues to bring in new viewers every year. As we recognize the best of the best artists for their accomplishments over the past year, we couldn’t be more proud to do so with Anthony by our side,” said President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
In addition to the live telecast, TV One will air the 50th NAACP Image Awards Tribute Special, sponsored by Toyota, immediately preceding the show at 8 p.m./7 p.m. (central). The tribute special honors this year’s nominees, past winners and significant moments. Hosted by Urban One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, the special features in-depth, one-on-one conversations with director/actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield; singer/actor John Legend; actor Stephan James; actress Loretta Devine; music industry legend Clarence Avant; soul singer Kenny Lattimore, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The network will provide promotional support for both programs on TV One, Radio One and Reach Media, Interactive One, and via a multi-platform marketing campaign.
Voting, which was open to the public for all general categories of the 50th NAACP Image Awards, closed on March 13. Voting was also held for the Entertainer of the Year, who will be announced during the 50th NAACP Image Awards live telecast.
In addition to the traditional awards categories, Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award, bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.
The 50th NAACP Image Awards production team includes: Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin; Director Tony McCuin; Co-Executive Producer Byron Phillips; Producer Robin Reinhardt; and Executive in Charge of Production Rachel Frimer.
For all information and the latest news, visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at www.naacpimageawards.net or on Facebook at naacpimageaward and Twitter @naacpimageaward (#ImageAwards50).
