“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” received 12 NAACP Image Award nominations on Thursday, while “The Woman King” and “Abbott Elementary” will also be among the top nominees at next month’s ceremony.
The sequel to “Black Panther,” which was a box office success, led all film nominees. The Marvel film delves into Wakanda’s grief following the death of T’Challa, a character played by Chadwick Boseman who died in 2020.
“The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis, and the ABC television series “Abbott Elementary,” starring Quinta Brunson, both received nine nominations. Davis and Brunson are among the nominees for entertainer of the year, which also includes Mary J. Blige, Zendaya, and Angela Bassett.
The awards, which honour entertainers and writers of colour, will be broadcast live from Pasadena, California, on BET on February 25 at 8 p.m. EST. For the first time in three years, the two-hour show will be performed in front of an audience.
“This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and diverse experiences that have resonated with many in our community,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “We are honoured to recognise their exceptional achievements and performances.”
“Wakanda Forever” and “The Woman King,” along with “A Jazzman’s Blues,” “Till,” and “Emancipation,” will compete for best motion picture.
ABC led the pack with 28 nominations thanks to “Abbott Elementary,” “Black-ish,” and “The Wonder Years.”
Netflix, the streaming giant, was nominated for 15 awards. In the literary categories, RCA Records/RCA Inspiration received 11 nominations, while Penguin Random House and HarperCollins Publisher received nine. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar both received five nominations in the music category.
“We take pride in recognising this year’s esteemed nominees’ trailblazing achievements and artistry, as well as celebrating the powerful legacy of the NAACP,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming, and music strategy at BET. “We are excited to bring the Image Awards back to Pasadena and deliver unforgettable moments that epitomise the brilliance of the Black community.”
