The 53rd NAACP Image Awards is Set to Air on BET in February

The NAACP Image Awards will return for its 53rd year in February, live, and will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories. Submissions for the ceremony are open now.

As the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African American perspective, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color across more than 80 competitive categories spanning film, television + streaming, music, literature, and podcasts.

The 53^rd NAACP Image Awards will also include four new podcast categories:  Outstanding News and Information Podcast; Outstanding Lifestyle / Self-Help Podcast; Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast; and Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Podcast.

“Black artists over the past year have not only showcased our history and uplifted values of progressive change, but have also redefined genres and brought our stories to the screen in so many creative ways,” President and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson said. “Now more than ever, we need Black voices to push the envelope, educate, and inspire audiences around the world. We’re proud to once again provide a space that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 53^rd NAACP Image Awards.”

NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories February 21- February 23, which will stream on www.naacpimageawards.net and during the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which will be held February 25 in Los Angeles.

“BET is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP and amplify their efforts to honor the extraordinary contributions made by the Black community,” BET President Scott Mills said. “We look forward to recognizing Black excellence at this year’s Image Awards on all of our platforms, celebrating those who help tell our distinctive stories in empowering and engaging ways.” 

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean Page, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

Presented by Wells Fargo and sponsored by FedEx, the 53rd NAACP Image Awards will broadcast on BET live, Feb. 26, 8 p.m. est/ 5 p.m. pt. Nominees will be announced on January 11, 2022.