Queen Latifah Returns To Host 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards Honoring Amanda Gorman And June Ambrose

Queen Latifah is returning to host the NAACP Image Awards for the second year in a row.

The legendary actress, artist, and entrepreneur will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 55th annual award show that will honor Amanda Gorman and June Ambrose, among many others. The awards will premiere live on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.

The NAACP Image Awards announced the news on Tuesday, March 5. With Queen Latifah as host, Gorman will receive the prestigious Chairmain’s Award for her work as an award-winning writer, inaugural poet, and activist. Ambrose will receive the Vanguard Award for her prominence as an award-winning creative director and costume designer.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host! We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman and fashion icon June Ambrose for their tremendous impact on culture,” Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET said.

“Queen Latifah, NAACP, and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity, and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different.”

The Chairman’s Award is granted to individuals who exhibit outstanding public service and leverage their respective platforms to foster catalysts for positive change. Gorman’s honor with the distinguished award follows that of U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

“Amanda Gorman stands as one of the brightest young voices in our nation and has emerged as a formidable force inspiring a new generation of leaders towards transformative change through her advocacy efforts and poetic brilliance,” Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors said.

“With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to positive change, Gorman continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and social landscape, proving that words have the power to shape a better future.”

All the while June Ambrose will be celebrated for her decades of creating iconic looks for some of the biggest names in music, film, and sports, and her prowess as a businesswoman.

As a fashion icon and cultural pioneer, June Ambrose has not only shaped the visual landscape of pop culture but has also elevated the conversation around the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of fashion and entertainment,” Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Image Awards Committee said.

“Her multifaceted contributions have left an enduring legacy that transcends fashion, paving the way for a more representative and dynamic industry.”

Along with Gorman and Ambrose, some categories for the 2024 NAACP Image Awards will be televised. Those who won’t be televised will be recognized March 11-13th during the Awards Dinner on March 14th and Fashion Show on March 15th.

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