Funny man Anthony Anderson was on hand at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to host the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards as Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave dominated the film categories winning four awards. Steve McQueen won the award for best director while John Ridley won for best writing. Actress Lupita Nyong’o won in the supporting actress category and 12 Years a Slave walked away with the trophy for outstanding motion picture.
"It's been a historical year in film for all of us in this room, and I'm so proud to be a part of that history," Nyong'o told ABC. "It's such an honor to be recognized for a film that has meant so much to so many people, a film that has inspired discourse long overdue."
Forest Whitaker won best actor in a motion picture for Lee Daniel’s The Butler and was honored with the NAACP Chairman’s Award as well.
"All I've tried to do with my life and work is to deeper my connection with humanity,” said Whitaker, “so I've lived by the words of an old Nat King Cole song my daddy used to play on his stereo, which is, 'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.’”
Kevin Hart has been on a hot streak for over a year, winning entertainer of the year while his faux reality show Real Husbands of Hollywood won outstanding comedy series. The lovely and talented Kerry Washington was on hand with baby-in-belly to snag her award for outstanding actress in a drama for her role as Olivia Pope on Scandal. It was her fifth Image Award overall.
The Steve Harvey Show won for best TV talk show, and David Oyelowo grabbed the award for best supporting actor in a motion picture for Lee Daniels' The Butler.
Multimedia megalith Oprah Winfrey and soul singer Stevie Wonder were both present to pay homage to the late human rights icon Nelson Mandela.
"We can each reflect, I do believe, the greatness he inspired in all of us," said Winfrey. "I have to say sitting at his funeral and watching that casket go into the ground, I miss him dearly. I want you all to know that his life was an example to us all."
Here’s an abbreviated list of Image Award winners.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Real Husbands of Hollywood
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Kevin Hart – Real Husbands of Hollywood
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Wendy Raquel Robinson – The Game
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Morris Chestnut – Nurse Jackie
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Brandy Norwood – The Game
Outstanding Drama Series
Scandal
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
LL Cool J – NCIS: Los Angeles
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Kerry Washington – Scandal
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Joe Morton – Scandal
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Taraji P. Henson – Person of Interest
Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Being Mary Jane
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Idris Elba – Luther
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Gabrielle Union – Being Mary Jane
Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Kristoff St. John – The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Tatyana Ali – The Young and the Restless
Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)
The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Outstanding Talk Series
Steve Harvey
Outstanding Reality Series
Iyanla: Fix My Life
Outstanding Variety Series or Special
Black Girls Rock!