Grammy Award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah is returning as host for the 55th NAACP Image Awards. With the annual awards ceremony set to air on March 16, here are three reasons we can’t wait to see the Queen reign!
It’s her second time around.
Queen Latifah made her NAACP hosting debut in 2023. She had some fly moments at last year’s awards, like serenading the audience with Frank Sinatra’s “I’m Going to Live Until I Die.” No doubt the Queen will be twice as comfortable manning the stage since she’s done it once before.
She’s presiding over memorable moments.
Amanda Gorman. Image: MCCV/Shutterstock.
Hosting an awards show allows you to introduce the most memorable moments in the production. This year, Queen Latifah will announce that award-winning writer, double poet laureate and activist Amanda Gorman will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, presented to individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their platforms to create change. Gorman, who performed at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, joins prestigious former honorees like Samuel L. Jackson, Ruby Dee, U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Tyler Perry.
She’s up for an award!
The Equalizer. Image: Barbara Nitke/CBS.
Queen Latifah isn’t just the night’s host … she’s a nominee in the Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series category for her work on The Equalizer, which she also produces. It could be quite the golden night for the Queen!
The 55th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS, and stream on Paramount+.
