Los Angeles: Keke Palmer was honored with the Entertainer of the Year award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in entertainment.
Palmer, who starred in the 2025 tragicomedy film One of Them Days, delivered a widely acclaimed performance alongside R&B sensation SZA and actor-comedian Katt Williams. The film has garnered a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Palmer’s dynamic presence on screen.
“It’s so important that we come here together and celebrate one another,” Palmer said in her acceptance speech in Los Angeles. “Nobody has uplifted me more than you, all the people in this room.”
The Emmy-winning actress first rose to prominence with her breakout role in the 2006 film Akeelah and the Bee, later leading her own Nickelodeon series, True Jackson, VP, in 2008. Over the years, she has built a versatile career across film, television, and music.
Kamala Harris Honored With Chairman’s Award
The ceremony, which celebrates Black excellence in entertainment, also saw Kamala Harris receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award, which recognizes individuals who excel in public service and use their platform to drive social change.
Harris, the former vice president, received a standing ovation as she took the stage. “While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office nor by the wealthiest among us,” she said, making a veiled reference to President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
“The American story will be written by you, written by us, by we the people,” Harris continued, urging the audience to remain engaged in shaping the nation’s future.
Wayans Family Inducted Into NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame
Another highlight of the evening was the Wayans family being inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, a recognition of their lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Comedy trailblazer Keenen Ivory Wayans, along with Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr., were celebrated for their collective contributions to film and television.
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Keenen Ivory Wayans is credited with creating the groundbreaking 1990s sketch comedy show In Living Color, which launched the careers of Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, and Jim Carrey. He also created The Wayans Bros. in 1995, starring Shawn and Marlon Wayans, and paved the way for more Black comedians in Hollywood.
Past inductees of the NAACP Hall of Fame include Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth, Wind & Fire, and New Edition.
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The 56th NAACP Image Awards, broadcast by Black Entertainment Television (BET), continued its tradition of honoring outstanding achievements by Black artists and public figures.
