Queen Latifah to Return as Host of NAACP Image Awards

Queen Latifah will return to host this year’s NAACP Image Awards, with Amanda Gorman and June Ambrose also set to be honored during the broadcast.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host,” said Connie Orlando, evp of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET in a statement. “We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman and fashion icon June Ambrose for their tremendous impact on culture.”

Latifah last hosted the ceremony in 2023, when Angela Bassett took home Entertainer of the Year. At this year’s ceremony, Gorman will be presented with the Chairman’s Award, bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Past recipients include 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,” said Leon W. Russell, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to positive change, Gorman continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and social landscape.”

Ambrose will receive the the Vanguard Award in recognition of her contributions to fashion and design — most recently, she is known as the creative director of Puma.

“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,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Image Awards Committee. “Her multifaceted contributions have left an enduring legacy that transcends fashion, paving the way for a more representative and dynamic industry.” 

The Color Purple leads this year’s NAACP Image nominations, up for 16 awards, followed by A Thousand and One and Creed III, each up for seven, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, up for six.

“The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other change makers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way.”

The 55th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories from March 11-13, during an Awards Dinner on March 14th and a Fashion Show on March 15th.