Chris Rock unleashed on Jussie Smollett, who was nominated by the NAACP the night before but lost, after saying the show’s producers told him not to make any jokes about the controversial actor.
LOS ANGELES — Beyoncé was named Entertainer of the Year, and “Black Panther” nearly swept the film categories at the 50th NAACP Awards on Saturday night.
During her speech at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Beyoncé graciously thanked her fellow nominees in the category, including NBA superstar LeBron James, “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler and star Chadwick Boseman, and “If Beale Street Could Talk” actress Regina King.
“Regina King, I love you so much, you’ve taught us patience, persistence and how to be masterful in your craft,” she said. “Chadwick Boseman is teaching children to dream and to see themselves as kings.”
Beyoncé added, “LeBron James has taught us that strength of all forms and leading by example and providing education for our kids. Ryan Coogler tells our stories in a way that celebrates our history, and proves that we do have power at the box office.”
Marvel’s blockbuster “Black Panther” took home the awards for best film, actor (Boseman) and breakthrough performance (Letitia Wright) while Amandla Stenberg of “The Hate U Give” won best actress.
On the TV side, “black-ish” was named best comedy series and its stars Tracee Ellis-Ross and Anthony Anderson – Anderson also hosted MC’d Saturday’s ceremony — won best actress and best actor in a comedy, respectively. Starz’s “Power” nabbed best drama series while the show’s Omari Hardwick won best actor.
Best actress in a drama went to “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson.
Earlier in the night, Chris Rock unleashed on Henson’s “Empire” co-star Jussie Smollett (who was nominated by the NAACP the night before but lost) after saying the show’s producers told him not to make any jokes about the controversial actor.
