Life 2 Sports
Tennis

NAACP Image Awards 2023: Zendaya, Serena Williams, Angela Bassett stun on red carpet

Feb. 25, 2023
NAACP Image Awards 2023: Zendaya, Serena Williams, Angela Bassett stun on red carpet

Zendaya made a show-stopping appearance donning a plunging black and neon green gown while Serena Williams, Angela Bassett, and Kerry Washington stunned in fitted ensembles at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on Saturday.

The Euphoria actress, 26, who was recently seen filming a Bulgari campaign in France, showcased her slim physique as she stepped onto the red carpet alongside other talented celebrities.

The professional tennis player, 41, also braved the rainy weather and dazzled in a sculpting, black velvet dress while The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star, 64, was radiant wearing a white, jumpsuit.

Kerry, 46, put on a leggy display in a strapless gown that contained a thigh-high slit as she posed for a brief photo session before the annual ceremony commenced.

The event. which is hosted by Queen Latifah, honors outstanding representations and achievements of people of color in motion pictures, television, music, and literature in the year 2022.

Zendaya flaunted her slim physique wearing a form-fitting strapless dress that contained a plunging neckline around her chest. 

The gown contained hues of black along with striped portions of neon green for a one-of-a-kind touch to the ensemble. 

The stunning dress contained a train that fell down behind her from fabric bustled around her thigh area on the back. 

The former Disney channel actress, who was a presenter during the ceremony, gave a glimpse of her toned legs that peaked through a slit that was located in the middle of the gown for a rather sultry edge. 

Her brunette locks were parted to the side, and effortlessly flowed down in light waves to nearly brush the tips of her shoulders for an elegant look. 

To allow the ensemble to be the main focal point for the night, the Replay songstress kept her accessories minimalistic and slipped on a silver, rhinestone bracelet along with a matching ring placed on her right hand that sparkled under the lights. 

Zendaya also opted for a pair of dangly earrings that were partially covered by her voluminous locks. 

The Greatest Showman star slipped into a pair of classic, black heels to coincide with the color scheme of her red carpet gown for the evening.  

Her makeup was classically done for the night, and comprised of a layer of black mascara on her long lashes along with a shimmering, bronze shadow around her eyes. 

A light pink blush and a touch of contour was added to better accentuate her cheekbones. 

A nude-colored matte tint was added to her lips for a finishing touch to her overall look. 

Zendaya was soon joined by Serena Williams, who also wowed in a fitted, long-sleeved black gown made of a velvet material. 

Fabric pooled around the professional tennis player in a short train, while a thigh-high slit on the left side showed a glimpse of her toned legs. 

The dress contained a V-neck cut that was covered with a sheer, black material for a stylish flare. 

The mother of one slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black heels that contained silver, rhinestone embellishments on the top for a dazzling touch. 

To accessorize the dress, the renowned sports star donned a dainty, diamond necklace along with rhinestone rings that glittered under the lights. She also added a pair of sparkling, dangly earrings that contained black-colored emeralds.  

Serena teased her ensemble for the night to her fans by sharing a post on Instagram as she showed off her glamorous look before braving the rain to attend the awards ceremony. 

The tennis star flaunted a pose in front of a piano placed on top of an ornate rug to take a couple photos. 

In the caption, the beauty penned to her 16.3 million followers, 'On my way to the @naacpimageawards but stopped for a quick pic.' 

During the evening, close friend, Kerry Washington, presented Williams with the Jackie Robinson Sports Award. 

After stepping onto the star-studded stage, Serena, who announced her retirement from playing tennis professionally last year, jokingly stated, 'I haven't held up a trophy in a long time.' 

She also sent her thanks to the NAACP, 'which continues to accelerate change with important areas such as health care, education, sports, the economy and so, so much more.' 

When reflecting on the award, the star added, 'Jackie Robinson's impact goes far beyond sport. His legacy has empowered many African Americans across various industries to dream big and beyond the boxes so many of us are put in, a key message the NAACP stands for.' 

To conclude her heartfelt speech, Serena once again expressed how grateful the honor was and added that it was a 'privilege' to take home the award. 

Angela Bassett made a fashion statement of her own wearing a white pantsuit that contained, puffy ruffled embellishments around her elbows. 

The bottom portion of the ensemble contained loose-fitting pants that fell down past her ankles to conceal her shoes. 

The eye-catching outfit contained a V-neck cut on the front portion that clung to her toned frame. 

The actress, who recently won an HCA Film Award earlier Friday for Best Supporting Actress in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, carried a shiny, rectangular-shaped silver clutch in her hand. 

Her dark brunette locks flowed down past her shoulders in light curls, allowing her bangs to gently rest on her forehead. A pair of dangly, glittering earrings were donned for a flashy touch. 

The talented star was accompanied by her husband, Courtney B. Vance, whom she tied the knot with in 1997. He donned a classic black suit which was paired with a white dress shirt and black tie. 

To complete his look to attend the event, he also opted for sleek, black dress shoes along with a black, fedora hat placed on top of his head. 

Later in the evening, Angela happily accepted the award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Athena in the show, 9-1-1.  

Angela has recently received numerous accolades, such as a Golden Globe win and also an Oscar nomination for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Kerry Washington turned heads wearing a strapless black dress with ruched, wrapped details on the left side of the gown that was secured with a large, gold piece.

A thigh-high slit was seen on the left side, offering a glimpse of the actress's toned legs as she posed for snaps on the red carpet. 

A semi-sheer, sparking white bralette top was donned underneath for a fashionable edge to the outfit. 

The Scandal alum slipped into a pair of open-toed, rhinestone-covered strappy heels for a flashy touch to her look. 

To accessorize the dress, the actress chose to not wear a necklace but instead chose asymmetrical silver earrings that were differing in size. 

Her dark brunette locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down straight behind her. 

During the ceremony, the talented actress stepped onto the stage to present the Jackie Robinson Sports Award to her close friend and professional tennis player, Serena Williams.  

Viola Davis was a stunner in a sleeveless, purple gown that was secured with a halter-styled piece around her neck. 

The Woman King actress, who has received a number of nominations for her role in the film, wowed in the flowy, pleated gown that fell down towards the ground with a short train that fell behind her. 

Her shoes were mainly concealed by the length of the dress, and the beauty easily carried a small, black clutch bag in her right hand while posing for a strew of photos at the event. 

For a dazzling effect, the star donned large, rhinestone bracelets on each of her wrists, along with matching, silver earrings. 

She shared a happy smile and was soon joined by her husband, Julius Tennon, whom she tied the knot with in 2013. 

The actor, who also starred alongside his wife in The Woman King as the character Moru, opted for stylish comfort in a pair of black slacks and a white button up. 

He also opted for a dark gray blazer and completed his outfit with a pair of white and black sneakers. 

During the ceremony, Viola was the recipient of an award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.  

Blac Chyna put on a show-stopping display wearing a plunging, long-sleeved orange dress with a high slit in the middle of the gown. 

The colorful ensemble contained thick shoulder pad as well as pockets that the star placed her hands into in order to stay warm in the stormy weather. 

Gold embellishments were embroidered around the waist and shoulder areas for a bit of color contrast. 

The singer, who currently shares daughter Dream with ex, Rob Kardashian, slipped into a pair of shiny, gold closed-toed heels that showed off tattoos placed around her ankle. 

She kept her jewelry simplistic for the evening, and opted for a small pair of silver earrings and instead flaunted her long, pointed nails that were done for the event. 

Janelle Monae was also in attendance, and also chose to wear an eye-catching, red dress that contained both cutouts and a thigh-high slit on the left side of the sexy gown. 

Around her midriff, the satin material became ruched and the dress was held up by thin straps around her shoulders. 

The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery slipped into a pair of open-toed, red strappy heels to coincide with the color scheme of her look.  

The singer added a long, silver earring cuff for an edgy touch rather than opted for dangly earrings. 

Her brunette locks were parted in the middle, and allowed her side bangs to fall gently onto her forehead. 

For a bold touch to her overall ensemble, Janelle added a reddish tint to her lips while applying her makeup for the star-studded night. 

During the event, she took to the stage in order to present Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, which went to Will Smith, for his performance in Emancipation. 

The award was his first since 'that' Oscars slap, and was also not in attendance at the ceremony, prompting Monae to accept the honor on his behalf. 

Gabrielle Union also put on a colorful display wearing a patterned, strapless dress that contained mosaic-inspired details embroidered throughout the fabric that shimmered under the lights. 

She slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black heels that were secured with thin, silver straps around her ankles. 

The Bring It On actress parted her hair in the middle, allowing her locks to fall down straight to brush past her shoulders for a sleek look.  

She added a chunky, diamond and red emerald-covered necklace that turned heads as she paused for a photo session on the red carpet. 

The talented actress was accompanied by her husband and former professional basketball player, Dwyane Wade. 

The sports star was dapper wearing all-black, including a suit and a black dress shirt underneath. 

The happy pair were seen holding hands as they arrived at the venue, and later accepted the President's Award, which is given to those, 'in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service,' according to the official NAACP website.  

Derrick Johnson, the current President and CEO of NAACP, expressed in a statement, 'We're thrilled to present this award to Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade who together have consistently utilized their platforms to advance social justice and raise awareness to the inequalities existing in our country.' 

He continued, 'We're proud to recognize the couple's tireless humanitarian work as they continue to advocate for equality and acceptance for all.' 

Issa Rae also joined the festivities on Saturday, and donned a one-shoulder, light purple gown that contained a floral embellishment on the top left for a fashionable touch. 

The dress contained layered details around her waist, as well as a thigh-high slit, which other celebrities sported during the evening.  

The actress slipped into a pair of sparkling, open-toed heels that were secured with straps which were wrapped around her ankles. 

Her locks were slicked back into a low ponytail, revealing a pair of glistening, dangly earrings for a flashy touch to her look. 

Grown-ish star, Yara Shahidi, showcased her slim physique wearing a fitted, dark burgundy dress with a flared hem that stopped just above her knees. 

The strapless minidress contained attached sleeves along with caped, sheer material that flowed down behind the beauty as she posed for snaps on the red carpet. 

The actress, who is set to star in the upcoming Peter Pan & Wendy live-action remake, slipped into a pair of closed-toed, nude heels to allow the dress to be the main focal point. 

She chose to not add a flashy necklace, and instead opted to add a pair of small, dangly earrings which were seen with her locks pulled back into a stylish up do. 

Tracee Ellis Ross, who also starred in the series Grown-ish, was chic in a sleeveless, Brandon Maxwell black dress that fell down straight towards her ankles. A thin, cutout was placed around her upper chest area for an edgy flare. 

She added extra large, chunky silver bracelets on each of her wrists, along with matching earrings, also by Brandon Maxwell. A pair of classic, black pumps completed her look for the night. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star, Dominique Thorne, drew attention wearing a vibrant yellow dress with a sequin skirt that also contained a high slit on the left side.  

The top portion of the dress was secured with a halter strap and was made of a mix of sequin details and a corset-styled waist. 

She slipped into a pair of open-toed, gold platform heels that were secured with straps around her ankles. 

The Woman King star, Gina Prince-Blythewood, donned a black ruffled skirt along with a black blazer instead of donning a floor-length gown. 

She added a hot pink satin blouse underneath that was partially concealed by the buttoned blazer. 

Black-ish actress, Marsai Martin, showed off her figure wearing a fitted, long-sleeved black dress that contained dark navy, puffy details around the shoulder and waist portion of the gown for a unique touch. 

The high-necked ensemble contained a long slit on the upper chest area to add an edgy flare. 

Regina Hall, who is known for starring in the Scary Movie franchise, donned a one-shoulder, black fringed dress that shimmered under the lights on the red carpet. 

She slipped into a pair of classic, open-toed black heels and a carried a small, black clutch bag in her right hand as she posed for photos.  

Sophia Bush was seen wearing a flowy, red dress that was made of ruffled sleeves that draped down towards her sides. 

The One Tree Hill alum held a gold clutch bag in her hand to offer a bit of contrast to her colorful gown. 

Both Jonathan Majors and Tenoch Huerta suited up to make an appearance at the ceremony, with the Devotion actor sporting a classic black tuxedo and the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever actor slipped into black slacks along with a stylish, blue velvet blazer. 

Rapper, Method Man, slipped into a shiny, pastel pink suit which he paired with white sneakers to attend the ceremony. 

Keith David was pictured wearing a trench coat over his ensemble to protect himself from the stormy California weather. 

The Nope actor opted for black slacks and a dress shirt underneath, and for a bit of color, also added a purple suit jacket on top. 

Terrence Howard, who retired from acting last year in 2022, dressed to impress in a sleek suit with a black bowtie while Miranda Pak showed off her slim waist in a belted, black leather dress. 

Free Guy actor, Lil Rel Howery, donned a dark burgundy suit and matching hat while Dannella Lane flaunted her toned frame wearing a fitted, one-shoulder black dress with a cutout around her upper chest area.  

Queen Latifah took on the role of host during the 54th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday. 

During the course of the ceremony, the talented beauty had the chance to showcase various different outfits. 

At one point, she stunned in a black and white gown with a full skirt as she performed onstage for the star-studded audience and guests. 

She also opted for a dark red dress that contained layers of ruffled tulle for a one-of-a-kind ensemble.  

Entertainer of the Year 

Angela Bassett - WINNER

Mary J. Blige

Quinta Brunson

Viola Davis

Zendaya

 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture 

Daniel Kaluuya – Nope

Jonathan Majors – Devotion

Joshua Boone – A Jazzman’s Blues

Sterling K. Brown – Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul

Will Smith – Emancipation - WINNER

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Aldis Hodge – Black Adam

Cliff Method Man” Smith – On The Come Up

Jalyn Hall – TILL

John Boyega – The Woman King

Tenoch Huerta – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - WINNER

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Angela Bassett – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - WINNER

Danai Gurira – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Janelle Monáe – Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Lashana Lynch – The Woman King

Lupita Nyong’o – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

 

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Loretta Devine – Family Reunion

Maya Rudolph – Loot

Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary - WINNER

Tichina Arnold – The Neighborhood

Tracee Ellis Ross – black-ish

 

Outstanding Drama Series

Bel-Air

Bridgerton

Euphoria

P-Valley

Queen Sugar

 

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Damson Idris – Snowfall

Jabari Banks – Bel-Air

Kofi Siriboe – Queen Sugar

Nicco Annan – P-Valley - WINNER

Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series 

Adjoa Andoh – Bridgerton

Bianca Lawson – Queen Sugar

Loretta Devine – P-Valley - WINNER

Susan Kelechi Watson – This Is Us

Tina Lifford – Queen Sugar

 

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons

From Scratch

The Best Man: The Final Chapters - WINNER

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Women of the Movement

 

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

Niecy Nash-Betts – Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story - WINNER

Regina Hall – The Best Man: The Final Chapters

Sanaa Lathan – The Best Man: The Final Chapters

Viola Davis – The First Lady

Zoe Saldaña – From Scratch

 

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé – Renaissance - WINNER

Ari Lennox - Age/Sex/Location

Chloe Bailey - Surprise

SZA - SOS

Jazmine Sullivan - Hurt Me So Good

 

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

Beyoncé - Cuff It - WINNER

Rihanna - Lift Me Up

Lizzo - About Damn Time

H.E.R - Good Morning Gorgeous

Mary J. Blige - Good Morning Gorgeous

Jazmine Sullivan - Hurt Me So Good

 

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

About Damn Time – Lizzo (Atlantic Records)

Be Alive – Beyoncé (Columbia Records/ Parkwood Entertainment)

Lift Me Up – Rihanna (Def Jam Recordings) - WINNER

Lord Forgive Me feat. Fat, Pharrell and Olu of Earthgang – Tobe Nwigwe (The Good Stewards Collective)

The Heart Part 5 – Kendrick Lamar (pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

 

Outstanding Motion Picture 

A Jazzman’s Blues

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - WINNER

Emancipation

The Woman King

TILL

 

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture 

Danielle Deadwyler – TILL

Keke Palmer – Alice

Letitia Wright – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Regina Hall – Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul

Viola Davis – The Woman King - WINNER

 

Outstanding Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary - WINNER

Atlanta

black-ish

Rap S**t

The Wonder Years

 

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson – black-ish

Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood - WINNER

Donald Glover – Atlanta

Dulé Hill – The Wonder Years

Mike Epps – The Upshaws

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Brian Tyree Henry – Atlanta

Deon Cole – black-ish

Kenan Thompson – Saturday Night Live

Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary - WINNER

William Stanford Davis – Abbott Elementary

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Janelle James – Abbott Elementary - WINNER

Jenifer Lewis – black-ish

Marsai Martin – black-ish

Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary

Wanda Sykes – The Upshaws

 

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 - WINNER

Brandee Evans – P-Valley

Queen Latifah – The Equalizer

Rutina Wesley – Queen Sugar

Zendaya – Euphoria

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Adrian Holmes – Bel-Air

Amin Joseph – Snowfall

Caleb McLaughlin – Stranger Things

Cliff 'Method Man' Smith – Power Book II: Ghost - WINNER

J. Alphonse Nicholson – P-Valley

 

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special 

Morris Chestnut – The Best Man: The Final Chapters - WINNER

Samuel L. Jackson – The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Terrence Howard – The Best Man: The Final Chapters

Trevante Rhodes – Mike

Wendell Pierce – Don’t Hang Up

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

Glynn Turman – Women of the Movement

Keith David – From Scratch - WINNER

Omar Benson Miller – The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Russell Hornsby – Mike

Terrence 'TC' Carson – A Wesley Christmas

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

Alexis Floyd – Inventing Anna

Danielle Deadwyler – From Scratch

Melissa De Sousa – The Best Man: The Final Chapters

Nia Long – The Best Man: The Final Chapters - WINNER

Phylicia Rashad – Little America

 

Outstanding Album

Renaissance – Beyoncé - WINNER

Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers - Kendrick Lamar

Age/Sex/Location - Ari Lennox

Watch The Sun - PJ Morton

Breezy - Chris Brown

 

Jackie Robinson Sports Award

Serena Williams - WINNER 

 

Chairman’s Award

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson - WINNER

 


Scroll to Top