Keke Palmer Surprises Fans and Wins Entertainer of the Year Award at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles

This weekend, the 2025 NAACP Image Awards took center stage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, shining a well-deserved spotlight on Black excellence in entertainment.

The event brought together some of the most talented figures in film, television, and music, and the night was full of memorable moments.

Keke Palmer Wins Entertainer of the Year

One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Keke Palmer walked away with the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award.

The category was packed with incredible talent, making Palmer’s win even more significant.

According to Billboard, when LL Cool J presented the award, Palmer was genuinely surprised.

In her acceptance speech, she immediately acknowledged her fellow nominee, Cynthia Erivo, with a heartfelt tribute.

“Girl, you killed that role! You kill every role you do,” Palmer exclaimed, even playfully mimicking Erivo’s vocal performance from Wicked: Part One.

It was clear that Palmer held deep respect for her peers.

A Touching Moment of Gratitude and Fun

Not stopping there, Palmer also shared a warm shoutout to Shannon Sharpe, calling him her “hunkie unkie,” and thanked Kendrick Lamar and Kevin Hart for their contributions to the field.

“It’s such an amazing category to be in with all these people. It is a beautiful night.

I mean, it’s Black History Month, y’all,” Palmer said with enthusiasm.

Palmer also took a moment to reflect on her career, particularly her early film Akeelah and the Bee, which wasn’t initially a box office success but later became a beloved classic, thanks to the unwavering support from the Black community.

“Nobody has uplifted me more than you all, the people in this room,” she added, emphasizing the importance of community support.

Kerry Washington Wins Best Actress for The Six Triple Eight

In another heartfelt moment, Kerry Washington won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Six Triple Eight, a film about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a World War II military unit composed of Black women.

Washington expressed her surprise at the win, especially considering the strength of the other nominees.

“I’m just shocked because the women I’m nominated with are so extraordinary,” she said during her speech.

She took the opportunity to thank the real-life women of the 6888th, urging everyone to remember their history.

“At a time when our history is being ripped from us, we are telling your stories, ladies,” she said, emphasizing their greatness.

In a lighthearted moment, Washington rushed back onstage after realizing she had forgotten to thank Tyler Perry. Keke Palmer had already mentioned Perry in her speech, prompting a funny exchange between the two.

Washington laughed off the mix-up, creating a delightful moment of camaraderie.

Dave Chappelle, Kamala Harris, and the Wayans Family Honored

The NAACP Image Awards also saw notable figures being honored.

Comedian Dave Chappelle received the President’s Award and took the opportunity to speak about the impact the NAACP has had on the entertainment industry.

“Every artist in here…we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,” he remarked, humorously referencing his Netflix earnings.

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award, recognizing her contributions to public service and advocacy.

Meanwhile, the legendary Wayans family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, with Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and others accepting the honor.

The family credited Keenen Ivory Wayans for their collective success.

A Night Celebrating Black Achievement

The awards ceremony was not just about trophies but about celebrating Black achievement and telling our own stories.

Damon Wayans Jr. took home Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Poppa’s House, and Michael Rainey Jr. won Best Actor in a Drama Series for Power Book II: Ghost.

The night was filled with heartfelt speeches, moments of laughter, and a powerful reminder of the importance of Black representation in the entertainment world.

The NAACP Image Awards continue to inspire and uplift, reflecting the significance of supporting and telling stories that matter to the community.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!