‘Moonlight,’ ‘Black-ish’, and Beyonce scored multiple NAACP Image Awards

Moonlight, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Beyonce were big winners at the NAACP Image Awards handed out over two nights. Denzel Washington, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Jussie Smollett, Barry Jenkins, Trevor Noah and more were in attendance at the Pasadena Civic Center where 47 of the awards were handed out.

Majority of the awards were announced during a non-televised gala on Friday, but nine categories were announced during the live Anthony Anderson-hosted ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 11, airing on TV One.

Moonlight took home four awards including Mahershala Ali’s win for outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture and outstanding independent picture. Director Barry Jenkins nabbed wins for outstanding writing and outstanding directing in a motion picture, edging out Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation which had finally earned some major recognition this awards season, scooping up six NAACP Image Award nominations.

Beyonce took home five awards, thanks to her Lemonade album, for outstanding female artist, music video (“Formation”), and album. Her song “Freedom” featuring Kendrick Lamar earned wins for outstanding duo and outstanding song – contemporary.