Sterling K. Brown used his platform at Saturday's to take aim at President .
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Sterling K. Brown Slams Trump Over DEI Attacks
Sterling K. Brown used his platform at Saturday's 57th annual NAACP Image Awards to take aim at President Donald Trump.The 49-year-old actor devoted part of his...
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The 49-year-old actor devoted part of his acceptance speech after winning the award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise to criticizing Trump's 'attacks' on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as the academic conceptual framework known as (CRT).
'We are living under an administration that has an attack on diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, that's trying to erase critical race theory,' Brown said early in his speech.
He also referenced remarks earlier in the evening from Samuel L. Jackson, who had led a tribute to the late Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson.
'But like Sam said, they can't erase us because there is no country without us,' Brown added to thunderous applause.
At the start of his speech, Brown gave thanks to 'the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,' and he listed out the organization's full name as if to viewers of the NAACP's mission.
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Sterling K. Brown used his platform at Saturday's 57th annual NAACP Image Awards to take aim at President Donald Trump
Brown devoted part of his acceptance speech after winning Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Paradise to criticizing Trump's 'attacks' on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as critical race theory (CRT); Trump is pictured Saturday
'I spend a lot of time in predominantly white spaces, so it's always a joy to be in a room with us,' he said.
In addition to the standard list of thank-yous for figures at Disney and Hulu connected to his series Paradise, Brown also shouted out 'Black women.'
'I would not be up here if it was not for Black women, and how hard that you ride for your boy. I see you, I appreciate you,' he said.
'We are living under an administration that has an attack on diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, that's trying to erase critical race theory,' Brown said early in his speech
He also referenced remarks earlier in the evening from Samuel L. Jackson, who had led a tribute to the late Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson. 'But like Sam said, they can't erase us because there is no country without us,' Brown added to thunderous applause
He also praised 'Black women,' including his 'best half,' his wife Ryan Michelle Bathé (pictured with him) and his mother, Aralean Brown, who was 'laying at home in St. Louis right now, living bravely with ALS for the past eight years'
The dual triumphs for Sinners and Jordan, along with a win for Miles Caton in the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance category, came amid a string of honors for Sinners, which appeared to gain some momentum ahead of the upcoming .
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Jordan, 39, notably steered clear of alluding to the recent controversy at the Awards, in which John Davidson, an activist with Tourette's syndrome, while Jordan and his costar Delroy Lindo were on stage.
Although attendees had already been warned that Davidson could not control what he might utter due to his neurological condition — and that his outbursts don't reflect his true beliefs — criticism erupted on social media over the epithet, which was not censored on the broadcast, even though the broadcaster censored a pro-Palestinian sentiment elsewhere in the show.
Sinners and its star Michael B. Jordan proved to be the big winners at the 57th annual NAACP Image Awards on Saturday
Jordan emerged triumphant when he won the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award for playing a set of twins in the acclaimed horror film
The film's director, Ryan Coogler, accepted the honor and concluded with sentiments directed at his 'people.'
'Since our people have been here for over four centuries, there have always been a lot of lies told about us,' he said. 'And a lie — no matter how powerful the person saying it is — it's still a lie.
'And the truth — no matter how little power the person that's saying the truth has — is still the truth. And the truth is that y'all are loved, y'all are beautiful, and y'all are powerful and mighty,' he said to applause and cheers.
Michael B. Jordan was back on the stage shortly afterward for the final award of the night.
Lionel Richie presented the award for Entertainer of the Year, and opened with a quotation from his hit All Night Long.
'Well, my friends, the time has come,' he joked to hearty laughter, before announcing that Jordan was the winner.
Although Jordan gave it a pass, Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson did appear to allude to the BAFTAs controversy when she scored one of the first major awards of the evening for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
'Feels better this year than others,' Brunson said as she accepted her award.
In a touching conclusion, Jordan dedicated the award to his late Black Panther costar Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at 43 after a secret battle with colon cancer
Next up was the award for Outstanding Motion Picture, which went to Sinners. The film's director, Ryan Coogler, accepted the honor and concluded with sentiments directed at his 'people'
'Since our people have been here for over four centuries, there have always been a lot of lies told about us,' he said. 'And a lie — no matter how powerful the person saying it is — it's still a lie'
'I feel like we have watched some of our Black members of our family be under attack in this world, and it feels really good to come to this room and celebrate our Blackness,' Brunson said.
The star-studded ceremony — which is being hosted by Deon Cole — celebrates Black excellence in movies, television, music and literature.
made a splash later in the evening when she won another television award, this time for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in 9-1-1.
Fresh off the BAFTAs controversy, Coogler and Lindo appeared on stage to present the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
Coogler praised the Image Awards for allowing them to be able to stand in front of the audience in 'a room where we don't have to explain ourselves, where our stories aren't footnotes — they're the main text.'
The award went to Cynthia Erivo for her performance in Wicked: For Good, though the stage and screen star wasn't at the ceremony to accept her award.
The first award of the evening was for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, which was awarded to Sinners star Miles Caton.
'I just want to encourage the upcomers to keep going,' he said in his inspirational acceptance speech. 'You're only one post away. You're only one video away. You know your moment is not as far as you think it is. Just stay ready, stay prepared, and keep God first.'
Lionel Richie presented the award for Entertainer of the Year, and opened with a quotation from his hit All Night Long. 'Well, my friends, the time has come,' he joked to hearty laughter, before announcing that Jordan was the winner
Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson scored one of the first major awards of the evening when she won for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Brunson accepted her award while seemingly referencing the recent controversy at the BAFTA Awards, in which John Davidson, an activist with Tourette's syndrome, involuntarily shouted the N-word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and his costar Delroy Lindo were on stage
Ryan Coogler's horror film Sinners garnered the most nominations in the motion picture category, leading with 18 nods, including Outstanding Actor for Michael B. Jordan and Outstanding Motion Picture.
Sinners filmmaker Coogler has already received a win for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture during the Creative Honors ceremony on Thursday. The filmmaker also celebrated a win for Outstanding Writing.
and Wunmi Mosaku won for Outstanding Supporting Actress for their roles in Sinners. The film additionally won Outstanding Ensemble Cast.
Cole opened the ceremony by cursing out US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was almost completely censored on the broadcast, which aired on CBS and BET.
He also included a jab at new Trump defender .
'Lord, we want you to bless our sister Nicki Minaj, Lord,' he began. 'She's been going through a lot lately. Hasn't been herself, Lord.
'I believe whatever's in her a** is affecting her brain, Lord,' he joked.
Cole also made a shocking joke alluding to the N-word controversy at this year's BAFTA Awards.
Fresh off the BAFTAs controversy, Sinners director Ryan Coogler and Lindo appeared on stage to present the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Coogler praised the Image Awards for allowing them to beable to standing in front of the audience in 'a room where we don't have to explain ourselves, where our stories aren't footnotes — they're the main text'
The award went to Cynthia Erivo for her performance in Wicked: For Good, though the stage and screen star wasn't at the ceremony to accept her award
Viola Davis was one of the evening's honorary winners. She was presented with Chairman's Award
The first award of the evening was for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, which was awarded to Sinners star Miles Caton
Regina Hall had the audience in stitches as she presented the award
'Before we go, Lord, if there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them they better read the room tonight, Lord,' Cole said to laughter and applause. 'It might not go the way they think. But whatever medicine they on, they better double up on it, Lord.'
The Outstanding Drama Series category was won by Reasonable Doubt, but Sterling K. Brown took home the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series award for Paradise.
The Peacock drama series Bel-Air leads with the most nominations in the streaming/television category with seven nods.
The show — which began airing in 2022 — received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for Jabari Banks, Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Adrian Holmes.
One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor raked in six nominations in both acting and music categories.
Her album Escape Room received a nod for Outstanding Female Artist.
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has also been recognized for her performance in Wicked: For Good with a total of four nods, such as Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
Kendrick Lamar led with the most nods in the music categories, including Outstanding Male Artist.
The Outstanding Drama Series category was won by Reasonable Doubt, but Sterling K. Brown took home the Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series award for Paradise
The members of the hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa were presented with the honorary Hall of Fame award; pictured L–R: Cheryl 'Salt'James, Sandra 'Pepa' Denton and Deidra 'Spinderella' Roper
Erivo, Taylor, Lamar, Doechii and Jordan will battle it out for Entertainer of the Year.
Colman Domingo will be honored with the President's Award during the special evening and the Chairman's Award will be presented to Viola Davis.
The members of the hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa were also presented with the honorary Hall of Fame award.
New categories have additionally been included in this year's event such as Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism and Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special.
The ABC series Abbott Elementary already garnered wins for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor for William Stanford Davis and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Janelle James.
Taraji P. Henson won for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television for the Netflix project Straw. The show also won for Outstanding Limited Television.
Zootopia 2 was honored with Outstanding Animated Motion Picture while Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture went to Sinners.
In the Comedy Series category, Cedric The Entertainer won for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Neighborhood.
Ryan Coogler's horror film Sinners garnered the most nominations in the motion picture category, leading with 18 nods including Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Motion Picture; seen earlier this month in London
Coogler has already received a win for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture during the Creative Honors ceremony on Thursday. The filmmaker also celebrated a win for Outstanding Writing
One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor raked in six nominations in both acting and music categories
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has also been recognized for her performance in Wicked: For Good with a total of four nods, such as Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture; seen in 2025 in NYC
Winners for music categories have also been announced ahead of Saturday's main ceremony, with Male Artist going to Lamar for his album Luther; Lamar seen earlier this month in L.A.
Don Lemon won for Outstanding Podcast - News and Information as well as the Society and Culture category; Lemon seen earlier this month in Atlanta
Caleb McLaughlin won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Stranger Things.
And Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series went to Aisha Hinds for her performance in 9-1-1.
Winners for music categories have also been announced ahead of Saturday's main ceremony, with Male Artist going to Lamar for his album Luther.
Cardi B won for Outstanding Female Artist for her album Am I The Drama? while the New Artist award went to Monaleo for Who Did The Body?
Don Lemon won for Outstanding Podcast - News and Information as well as the Society and Culture category.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement: 'The NAACP Image Awards is our declaration to our community that "We See You," affirming Black creativity, excellence, and humanity across every space where our stories are told.
'From film, television, and music to literature and beyond, the voices of all of our nominees tell stories that honor our past, celebrate our identity, and remind us that storytelling has the power to move culture forward.'
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