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The 2025 NAACP Image Awards are already heating up, with some of the biggest names in entertainment taking home early wins during the pre-show ceremonies. Among the standout victors were Beyoncé and her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, marking yet another historic moment for the superstar family. Read more about the stars who took home a few non-televised NAACP Image Awards at the pre-show inside.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Fresh off her record-breaking Grammys run, Beyoncé was named Best Female Artist and secured Best Album for Cowboy Carter. Meanwhile, Blue Ivy took home the award for Best Character Voiceover Performance in a Film for her role in Mufasa: The Lion King. At just 13 years old, Blue Ivy continues to carve out her own legacy in entertainment, following in the footsteps of her iconic parents.
Kendrick Lamar & Doechii Represent for Hip-Hop
The preshow ceremony also honored three recent Grammy winners, including Kendrick Lamar, who won Best Hip-Hop/Rap Song for his viral smash “Not Like Us.” The track that has taken over the culture in 2024 is the gift that keeps on giving for K. Dot. Rising rap star Doechii was named Best New Artist, further highlighting her as a force to watch in the industry.
Meanwhile, Chris Brown secured two awards for Best Male Artist and Best International Song for “Hmmm” featuring Davido.
Malcolm Washington Shines in Film
Hollywood’s next generation of talent was also celebrated, with Malcolm Washington winning Best Breakthrough Creative in a Film for his work on The Piano Lesson. Washington directed and co-wrote the film adaptation of August Wilson’s classic play, proving that storytelling runs deep in his family’s DNA.
More Wins Across Film & TV
Several other projects were recognized during the preshow:
Wicked won Best Costume Design
Emilia Pérez was named Best International Film
Nickel Boys earned an award for Best Cinematography
Star Wars: The Acolyte won Best Score for Film/TV
Additionally, the ensemble cast of The Six Triple Eight won Best Ensemble Cast, and Ebony Obsidian received Best Breakthrough Performance in a Film for her role in the project.
The NAACP Image Awards will continue with its Creative Honors on Friday (Feb. 21), leading up to the main televised ceremony airing Saturday (Feb. 22) at 8 p.m. ET on BET and CBS. This year’s honorees include Dave Chappelle, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Wayans family.
Beyond celebrating Black excellence in entertainment, the awards also aim to support communities affected by the recent L.A. wildfires through the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, a partnership with BET Media Group and local organizations to prevent displacement and preserve cultural heritage.
Stay tuned for more winners as the 2025 NAACP Image Awards continue. Stay up to date on their website here.