I’m producing the NAACP Image Awards again for the sixth straight year. Here’s one way you can participate – by voting on the Entertainer Of The Year.
The 2019 NAACP Image Awards ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Noms are Out—and the Winner Is Up to You
Tonja Renée Stidhum
Friday 11:39am
(L-R): Beyoncé performs during 2018 Coachella on April 14, 2018 in Indio, Ca.; Chadwick Boseman attends the AG Awards on January 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, Ca.; Ryan Coogler attends the AAFCA Awards on February 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, Ca.; Regina King attends the Oscars Nominees Luncheon on February 4, 2019 in Beverly Hills, Ca.; LeBron James plays the Brooklyn Nets on December 18, 2018 in New York City.Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images for Coachella), Jon Kopaloff (Getty Images), Rich Fury (Getty Images), Jon Kopaloff (Getty Images), Al Bello (Getty Images)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) annual celebration of black excellence, otherwise known as The Image Awards, is coming soon and they just dropped their nominees for Entertainer of the Year.
And, whew chillay, the nominee list is filled with heavyweights. Talk about a tough choice.
The nominees are: Beyoncé, Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Coogler, Regina King, and LeBron James. And unlike most esteemed awards ceremonies, you don’t have to be a member of an exclusive academy to have a say in this. This category is open to the public.
So, to help you (and me) pick the ultimate winner, let’s break down some of the big boss shit each nominee has accomplished in the past year.
Beyoncé
She existed as Beyoncé. Fin. Okay, okay, okay … details. Right. There was the time she reinvented Coachella—now lovingly referred to as “Beychella”—as an HBCU homecoming halftime show, while donating scholarships to said HBCUs. Or when she dropped a duo album with husband Jay-Z called Everything Is Love—and helped the Louvre break visitor records after filming their “Apeshit” video there. Then, ‘03 Bonnie & Clyde went on the run once again. We can’t forget that she was the real star of Jay’s gorgeous-ass music video for “Family Feud,” directed by Ava DuVernay.
And though the actual film will be released in 2019, Beyoncé’s name rumbled around the world when The Lion King teaser trailer dropped, despite her character (Nala) not appearing once. The wait and anticipation are real, though.
Chadwick Boseman
First of all, he single-handedly put our tired minds at ease every time he decided to do the “Wakanda Forever” salute every time you motherfuckers asked him to. He should receive a Nobel Peace Prize for that alone. Okay, yes, some of the salutes ended up being halfhearted, but his arms are tired!
Is he Jax from Mortal Kombat?! No. Don’t take him for granted. He also did real work by joining the challenge to buy-out theaters for underprivileged youth to witness the marvel by Marvel Studios. The man formerly known as the biopic king is now primarily known as T’Challa … forever. Yes, forever, even though we saw him fade away into the “don’t feel so good” dust in Avengers: Infinity War. I still vividly remember the pained yelp that emitted from the audience when this happened during a screening. T’Challa is beloved.
Ryan Coogler
Since we’re on that Black Panther energy, all hail the helmer. Hell, let’s just give the award to Black Panther as an entity and a motherfucking crew. But, seriously, Coogler’s shine this past year is insane, boasting the highest grossing film with a black director and the ninth highest grossing film of all time. He also officially signed the deal to direct the highly successful film’s sequel in 2018, and was also named runner-up for TIME’s Person of the Year.
2018 also saw the fifth year of Coogler’s #BlackoutBlackFriday campaign, under his Blackout for Human Rights collective. Plus, his refusal to assimilate to anything despite his now A-List status is something to respect. He’s just him. And it’s black as fuck. And you will deal.
Regina King
King’s inclusion in this category is one of those “longtime coming” things, for real. The veteran actress has been far too underrated in past years, and her blossoming in 2018 only highlighted that. We all beamed as we witnessed the genuine surprise awash over her face at the 2018 Primetime Emmys when she won for Netflix’s now-canceled series, Seven Seconds. Her stunning performance in If Beale Street Could Talk has the industry buzzing about her being a Supporting Actress frontrunner this awards season (she copped the Golden Globe already), most recently nabbing an Oscar nomination.
Plus, she gives back to the youth, choosing the I Have A Dream Foundation – Los Angeles as her charity of choice at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon, where she was honored. Regina been King.
LeBron James
The man who sits on the throne in the kingdom of The Three Billy GOATs Gruff. The most obvious moment in 2018 that sticks out was his famous pivot to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he also opened a whole-ass school for kids in his native Ohio, and championed young black female designers last year by recruiting them to collaborate on the design of his first female sneaker for Nike.
In addition to rocking that purple and gold, James is making a mark in the Hollywood industry with various projects, including The Shop. Plus, if we’re talking entertainment, what’s more entertaining than his incredulous reaction to JR Smith’s fuckery during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals?
Cast your vote at NAACPImageAwards.net. You can vote once every 24 hours until March 4, 2019. And for those of you wondering, the rest of the nominees for the awards ceremony will be announced soon.
The 50th NAACP Image Awards will air live on TVOne, Saturday, March 30, 2019.
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Marshall has been screening in events like this one all over the country. He’s a newspaper account of one of them:
Athens Black History Month Film Festival hosts screening of ‘Marshall’ and discussions
• Shania Shelton | Contributor
• Feb 11, 2019 Updated 16 hrs ago
The Morton Theatre held a showing of the film “Marshall” for the Athens Black History Month Film Festival on Sunday, Feb. 10. (Photo/Christopher Carson)
Athens Black History Month Film Festival featured a story of struggle on Sunday night.
Attendees watched the film “Marshall,” about the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, facing one of his most difficult trials in the 1940s. The film sparked conversations about black history and prison sentencing.
As attendees entered Morton Theatre’s dimly lit room with low soul music playing in the background, they greeted each other with hugs and smiles.
Before the film, several music videos from across the world were presented.
Lesley Feracho, associate director of the Institute for African American Studies, introduced the music videos with a feeling of pride. She discussed each video’s significance to black history and how the video captures the culture, hardships and pride black people experience around the world.
“I think it’s important to come out and support the events,” Athens resident Catherine Avery said. “I think our history is important, and if we don’t come out and support the events, they won’t be offered.”
Following the “Marshall” screening, a discussion session brought up the unfair treatment of black people in the 1940s and how the legal system at the time emphasized that treatment. Attendees shared both laughs and groans at certain scenes.
The Morton Theatre featured the 2017 film “Marshall,” which told the life story of a young Thurgood Marshall, the Supreme Court Judge.
Courtesy Barry Wetcher
Christopher Ward, deputy chief judge of the Municipal Court of Atlanta, led the discussion and question and answer session. Attendees discussed mass incarceration, prison reform, education, law practice and black history.
As topics expanded, the conversation shifted to how prison sentencing affects black youth in Athens. An audience member expressed concern about why black youth often agree to plea deals even when they know they aren’t guilty.
Ward explained the importance of educating others about the justice system and prison sentencing. He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s rights.
“If you look at 1956 to today’s date and all the accomplishments in that time, of all the limitations that are still placed on minorities, this country would be in a far better place, if we could learn just how to treat people right,” Ward said.
Last year, “Get On Up,” about funk singer James Brown, was the featured film.
“I come to the Morton every time they have something because I enjoy it,” Athens resident Margie Glenn said. “I’m excited, and I think it’s important for black and white, regardless of what race.”
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1. “Invisible Man,” Ralph Ellison
“If you only read one book”….let it be this one. The imagery is breathtaking. The metaphors….The unnamed protagonist of this classic can’t really fairly be called an “action hero” but his showdown with Ras the Destroyer at the finale of the book must be considered one of the great “set pieces” in literature. If you’ve never read it, it’s a must read. If you have, can’t hurt to read it again. I always feel smarter when I do.
2. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” Malcolm X and Alex Haley
I don’t know what the young kids are into today, but there was a time that this was the one book every black man read. Just on storytelling merits alone, it’s as good as the New Testament.
3. “Standing at the Scratch Line,” Guy Johnson
This is without a doubt the most kick ass book about ass kicking in the pantheon of black literature. It’s like an incredibly well written blaxploitation movie. In fact, there’s so much foot-to-ass action in this book you get tired, like you were the one opening all those cans of whup ass. And the nice thing about it is there’s a sequel, so when you start jonesin’ for more, it’s there for you.
4. “Mumbo Jumbo,” Ismael Reed
If you’re a George Clinton fan, this is the literary equivalent of P.Funk. It’s a Romare Bearden painting in prose. It’s about a voodoo detective and a beat so funky it might take over the world. What more can I say?
5. “Wild Seed,” Octavia Butler
A genius science fiction novel about slavery and mastery and love and power.
6. “The Tipping Point,” Malcolm Gladwell
An invaluable book about how to get good at things.
7. “The New Jim Crow,” Michelle Alexander
A brilliant document that explains why black people can’t get ahead, despite our best efforts.
8. “The Death of Rhythm and Blues,” Nelson George
A crucial piece about our cultural colonization.
9. “Soul City,” Touré
A playful collection of short stories that play with black cultural archetypes.
10. “Faces at the Bottom of the Well: the Permanence of Racism,” Derrick Bell
Harvard Law Professor Derrick Bell teaches legal concepts using science fiction fables.
11. “Nat Turner” Kyle Barker
One of the greatest cartoonists tells the powerful story of a legendary slave revolt.
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I think everyone should make a top ten list of their favorite moments of the year. It makes you realize you got more done than you remembered, and keeps your focus on positive things. Doesn’t matter if they are large or small, the point is they are good memories to inspire you. Here’s my top ten moments.
1. BLACK PANTHER and INFINITY WAR PREMIERES
Reginald Hudlin and Christopher Priest after the INFINITY WAR premiere. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Black Panther, but Priest reinvented him and built out the world of Wakanda. Then I continued what he did, and achieved what no one else had done…how to make the book sell. His popularity with fans created a demand for him to have a movie of his own. The movie reflects his take on the Panther.
My son Alexander with Letitia Wright, who was fantastic as Shuri. I knew when I created her she would be a break out character and she is. She was so wonderful when I introduced myself. “I know who you are!” she exclaimed.
This was my first time meeting Ta-Nehisi Coates in person. We were at the BLACK PANTHER after party. My son Alexander is peeking out behind me.
My son Alexander with Michael B. Jordan at the Black Panther after party. Michael B didn’t just take a picture; he stopped and talked to my son about the importance of hard work and other good stuff. I really appreciate that he went that extra mile. As you can see, my son was getting sleepy. It was way past his bedtime.
My name in the BLACK PANTHER and INFINITY WAR credit
Later this year I was asked to speak at a local Jack and Jill chapter about Black Panther. I saw this standup of my character and it really brought it home that the coolest Disney princess is a black girl who is a scientific genius. Mission Accomplished.
2. THE PRODUCTION OF EMPEROR
I produced a movie this summer called EMPEROR, co-written and directed by Mark Amin. It’s a hell of a true story about this badass brother who escapes from slavery and has a series of amazing adventures, leading to his meeting with Fredrick Douglass and John Brown!
We shot the movie in the summer in Savannah, Georgia, which is as hot as it gets.
This beautiful, moody shot is by Brad Carter, one of the stars of the film.
There’s something about the sight of a black man on horseback that has incredible power. Especially on a plantation.
You know thangs are getting ready to jump off when you see this coming.
2. THE LAST OG
Showrunner Saladin Patterson and his assistant T’era Montgomery. Saladin is an MIT grad from Alabama who made a name for himself writing on big mainstream shows like CHEERS and BIG BANG THEORY. This is our third time working together, after THE BERNIE MAC SHOW and PSYCH. We are like alternate universe versions of each other, down to first-born daughter and younger son family configurations.
Tracy and I have known each other for a long time. I remember when he was performing at the Uptown Comedy Club wearing a beanie with a propeller. Now he’s a major comedy star and he deserves it.
I had not worked with Tiffany Haddish before THE LAST O.G.but we had a great time together.
I love everyone in this picture. Method Man and I hadn’t worked together since GREAT WHIITE HYPE, Cedric and I have done a couple of movies together but meeting the rest of the cast was a treat and can’t wait to work with them again!
Me and Talib Kweli. We had never met before, but had a great time together!
I’ve known writer Angela Nissel since she arrived in LA years ago. So great to see her thriving in this industry.
Matthew Cherry is an ex-NFL player turned director turned executive. He has a huge future ahead of him.
3. BLACK MONDAY
This great new show launches at the top of the year. I think you can see the first episode online NOW so go check it out. I did two episodes that I think will be the 4th and 5th.
I finally got to work with the brilliant Don Cheadle, who is so talented I think he’s taken for granted. Drama, comedy, writer, director, funky ass bass player, humanitarian…he does it all. Not pictured is Regina King, who is also pretty damn amazing. Also the executive producers of the show, the entire cast and crew…yeah. Love them.
4. SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO
This year I got to produce a show on a major network, with my man Steve Harvey, who I have worked with for decades now on all kinds of projects, from award shows to Burger King commercials.
I also got to book old friends like Kid N Play, Big Daddy Kane and Rob Base on the show.
We also added new flavors like master magicians like Penn and Teller, shown here levitating an audience member under the marquee outside of the Apollo Theater.
5. COMIC BOOKS THIS YEAR
I was honored to write one of the Jack Kirby tribute stories on his 100 anniversary. I instantly came up with a story with Shilo Norman, the young black man who was Mr. Miracle’s apprentice, and the Black Racer, the New God of death. Can the world’s greatest escape artist escape death itself?
We got great reviews and it’s the lead off story in the compilation. Thanks to Christopher Priest for the help!
Also, Marvel collected every Black Panther story I wrote and compiled them into three huge books, BLACK PANTHER: The Complete Reginald Hudlin, volumes 1-3. Wow.
When Marvel did a special annual with the three most prominent Black Panther writers, my story was reprinted in another paperback this year. So that’s a lot of comic books!
6. SHINE
I did stuff in front of the camera too. I was asked to do commercial honoring black animators.
I also was the special guest at an event celebrating black business.
Wren Brown and I in conversation.
I also did an interview about diversity with Jeff Chang for his PBS digital series “We Gon Be Alright”.
7. ALEX AND LACROSSE
My son Alexander discovered lacrosse two summers ago at camp and loved it. So we found a local league and he’s prepping for the upcoming season! He’s also doing great in school. Alex has always been a good student, but his level of focus upped this year and it shows.
8. HELENA AND DEBATE
So I took my daughter to the Academy Awards and the Governor’s Awards where the Academy gives out honorary Oscars, and every star in the world is there because it’s the start of award season. She wowed the room with her poise and charm. I was very proud of her.
I take her to stuff like that because this is her at 6am stopping at Starbucks before she goes to a debate tournament in Long Beach that will take all weekend. These can be 13-hour days that are longer than basketball tournaments.
As long as she keeps excelling in her debates, often against kids several grades above her, she gets a gown and an invite to the fancy events.
9. CHRISETTE AND I GET FUNKY
For my birthday, I noticed that George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic were playing on my special day. I immediately bought tickets. My wife enjoyed the show a lot more than I thought she would and I appreciate her getting on the One with me. We dealt with a lot of challenges this year and we got through it all, which I am grateful for.
10. ALEXANDER AND HIS GRANDMOTHER
Looking back, it was a very good year but I’m even more excited about 2019. Most of the projects mentioned will debut then, and several more under wraps will also be popping up this year. Plus big deals will be announced. It’s going to be great!
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