Queen Latifah Returns to Host NAACP Image Awards, Amanda Gorman and June Ambrose to Receive Special Honors

variety.com:

Angelique Jackson Queen Latifah will return to host the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards after emceeing the ceremony for the first time last year.

The NAACP also announced that writer, poet and activist Amanda Gorman will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while this year’s Vanguard Award will go to costume designer, designer and tastemaker June Ambrose in honor of her decades as a pioneer in the fashion industry. “We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, in a statement announcing the news. “Queen Latifah, NAACP and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity, and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different.” She also saluted Gorman and Ambrose for their “tremendous impact on culture.” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson noted the annual ceremony’s importance to the community and entertainment industry. “We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other change makers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way,” he said.

The 55th NAACP Image Awards will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 16, at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT on BET and CBS.

The Chairman’s Award will be presented during the broadcast, while the Vanguard Award will be presented during the Image Awards fashion show on Friday, March 15.