These Black Celebs Slayed The Red Carpet at The NAACP Image Awards

Chloe and Halle Bailey, Kerry Washington and more of our faves showed up and showed out. Let’s take a look!

Published

February 22, 2025

Cynthia Erivo at the 56th NAACP Image Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores/Variety

The best of the best in Black television, film and more was honored at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday and more than a handful of our favorite Black stars were in the building.

‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

Video will return here when scrolled back into view

17 Fashion Trainwrecks from Met Gala 2025

view video

17 Fashion Trainwrecks from Met Gala 2025

Some of those people included “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Chairman’s Award recipient and former Vice President Kamala Harris, Hall of Fame Award honorees Damon Wayans, Marlon Wayans and the rest of the family; Halle and Chloe Bailey, Gabrielle Union, Essence Atkins and more.

But in addition to all the famous faces, a large part of what made this year’s awards show so special was the fabulous fashions, gorgeous gowns and stunning looks that graced the purple carpet. And because we know you love to indulge in the goodness along with us—let’s take a look at a handful of the famous faces that brought amazing looks to this year’s awards show.

From Jurnee Smollett to John David Washington, here are the best looks!

Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff

Photo: Getty Images Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for BET Photo: Getty Images Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for BET

Morris Chestnut

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Gabrielle Union

Emayatzi Corinealdi, Kerry Washington and Ebony Obsidian

Jurnee Smollett

Photo: Getty Images Aaron J. Thornton for BET Photo: Getty Images Aaron J. Thornton for BET

Halle Bailey

Image: Getty Images Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET Image: Getty Images Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Chloe Bailey

Kingsley Ben-Adir

John David Washington

Shannon Sharpe

Kyla Pratt

Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and Marlon Wayans

Photo: Getty Images Arnold Turner for NAACP Photo: Getty Images Arnold Turner for NAACP

efefe

David Alan Grier

Ego Nwodim

Straight From

Latest from The Root

Best Michael Jackson Videos, Ranked by Viral Views

Michael Jackson’s upcoming biopic has us looking back at the music videos he left behind that will allow us to enjoy his gifts for years to come. Let’s take a look at his most popular! …

Everything You Need to Watch, Listen To Before You See the New Michael Jackson Movie

There’s exactly one week before the new Michael Jackson biopic hits theaters. But if you can’t wait to enter into MJ land, consider this your pre-viewing and listening syllabus! …

‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

Quinton Aaron’s road to recovery has been overshadowed by the drama surrounding his ‘wife.’ And now, he’s speaking up about it for the first time …

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

Olympian Junelle Lyles is standing up for her new husband after a viral video seemingly painted him in a negative light. But folks online aren’t open to hearing it! …

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …

Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

In a tragedy described as the most devastating event in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana, a dad killed eight children in a mass shooting Sunday …

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

In an exclusive interview, Rev. Al Sharpton explains exactly how the country can recover from the damage done by the Trump administration …

Prince’s Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Mark “BrownMark” Brown breaks his silence to shed light on Prince’s troubling behavior before his devastating passing …

Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here’s Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Black Americans are twice as likely to get dementia, but it’s not inevitable. An expert breaks down the types, early warning signs, the factors behind the disparity, and what you can do now …

Cardi B Tour Finale Offers Viral Lesson on Why Nobody Is Too Powerful to Be Polite

Cardi B crashed out on Instagram live after State Farm Arena staff were rude to her before her final concert in Atlanta …

Why The Black Barbershop Is The Only Space For Black Men To Be Pampered and Safe

For Black men, the barbershop is more than just a place to get a haircut, it’s a place where they are truly cared for and seen …

Black Law Workforce Hits Decade Low Under Trump Anti-DEI Shifts

Following the 2026 NALP report, experts warn that the systematic dismantling of DEI policies under the Trump administration is reversing a decade of progress for the Black middle class …

Expert Tips to Help Black Families Navigate Dementia Care

In many Black families, caregivers pour their hearts into taking care of loved ones. Here’s what an expert wants families to know about managing dementia care …

5 Things You Won’t See In New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives this week—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut …

Charles Barkely And Michael Jordan Squash Their Decades-Long Beef

After more than ten years of silence, the two NBA icons have set aside their differences and reconciled …

Why Millions are Risking AI Medical Advice Despite Fading Trust

A new study found that consumer trust in AI as a medical decision-making tool is waning …

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why she’s not in the film …

Behind the Violent End of Justin Fairfax’s Marriage

They were a Duke University power couple with the world at their feet. But by April 2026, Justin and Cerina Fairfax met a tragic end during tense divorce proceedings …

Everything You Need to Know About the Black Woman Trump Nominated To Lead the CDC

Pres. Trump just nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director. Here’s all you need to know about the Black woman who has been tapped to take over the nation’s top public health agency …

D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

Authorities had been circling D4vd for a while now, but had nothing concrete to bring him in on until now. Here’s what we know …