NAACP Image Awards Announce 2023 Air Date and Return of Live Audience

Anthony Anderson on stage at the 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards in 2021. (Credit: CBS)

The NAACP Image Awards will return to BET in February.

In a joint announcement on Tuesday, BET and the Image Awards said the televised ceremony will be held in front of an audience for the first time in three years, with the awards taking place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif.

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP. “We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.”

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Added BET President and CEO Scott Mills, “BET is extremely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the NAACP and magnify their endeavors to honor the incredible contributions made by the Black community.”

For its latest Installment, the awards will welcome submissions in the motion picture, television, and streaming categories for Outstanding Hairstyling, Outstanding Make-up, and Outstanding Costume Design.

The nominations will be announced on Jan. 12. Leading up to the awards, the NAACP will host a week of events in Los Angeles to honor achievements in film, television, music, and literature.

The NAACP Image Awards air Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET.

For additional information, go to naacpimageawards.net.