Image Awards will be both live and Cool

Fri., March 2, 2007

Judith S. Gillies Washington Post

The NAACP Image Awards have been televised for years, but tonight is the first time they’ll air live.

And LL Cool J, who was chosen to host, looks at his duties as a special honor.

“It’s kind of like, if you’re going to have someone take the last shot (in a basketball game),” he says, “who do you want to have the ball?”

The awards recognize the artistic achievements of people of color, individuals who promote diversity in the arts, and those promoting social justice.

Special accolades will go to comedian Bill Cosby (Image Awards Hall of Fame), for his cultural impact; musician Bono of U2 (Chairman’s Award), for bringing focus to issues of poverty and health in the third world; and CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien (President’s Award), to underscore that the NAACP recognizes quality work in news as well as entertainment, says Vic Bulluck, executive producer of the telecast.

As for those who will learn of their honors during the show (airing tape-delayed on the West Coast), Cool J – who has won several Image Awards of his own – advises: “Appreciate the moment and have an attitude of gratitude.”

The nominees in major television categories include:

Comedy series: “All of Us,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Girlfriends,” “Ugly Betty.”

Actor, comedy series: Bernie Mac, “The Bernie Mac Show”; Donald Faison, “Scrubs”; Duane Martin, “All of Us”; George Lopez, “George Lopez”; Tyler James Williams, “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Actress, comedy series: America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”; Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live”; Raven-Symone, “That’s So Raven”; Tichina Arnold, “Everybody Hates Chris”; Tracee Ellis Ross, “Girlfriends.”

Drama series: “24,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Heroes,” “The Unit,” “The Wire.”

Actor, drama series: Dennis Haysbert, “The Unit”; Hill Harper, “CSI: New York”; Isaiah Washington, “Grey’s Anatomy”; Jesse L. Martin, “Law & Order”; Michael K. Williams, “The Wire.”

Actress, drama series: CCH Pounder, “The Shield”; Jennifer Beals, “The L Word”; Kimberly Elise, “Close to Home”; Regina Taylor, “The Unit”; Roselyn Sanchez, “Without a Trace.”

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