AceShowbiz - Keke Palmer was crowned entertainer of the year at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Palmer's win came as a surprise to many, including herself, as she was up against formidable contenders like Cynthia Erivo, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe.

Palmer's dual victory included another accolade for outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show, or variety series for her involvement in the reboot of “Password.”

The evening also celebrated Tyler Perry-directed "The Six Triple Eight," which won outstanding motion picture. It edged out tough competition from "The Piano Lesson," "Bob Marley: One Love," "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," and "Wicked."

The film also helped Kerry Washington score a win for outstanding actress in a motion picture. Overwhelmed with emotion, she dedicated her speech to the extraordinary Black women portrayed in the Netflix film. The film honored the real-life all-Black battalion that served in World War II, emphasizing their resilience and strength.

Washington, in a touching moment, highlighted, "At a time when our history is being ripped from us, we are telling your stories ladies because you are calling us forward into our greatness."

Martin Lawrence and Michael Rainey Jr. took home respective awards for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, thanks to their performances in "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" and "Power Book II: Ghost."

In the music categories, winners included Beyonce Knowles, who claimed the outstanding album award for "Cowboy Carter" and collected her eighth win as the outstanding female artist.

Chris Brown matched Usher's record by winning his fourth outstanding male artist, along with two more accolades for outstanding soul/R&B song and outstanding international song.

Although K. Dot lost Entertainer of the Year to Keke Palmer, he still walked away with at least one prestigious trophy for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song, thanks to his massive hit single "Not Like Us" which took aim at Drake and became a global phenomenon since it was performed at the Super Bowl.

Television categories also saw Quinta Brunson of "Abbott Elementary" winning best actress in a comedy series. The same show clinched the best comedy series award earlier in the week.

Damon Wayans picked up the best actor in a comedy series for "Poppa's House." Queen Latifah earned best actress in a drama series for "The Equalizer."

The ceremony was hosted by Deon Cole. It spotlighted philanthropic initiatives, like the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, supporting communities affected by recent wildfires. This year's NAACP Image Awards truly embodied a celebration of talent, resilience, and the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural history.