(PHOTOS) NAACP Celebrates Image Awards Nominees at Annual Luncheon

Black excellence in film and television was on full display at the recent NAACP Image Awards Nominees Luncheon, which celebrated the achievements of the nominees for this year’s Image Awards.

Held at the Loews Hollywood, guests included Angela Rye, Essence Atkins, Isiah Washington, Loretta Devine, Lynne Whitfield, Lyric Ross, Marcus Scribner and Salli Richardson-Whitfield.

Hosted by Sheryl Lee Ralph and MAJOR, the event also highlighted the NAACP’s 110-year history fighting for equality.

“As artists, we know that Hollywood shapes what we see. That’s why inclusion in the entertainment industry is so important,” said MAJOR in his opening remarks. “If we don’t realize we are the people we have been waiting for, then what are we waiting for? Now is the time for us to care about everything concerning people of color,” Ralph added.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson also took a moment to congratulate the nominees and salute them for telling the authentic stories of people of color in Hollywood.

“How people see us on the big screen is how they treat us in the streets,” Johnson said. “The Image Awards Nominees Luncheon is an occasion to celebrate the nominees of the prestigious Image Award.”

Singer Emi Secrest brought the house down with a special musical performance for the nominees and guests in attendance. The nominees in attendance also took a group picture before being presented with certificates by NAACP President Johnson.

The 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards will take place on March 30 at the Dolby Theatre and will air live on TV One.

See photos from the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards Nominees Luncheon below.

(Photos courtesy of the NAACP)