Quavo, Takeoff and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ among NAACP Image Award winners

Night one of the NAACP Image Awards kicked off Monday, Feb. 20, and some of the industry’s biggest names took home awards.

It was a virtual kickoff for the week-long event that honors the achievements and performances of people of color in more than 80 categories. Hosted by actor and influencer Khleo Thomas, night one winners included Atlanta’s own Quavo and his late nephew Takeoff, who got the trophy for outstanding hip-hop/rap song for “Hotel Lobby.” The “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack took home the award for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album. Rihanna added to the Black Panther award collection, in addition to her own, as she won Outstanding Video/Visual Album for her song, “Lift Me Up,” which appears on the soundtrack for the movie.

Other notable winners for the night include “No Woman No Cry” by Tems for Outstanding International Song; “Love Train” by Silk Sonic for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration; “Positive” by Erica Campbell for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song; and Chris Brown taking home the Outstanding Male Artist award.

It was also recently announced that Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade will receive the President’s Award during the official award show this weekend. The award recognizes notable achievement and valued public service, with previous honorees including Muhammad Ali, Colin Powell, Soledad O’Brien, Condoleezza Rice, LeBron James, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

While Crystal Renee Hayslett, Echo Kellum, and Jotaka Eaddy were presenters for the first night, Hailie Sahar, Jotaka Eaddy and Terrence Terrell will take over those reigns for night two.

The NAACP will continue its weeklong celebration, recognizing winners virtually Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 23. You can catch the virtual awards at NAACPImageAwards.net. Then, watch the 54th NAACP Image Awards Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. on BET.