Each year, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards honors the best performances and creative breakthroughs in the entertainment industry. For decades, the red carpet of the awards show has been full of stars, and a number of first-time attendees.
While actors like Kerry Washington have been hitting the NAACP Image Awards red carpet since the early 2000s, stars like Quinta Brunson and Janelle James attended their first show within the last few years.
Ahead, take a look at a collection of this year’s nominees and what they wore to their first NAACP Image Awards show red carpet.
Kerry Washington, 2004
Kerry Washington made her first appearance on the NAACP Image Awards red carpet 20 years ago. The actress, who’s won four NAACP Image Awards, fashioned a strapless, tea-length dress with intricate overlay detailing. She’s nominated this year for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for “UnPrisoned.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 1988
Beloved for her Emmy-winning turn on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” Sheryl Lee Ralph wore this glittering statement dress at the NAACP Image Wards in 1988. The actress paired the ensemble with bold pink earrings. She’s nominated this year for her work in “Abbott Elementary.”
Angela Bassett, 1993
Angela Bassett brought absolute regality to the 1993 NAACP Image Awards with this black and yellow minidress with coordinating jacket and headpiece. The Oscar-nominated actress is the recipient of 15 NAACP Image Awards, including 2023’s Entertainer of the Year honor. She’s nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in “9-1-1.”
Janelle James, 2023
“Abbott Elementary” star Janelle James fashioned this black velvet with silver detailing strapless gown from Christian Siriano‘s 2023 pre-fall collection at her first NAACP Image Awards. She won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and is nominated for the same award this year.
Quinta Brunson, 2023
Quinta Brunson also hit the NAACP Image Awards for the first time in 2023. Brunson wore a shimmering pale gold strapless Peter Dundas gown, which featured a high slit and train. She won three awards last year for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television), all of which were for “Abbott Elementary.” She’s nominated this year for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
Octavia Spencer, 2012
Octavia Spencer won big during her first NAACP Image Awards. The Oscar-winner won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her work in “The Help.” At the ceremony, Spencer wore a silky sky blue gown by Tadashi Shoji.
First held in 1967, the NAACP Image Awards honors outstanding performances in film, TV, theater, and more. Each year, NAACP members vote on a number of categories, and the competitive awards, along with significant honors, are handed out. Beyoncé holds the most NAACP Image Awards, winning 25 as an individual artist.
