Viola Davis Receives Prestigious Chairman's Prize at NAACP Image Awards

The Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy winner reflects on her journey from childhood poverty to international success.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Viola Davis delivered a powerful speech about self-worth, resilience and collective progress after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award at the 57th NAACP Image Awards ceremony in Pasadena, California. Davis reflected on her journey from childhood poverty in Rhode Island to international success, saying, "I just wanted to be somebody. I wanted success because I thought it was significance." The ceremony also honored other notable achievements, including Michael B. Jordan winning Entertainer of the Year and the induction of hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

The NAACP Image Awards celebrate Black achievement across various fields, including entertainment, and serve as an important platform to highlight the contributions and experiences of the Black community. Viola Davis' speech on self-worth and the need for collective progress resonates with the ceremony's mission to uplift and empower. The recognition of other trailblazers like Michael B. Jordan and Salt-N-Pepa further underscores the awards' significance in honoring Black excellence.

The details

During her acceptance speech for the Chairman's Award, Viola Davis spoke about the importance of facing hard truths and healing together, saying, "There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one's truth. We either move forward together or not at all." Michael B. Jordan was named Entertainer of the Year, and in his emotional speech, he paid tribute to his late friend and "Black Panther" co-star, Chadwick Boseman. Hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, recognized for their groundbreaking impact on music, culture, and the representation of women in rap.

  • The 57th NAACP Image Awards ceremony took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Pasadena, California.
  • Viola Davis received the Chairman's Award during the ceremony.
  • Michael B. Jordan was named Entertainer of the Year at the event.
  • Salt-N-Pepa were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame on the same night.

The players

Viola Davis

An Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy-winning actress who has earned widespread acclaim for her performances in films like "The Help," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and "Doubt," as well as her role in the TV series "How to Get Away With Murder." She received the NAACP's prestigious Chairman's Award at the ceremony.

Michael B. Jordan

An actor who won the Entertainer of the Year award at the NAACP Image Awards, as well as the Best Actor award for his dual performance in the film "Sinners." He is known for his roles in "Black Panther" and other acclaimed projects.

Salt-N-Pepa

A Grammy-winning hip-hop group consisting of Cheryl "Salt" James, Sandra "Pepa" Denton, and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Muriel Roper). They were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame for their groundbreaking impact on music, culture, and the representation of women in rap.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is no becoming without healing and without a radical acceptance of one's truth. We either move forward together or not at all.”

— Viola Davis

“My best friend, Chad ... I miss you every day.”

— Michael B. Jordan

“We didn't know we were building a movement. We were just being ourselves.”

— Spinderella, DJ, Salt-N-Pepa

The takeaway

The NAACP Image Awards continue to be a powerful platform for celebrating Black excellence and resilience. Viola Davis' poignant speech on the importance of self-worth and collective progress, along with the recognition of trailblazers like Michael B. Jordan and Salt-N-Pepa, underscores the awards' enduring significance in uplifting the Black community and inspiring positive change.