*Deon Cole has already received 10 NAACP Picture Awards. He’s walked the stage. He’s held the trophy. He is aware of what that second looks like.
Now he’s returning — not as a nominee — however as host of the 57th NAACP Picture Awards, airing reside tonight (02-28-26) from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS.
And if you happen to’re anticipating ego, polish and hierarchy? Suppose once more.
“I need us to know that we’re all the identical,” Cole says. “No person’s higher than anyone else. The seat filler is simply as essential because the million-dollar film star.”
That line says every thing about how he views the evening.
The Picture Awards have at all times been about recognition — however for Cole, they’re additionally about vitality. Neighborhood. Artistic cross-pollination. A uncommon second when Black actors, musicians, administrators, executives and activists are all in the identical room on the similar time.
“What comes out of that room is creativity,” he says. “All people will get collectively and creates one thing.”
This yr’s Entertainer of the Yr nominees — Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan and Teyana Taylor — signify completely different lanes of excellence. The ceremony may also honor Colman Domingo, Viola Davis, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, A$AP Rocky, and Salt-N-Pepa for influence that stretches past leisure.
However Cole’s focus isn’t simply on who’s being honored. It’s on who’s watching.
“I need her to see this evening and let it spark her mind,” he says of bringing a younger inventive to the ceremony. “It’s extra than simply awards. It’s sparking the thoughts of the following Barack or the following Ryan Coogler.”
In different phrases, the Picture Awards aren’t nearly legacy. They’re about ignition.
Cole’s grounded method traces again to his Chicago roots.
“On the finish of the day, I’ve to look myself within the mirror,” he says. “You’re both going to say, ‘We did it at this time’ or ‘We tricked them.’ I’d relatively say, ‘We did it at this time.’”
And sure, he’ll nonetheless deliver the laughs.
“Any person’s auntie remains to be going to critique our outfit,” he jokes. “I really like us to remain on this stage enjoying subject.”
Internet hosting an evening constructed on status with out dropping humility is a balancing act. But when Cole has his means, the 57th NAACP Picture Awards received’t really feel like a hierarchy.
It’ll really feel like a household reunion — simply with higher lighting.
From the column: Black within the Inexperienced Room By Keith L. Underwood – Comply with: @mrkeithlunderwood (IG), @blackinthegreenroom (IG), YouTube, TikTok, and Fb
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