THE WAYANS FAMILY TO BE INDUCTED INTO NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HALL OF FAME
LOS ANGELES (February 13, 2025) - Today, the NAACP announced that the legendary Wayans family will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the “56th NAACP Image Awards” airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 22, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.
This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.
The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industy for generations. Past inductees include New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth Wind and Fire and more. “For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP
President and CEO. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities.
The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates
far beyond the stage and screen.” "The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor. From In Living Color to blockbuster films, their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and redefining mainstream comedy,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music
Strategy at BET. “Their ability to push boundaries while resonating with diverse
audiences has left an undeniable mark on the industry. We look forward to honoring
their impact by inducting the Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame live on
BET, while celebrating their legacy in entertainment and culture." As one of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment, the Wayans dynasty has transformed the landscape of film, television, and stand-up comedy for decades. At the forefront of this movement is Keenen Ivory Wayans, who created the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color. This show launched the careers of Hollywood heavyweights like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, along with many members of the Wayans family, all while setting new stan-
dards for diverse storytelling. At a time when mainstream comedy often sidelined
Black talent and perspectives, Keenen shattered barriers as an actor, comedian,
writer, director, and producer by centering diverse voices while addressing race, class, and pop culture with unapologetic humor.
In addition to In Living Color, Keenen co-wrote and co-starred in Hollywood Shuffle alongside Robert Townsend, directed the hit film Scary Movie, and wrote, directed and starred in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. His fearless approach entertained while challenging industry norms, proving that Black creators could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful in Hollywood. Damon Wayans Sr. became a comedy icon through his work on Saturday Night Live, Major Payne, and My Wife and Kids, while Marlon and Shawn Wayans co-created and starred in The Wayans Bros. and the blockbuster films Scary Movie, White
Chicks, Little Man and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. Dance Flick is another family hit directed by Damien Dante Wayland, with Keenen, Shawn, Marlon, Craig, and Damien as writers and producers. Damon Jr., Keenen, Marlon, Shawn, Kim, Craig, Gregg, and Chaunte all acted
in the film. Kim Wayans made her mark as an actress, producer, and writer, while
the next generation, including Damon Wayans Jr., has carried the legacy forward with standout roles in Poppa’s House, Shrinking, Happy Endings, New Girl, and Let’s Be Cops.
Marlon Wayans has expanded his dramatic repertoire with his recent performances in Respect and Air, and as Lou in Bel-Air, earning a nomination for Outstanding Guest Performance at the “56th NAACP Image Awards.” Damon Sr. and Damon Jr. have also made history as the first father-son duo nominated for their
performances in Poppa’s House, with Damon Sr. up for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Damon Jr. for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy , Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn Wayans are reviving one of their most successful
franchises, bringing a Scary Movie reboot to life and introducing a new generation to the iconic horror-comedy series. The film will hit theaters June 12, 2026.
Marlon is currently touring throughout the US on his WILD CHILD Tour which will lead to
his sixth standup special. He can next be seen starring in Jordan Peele’s upcoming
BET and the NAACP remain committed to celebrating Black excellence and re-
silience through the “56th NAACP Image Awards.” Their support extends to the
Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities affected by the recent
wildfires. As part of these efforts, BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK and WME have
partnered with LA County and in collaboration with local community organizations
such as Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA, to launch the
Altadena Community Preservation Fund, aimed at protecting homeowners from
displacement and preserving the community’s cultural heritage. By visiting www.naacpimageawards.net, the public can vote to determine the winners of the “56th NAACP Image Awards'' in select categories. Winners will be revealed during the “56th NAACP Image Awards'' telecast on Saturday, February 22, live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.
This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. NAACP will also
recognize winners in non–televised Image Awards categories virtually on Tuesday,
February 18 and Wednesday, Feb 19 at youtube.com/naacpimageawards and at
the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Friday, February 21. For informa-
tion and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPIm-
ageAwards. Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows,
the “56th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image
Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Courtney B. Vance, Sherri Shepherd, Colman Domingo, Mike Epps, Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Damson Idris, Michelle Buteau, Victoria Monét, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan,Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler
James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more Instagram: @naacpimageawards |X: @naacpimageaward | Facebook: /naacpim-
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