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Jennifer Hudson wins NAACP Image Award
2007-03-02
Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson kept her winning streak alive and Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington claimed a best actor prize at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards Friday. Hudson, a former "American Idol" finalist, received a best supporting actress award for her role in the musical "Dreamgirls," the same category she won at the Oscars on Sunday. "There is nothing like being recognized and honored by your own," said Hudson. Forest Whitaker, who also won an Oscar for best actor in "The Last King of Scotland," was nominated in the same category for an Image Award. Isaiah Washington, who has been sharply criticized for uttering a gay slur on the set of his hit show, won best actor for a drama series. "The first time I was up here I felt deserving of something," said Washington, who announced earlier this year he would seek help after receiving a torrent of negative publicity for his comments. "This time I feel privileged." Djimon Hounsou took best supporting actor for "Blood Diamond." "This film means a lot to me for the simple reason that I'm from Africa," said Hounsou to loud applause. Rapper LL Cool J hosted the Image Awards, which honor projects and individuals who promote diversity in the arts. "I won't ask you why the chicken crossed the road," the rapper joked, telling the crowd it was his first time as a host. "I just ask that you bear with me. I'm going to try to carry this thing with dignity." Television show "That's So Raven" took two awards for best children's program and performance. Vanessa Williams got the nod for best supporting actress in a comedy for "Ugly Betty." The show is "a story about family, about feeling like an outsider, and as African-Americans in this business know, often we feel like an outsider," said Williams. Chandra Wilson won best supporting actress in a drama series for "Grey's Anatomy." She said she wished her deceased father could have been with her, as Friday would have been his birthday. "His little daughter is real happy to be standing here," she said. CNN's Soledad O'Brien was given the honorary President's Award for her work as a journalist. Honorary recognition during the show was also to include Bill Cosby's induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and the Chairman's Award to Bono. "Dreamgirls" and the TV comedy "Everybody Hates Chris" were each up for a leading eight Image Awards. "Dreamgirls" had nominations for best picture and soundtrack, and "Dreamgirls" star Beyonce Knowles led individual nominees with five nods. Other movies competing for best-picture were "Akeelah and the Bee," "Blood Diamond," "Catch a Fire" and "The Pursuit of Happyness." Other big-screen acting nominees were Denzel Washington ("Inside Man"), Harry Belafonte ("Bobby") and Kerry Washington ("The Last King of Scotland"). Besides its best-comedy nomination, "Everybody Hates Chris" was up for two directing and five acting awards. Other best-comedy nominees were "All of Us," "The Bernie Mac Show," "Girlfriends" and "Ugly Betty." Best-drama nods went to "24," "Grey's Anatomy," "Heroes," "The Unit" and "The Wire." ___ On the Net: http://www.naacpimageawards.net/imageawards38.html
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