STYLE

The 49th annual NAACP Image Awards ceremony took place on Monday and it was an *incredibly* inspiring event.

The awards—created to celebrate people of color in entertainment and literature, as well as honor those who promote social justice through creative leadership—echoed other prominent award shows this season, with attendees vocalizing their support for the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, both calls for an end to sexual assault, harassment, and inequality. 

Kerry Washington (Scandal), Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish), Lena Waithe (Master of None), Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) and more stood united to deliver an empowering speech on supporting the social movements and encouraging female prosperity. Together they challenged the audience to “stand by us, stand for us and stand with us.”
 
In terms of awards, Girls Trip won Outstanding Motion Picture while Black-ish racked up five awards (the most of any) including Outstanding Comedy Series. Bruno Mars even claimed three of the music awards including Best Male Artist.

Ava DuVernay, director of Disney's upcoming A Wrinkle in Time, joyously accepted the Entertainer of the Year award, giving an inspiring speech in which she honored black creators Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal), Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Grown-ish) and Donald Glover (aka rapper Childish Gambino).

“This is our time," Ava said. "We can say we were here when all this gorgeous art was happening, and that we supported it—that we lifted each other up, that we did as Dr. King said we would do: Live the dream. We’re the dream." The awards fell on the same day as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

No matter the shape, size, color or gender, the awards reminded us that it is important to embrace and celebrate one's diversity and intersectionality. Black excellence shined bright that night on and off the red carpet—take a look below to see for yourself…

Storm Reid (pictured above)

The star of the Ava Duverney-directed A Wrinkle in Time rocked a beautiful sheer black dress. The look screams fun and sophisticated, and we love it!

Marsai Martin 

This young actress rocked a beautiful high low-dress when she strutted on stage to accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Diane Johnson on Black-ish.

Yara Shahidi

Marsai's on-screen big sis stunned in a black gown and braids! The elegant star of Freeform's Grown-ish looked gorg.

Issa Rae

Issa was nominated for outstanding actress for her work in Insecure, and on the red carpet she shined in a sequin-covered, belted aqua dress. 

Miles Brown

Yet another Johnson sib from Black-ish lookin' fierce! His red beret and dog-patterned sweater made us want to pinch his cheeks.

Michael Rainey Jr.

Michael was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Youth in the film Youth and hit the red carpet in a suave blue suit. 

Imani Hakim

The Down For Whatever actress was honestly glowing in this stunning golden outfit. 

Laverne Cox

The star of Orange is the New Black brought some serious glam in this sheer, sparkly gown. 

Kerry Washington

Kerry rocked the red carpet in beautiful black dress that proved simple is always better. That night, the actress took home the award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Scandal.

Caleb McLaughlin

Lucas from Stranger Things looked all grown up in this plaid suit! That night, he nabbed the trophy for Outstanding Young Actor for his work in the Netflix show.

Which look is your fave? Which one of these stars do *you* find most inspiring? Sound off in the comments below!

by Kira Barrett and Victoria Hill | 1/17/2018