The 2024 NAACP Image Awards have been a showcase of talent, with early winners announced in a series of virtual ceremonies. Among the celebrated are DC Young Fly, Issa Rae, and the cast of ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, each taking home awards for their outstanding contributions to entertainment.
DC Young Fly Soars High
DC Young Fly, known for his vibrant personality and comedic flair, has added two more accolades to his collection. He was honored as the outstanding host in a reality/reality competition, game show, or variety series for his work on BET’s “Celebrity Squares”. Additionally, his podcast “The 85 South Show,” co-hosted with Karlous Miller and Chico Bean, won the outstanding society and culture podcast award.
DC Young Fly’s journey in entertainment began with his acting debut in the 2016 comedy film ‘Almost Christmas’. Since then, he has become a beloved cast member on the popular series ‘Wild n Out’ and has starred in television series including ‘Hip Hop Squares’, ‘In the Cut’, and ‘Total Request Live’. His achievements reflect his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across various platforms.
Issa Rae: A Voice of Excellence
Issa Rae, a multi-talented creator, received a voiceover performance award for her role as Jessica Drew, a.k.a. Spider-Woman, in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. Rae’s career has been marked by her work as the co-creator, co-writer, and star of the HBO television series ‘Insecure’, for which she has been nominated for multiple Golden Globes Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Rae’s influence extends beyond acting, as she is also the founder of Hoorae Media. Her memoir, ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’, became a New York Times bestseller. Rae’s voice work for the short film ‘Hair Love’ contributed to its Academy Award win for Best Animated Short Film in 2020. Her impact on the industry has been recognized with inclusion in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the entertainment section.
‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ Breaks Barriers
‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ has finally won the outstanding variety show (series or special) trophy after two seasons of nominations. The show, created by Robin Thede, is celebrated for its unique humor and representation. It has been praised for its singular, subversive, and simply hilarious content, showcasing the talents of its all-black female cast.
The show has been noted for addressing the failures of the comedy landscape to include vital voices, setting numerous firsts: the first all-black women writer’s room, the first black woman sketch director, and the first sketch series cast composed entirely of black women. Critics have lauded the show for finding universal humor in specific spaces and crafting quick-witted sketches.
The NAACP Image Awards continue to highlight the achievements of black artists in entertainment. With the main event yet to come, the early winners have set a high bar for excellence and diversity in the industry. The awards broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles will surely be a night to remember, celebrating the best in black entertainment.
