AceShowbiz - The stage is set for the 56th NAACP Image Awards, a star-studded event that highlights the best in Black talent across film, television, music, literature, and more. Luminaries like Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and sports-talk host Shannon Sharpe compete for the coveted Entertainer of the Year honor.

Leading the nominations is Netflix's "The Piano Lesson" with an impressive 14 nods, including accolades for director Malcolm Washington and stars John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film stands alongside Sony's "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," Paramount's "Bob Marley: One Love," Netflix's "The Six Triple Eight," and Universal's "Wicked" in the Outstanding Motion Picture category.

The television categories see Peacock's "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" leading with nine nominations, recognizing stars like Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, and Taraji P. Henson. Ayo Edebiri shines this year with five nominations, including three for her role in "The Bear" and one for guest hosting "Saturday Night Live." Edebiri is also recognized for outstanding voiceover performance in "Inside Out 2."

Keke Palmer follows closely with four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, for hosting "Password," and for her podcast "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer." Multiple nominees include Kerry Washington for her roles in "The Six Triple Eight" and "UnPrisoned" and David Alan Grier for "The American Society of Magical Negroes" and "St. Denis Medical."

In the music categories, GloRilla stands out with six nominations while Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, and Usher each earn four nods. Beyonce Knowles also landed three nominations for her "Cowboy Carter" album, proving her continued influence in the music industry.

The awards ceremony, set to air live on February 22 from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on BET and CBS, promises to be a celebration of Black brilliance and creativity. As Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, aptly stated, "We look forward to celebrating the brilliance of Black talent and creativity whose stories shape culture, ignite change, and inspire generations."

The NAACP Image Awards not only celebrate artistic achievements but also highlight the resilience and impact of Black creatives, innovators, and changemakers. Whether through film, music, literature, or other forms of storytelling, these awards honor those who drive true progress and inspire future generations.

The nominations list is available on the NAACP official website.