AceShowbiz - DeVon Franklin and his wife, Maria Castillo, made a striking appearance at the NAACP Image Awards’ Creative Honors pre-show event in Los Angeles on February 26. The couple, who tied the knot in August 2024, attended ahead of the main ceremony scheduled for February 28, where DeVon Franklin received six nominations for his film Ruth & Boaz, set for release in 2025.

On the black carpet, the pair coordinated their attire flawlessly, both opting for elegant all-black ensembles. DeVon Franklin, 47, chose a classic suit that showcased his refined style, while Maria Castillo, 29, captivated in a sophisticated high-neck black dress, accessorized with gold jewelry and her signature red-bottom pumps, adding a glamorous touch to their coordinated look.

After posing together for photographers, DeVon Franklin was seen mingling inside the venue, notably reconnecting with Serayah, the actress who stars as Ruth in his upcoming film. This reunion highlighted the camaraderie among the Ruth & Boaz cast as they celebrated the film’s critical recognition.

The film has been honored with a nomination for Outstanding Limited Movie, a prestigious category at the NAACP Image Awards. Additionally, Serayah received a nod for Outstanding Actress, while Tyler Lepley, who plays Boaz, was nominated for Outstanding Actor. These accolades mark a significant moment for the team and reflect the industry’s appreciation for their work.

Earlier in January, DeVon Franklin expressed his gratitude on Instagram, writing, "Thank you to @naacp for once again recognizing our stories, and thank you for watching and supporting!!" His heartfelt message underscored the importance of representation and storytelling in his projects.

Since marrying last August, DeVon Franklin has often shared glimpses of his life with Maria Castillo on social media, documenting milestones and joyful moments. In November, he posted a warm tribute to their first Thanksgiving as newlyweds, stating, "Our first Thanksgiving as newlyweds... and my heart (and my stomach :) is full. God doesn't just answer prayers — He exceeds them. Grateful for my wife, our life, and this new chapter He's written for us."

Their wedding itself was designed to celebrate the beginning of their love story rather than the culmination of it. Speaking to People magazine shortly after their ceremony in California, DeVon Franklin explained, "We wanted to create an event that evokes the beginning of our love story. So often people look at a wedding as the end of a love story, but it’s just the beginning. We wanted this event to capture that, so people can really experience our love for one another."

This philosophy set the tone for their relationship, which they have continued to nurture publicly and privately since their marriage. Their appearance at the NAACP Image Awards’ Creative Honors was another chapter in sharing their journey together while supporting DeVon Franklin’s professional achievements.