Black Hollywood and beyond showed up and showed out at the 2016 NAACP Image Awards Friday night. It was basically the most fabulous "Ef You" to mainstream award shows who have overlooked people of color that we've seen in recent years. Who needs the snow white Oscars when WE can do it better?
Check out Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and all of Black Hollywood putting their money where their mouths are and showing up for the cause inside....
Friday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, black Hollywood was in full force for the 47th annual NAACP Image Awards. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith showed up -- and you know folks would have let them HAVE IT had they not -- looking just as regal as expected.
One of Black Hollywood's most fabulous couples was extremely vocal about boycotting the Oscars and other entities who ignore people of color, and putting resources into our own platforms. So here they are.
Jada looked gorgeous in her teal strapless creation as Will, who was nominated for his role n the movie Concussion, looked dapper as usual.
The Queens of ABC slayed in white:
Gorge.
Kerry Washington served perfectly tousled hair and makeup and a plunging neckline for the night's red carpet.
Viola Davis brought her husband Julian Tennon as her supportive date.
The creator of the ladies' shows, "Scandal" and "How To Get Away With Murder," Sowed up flossing that 100+ pound weight loss:
Yes Shonda Rhimes! Looking beautiful.
"black ish" star Yara Shahidi whipped out her phone on the red carpet to snap a cute flick with "Being Mary Jane" star Gabby Union. The two ladies were both up for Awards and definitely dressed for the occasion.
Age appropriate look for the 15-year-old ABC star, and that we love.
Gabby Union took our breath away in this black lace and tulle Rita Vinieris gown and Niwaka jewels. peep the back:
WORK!
Oh hey there sexy.
Before taking home two major awards -- including the biggest of the night, Entertainer of the Year -- Michael B. Jordan of Creed hit the carpet looking scrumptious.
Sexy couple Trai Byers and fiance and "Empire" co-star Grace Gealey were color cprdinated for their big night.
Grace loves her sheer dresses doesn't she? The "Empire" squad took home a statue at the end of the night as well.
The couple's co-star Terrece Howard also won big, and he even thanked his wife Mira for beign right by his side.
Speaking of "Empire":
Serayah repped for the fresh faced set in this sexy Philipp Plein dress ad Nicholas Kirkwood with her Ennkou clutch. Chick knows how to show it off in a stylish way.
Gabby Sidibe rocked all black and was all smiles as usual on the carpet.
Bryshere "Yazz" Gray rocked the mint green to perfection.
Ta'Rhonda Jones worked it out in a cranberry frock.
And "Empire" creator Lee Daniels rocked his signature shades.
This gown had the capacity to read older than her PYT status, but she killed it. The ChiRaq star showed up in this black and gold Romona Keveza gown.
Taraji P. Henson went for a slinky nude number from Balmain as she hit the carpet before accepting her Outstanding Actress award.
And we gotta admit, we almost mistook Sanaa Lathan for Ashanti when she first hit the carpet:
Sheesh. Congrats on your big win Sanaaa!
"Grease Live" star KeKe Palmer in this lilac bustier...we're still not sure how we feel.
A few fols made it a real-life family affair:
And the Haqq twins, who may be reprising their role in the upcoming movie ATL2, kept it gorgeous in solid and colorblocked gowns.
Then the O'Sheas made their double dapper appearance. When daddy AND son are sexy as hell...yes Lordt.
Ice Cube even caught up with the kiddies of "black ish" on the carpet. That smile is a far cry from the awkwardness he brought while chopping it up alongside Omari Hardwick on the carpet. Adorbs!
Little Marsai Martin and Miles Brown were their usual 10 & 11-year old selves bouncing around the carpet.
Their TV mom Tracee Ellis Ross looked stunning in the Rubin SInger creation hitting the carpet before winning a big Award later in the night.
Another TV mom, Naturi Naughton, showed off a little sexy in her Galia Lahav gown as she was nominated for an award for her role in "Power".
When Ghost and Tasha St. Patrick walked thru...Yas! Omari Hardwick looked hot in Calvin Klein on the carpet alongside his on screen wife.
The King of Sundance, Nate Parker, was front and center to help his fellow actors celebrate a big night before his Birth of a Nation debut.
"Survivor's Remorse" star Erica Ash made a golden appearance.
Upcoming "Underground" actress Jurnee Smollett rocked a nude look that had folks doing a double take when she hit the stage to present.
Fab chick Tika Sumpter, rocking a sheer and lace Elie Saab gown, just showed her Southside With You film at Sundance and is waiting on it to get picked up. She plays a young Michelle Obama.
Expectant couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen brought their baby bump tot he Awards show carpet before Jjohn accepted the President's Award for all his social activism.
The gorgeous Gugu Mbatha-Raw was a vision in marigold as she spoke about her nominated film Concussion.
Laverne Cox in custom Marc Bouwer. Chick is killing this red carpet game lately.
Cree Summer did the voice overs for the night in this powder blue suit.
Eva Marcille's new season of the TV One show "Born Again Virgin" aired right after the Awards.
Yes fellas! We're here for the textures and traditional tuxes from Alfred Enoch and Shameik Moore of Dope.
VH1's "Hit The Floor" star Kimberly Elise rocked the carpet.
TV One's "Next 15" star Jennifer Williams is getting a second chance at fame, and she rocked an embellished red cut-out number to catch a few eyes.
Looks like Jen's co-star Laura Govan had the same idea about catching atention.
The fellas were all on the carpet as well:
Affion Crockett, David Alan Grier, Neil brown Jr. and Benzino -- who wil also appear with Jennifer on "Next 15" -- all hit the carpet.
Wendy Raquel Robinson showed up in a beaded Diana couture gown. Pretty.
Demetria McKinney was all about the liquid gold.
Bring on the sparkles with Miss D of "Bring It!" and "Power" creator Courtney Kimp Agboh.
Toccara Jones is still serving curves these days.
And finally, Amber Riley and Sheryl Lee Ralph brought some fabness of their own on the carpet.
Fab times all around!
Photos: Getty
