They’re young, they’re handsome, and they’re nominated! Not only that, they represented for young, black Hollywood at the NAACP Image Awards nominee luncheon. Peep flicks of nominees Wood McClain, Michael Rainey Jr., Algee Smith and several more inside…
Y’all know we love some black excellence around these parts. And we’re even more obsessed with these YBFers.
The NAACP hosted its 49th annual Image Awards Nominees' Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel where YBF stars aligned for some fun. Everyone who’s up for an award was in the mix to celebrate the recognition and young Hollywood showed out.
“New Edition Story” actor/nominee Woody McClain was all smiles on the carpet before heading inside. The young star is in the running for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special.
Woody’s “New Edition” co-star Algee Smith was also in the mix. The 23-year-old was recognized for his role in “Detroit” and he’s in the running for the Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture award.
Another young cutie on the carpet was “Power” star Michael Rainey Jr., who has been nominated in the Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series) category.
Michael Rainey Jr. will be up against "This Is Us" actor Lonnie Chavis in the Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series) category as he's in the running as well.
Push through then Marsai Martin!
The 13-year-old “black-ish” starlet has been nominated for TWO Image Awards, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and she’ll go up against Michael and Lonnie in the Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series).
"Claws" actress Niecy Nash killed this royal blue midi dress with a ruffle accent. Her new show earned her a nomination in the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series category.
Yvette Nicole Brown, who currently stars on "The Mayor," nabbed a nominate for her voice over work on DIsney's “Elena of Avalor." She's in the running for the Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance award.
Lil Rel Howery's performance in the critically acclaimed Get Out movie earned him a nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category. He's most definitely the only on-screen bestie we want saving US in a horror movie. He also hosted and celebrated his birthday yesterday. Nice!
Our favorite TV/film mom! Loretta Devine was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in the now canceled NBC series, “The Carmichael Show." She was also nominated in the Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance category for her voice over work on “Doc McStuffins."
Changing gears, Demetria McKinney dropped her album, Officially Yours, this year that landed her in the Outstanding New Artist category.
Speaking of music, rapper/newlywedMC Lyte lit up the carpet in florals.
Speaking of newlyweds, "Orange Is The New Black" actress Samira Wiley hit the carpet with her wife/"OITNB" writer Lauren Morelli. Samira was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Hulu's “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
"The Real" co-hosts Jeannie Mai and Adrienne Bailon hit the carpet together as their daytime talk show is in the running for the Outstanding Talk Series award. Loving both of their looks.
Inside....
The nominees had fun chopping it up and snapping flicks together.
Niecy caught up with EMMY winning writer Lena Waithe, who made history as the first African-American woman to win for comedy writing. Fun times!
The Two-Hour LIVE NAACP Awards will air on TV One on Monday, January 15, 2018, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with a One-Hour Live Red Carpet Pre-Show.
Check out the full list of nominees HERE.
Photos: Getty
