Jennifer Hudson won Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards. Hudson won for her role as queen of soul Aretha Franklin in the musical Respect. The virtual show was held on Feb 26 and aired on BET.
“Wow !!! All I can say is thank u God and thank u @naacpimageawards for these awards! I’m beyond humbled and grateful for this honor. I also have to thank my amazing @respectmovie family! These are for u, Ms. Franklin!” Hudson posted on her Instagram.
Hudson’s big night comes weeks after she made headlines when the Oscars failed to recognize her for Best Actress and Best Original Song. The American Idol alum has yet to address the snub, but her double win at the Image Awards makes up for another year where Hollywood failed an actress of color. The singer beat out Halle Berry, Zendaya, Tessa Thompson, and Andra Day.
The NAACP Image Awards were first held in 1967. Over the years the organization has challenged Hollywood and the type of roles created for Black actresses. In 1987 and in 1990 the Best Actress category was dropped in protest for meaningful roles for women. Past winners include Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, and Diana Ross.
Jennifer Hudson’s Award Winning Career
Hudson has racked up many accolades since her time on Idol. The singer has won an Oscar, Grammy, and an Emmy award for her music and acting roles. If Hudson wins a Tony Award in the future, she will join an elite club of entertainers who have won each major award across different entertainment industries.
The Dreamgirls actress recently returned to music with her feature on Robert Glasper’s “Out of my Hands.” The single is dominating the Adult R&B charts. Next up for Hudson is her film “Tell It Like a Woman.” Fans are also speculating that the former Voice coach will release her fourth studio album this year.
