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2023 NAACP Image Awards: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Claims ‘Outstanding Motion Picture’

Director Ryan Coogler paid tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman during his acceptance speech.

Marvel Studios'  Black Panther: Wakanda Forever won the “Outstanding Motion Picture” category at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards after leading tonight’s ceremony with 12 nominations. Director Ryan Coogler, joined onstage by “Entertainer of the Year'' award recipient Angela Bassett, accepted the prestigious honor presented by Image Awards nominee and actress Zendaya.

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During his acceptance speech, Coolger highlighted his fellow nominees and their films, sharing, “They were beautiful. They deserve to be celebrated.” He added, “ I’m happy to know y’all and to be challenged by y’all and motivated by y’all. It means the world.”

The filmmaker also gave thanks to his cast and wife before paying tribute to the late actor and King T’Challa, Chadwick Boseman. “We lost a giant, and he left a giant void in our hearts, but we gained an ancestor,” he shared.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever beat out Jazzman’s Blues Emancipation, The Woman King, and TILL. Actress, producer, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah hosted tonight’s celebrations.

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