The 40th NAACP Awards were broadcast live on Fox network on February 12, 2009. See the winners, photos, and video of performances here. Hosting the program, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, were veteran director, producer and actor Tyler Perry and Oscar winning actress Halle Berry. Performers included Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Will.i.am, Seal, and Stevie Wonder.

As always, the annual awards are to honor the achievements of people of color in motion pictures, television, music and literature.  The program was also a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the landmark civil rights organization, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1909 by a group led by scholar and activist W.E.B. DuBois with a mission to “”to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.”  The founding on February 12, 1909 coincided intentionally with the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.

Grammy Award-winning pop icon, Beyonce opened the show in a flowing white gown, resembling vintage Hollywood glamour. The celebrated singer-actress performed her new song, ‘Halo’ with archival footage from the Civil Rights movement in the backdrop. It was quite obvious that the set had an emotional affect on Knowles, as her yes seemed watery — as if she was ready to cry. [...]

Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, who has had an event-filled week performing and winning her first Grammy, also lit up the Shrine Auditorium with her presence.

“This is where we come from,” Hudson said, accepting the trophy for “Outstanding New Artist.” “So it’s always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love. I really cherish this and appreciate it.”

Shortly after receiving the award, the J Records vocalist made her mark at the centennial celebration with her stunning tribute to boxing legend Muhammad Ali by singing ‘The Impossible Dream.’

Source: 2009 NAACP Image Awards: Bringing Black Star Power

Photo credit: Getty Images North America, Reuters

Winners list is below.  To see the full list of nominees:

• NAACP: 2009 Image Awards

For red carpet photos of NAACP Image Awards Arrivals see:

• Concrete Loop: 40th Annual NAACP Awards Arrivals
• LA Times: Red Carpet: NAACP Awards 2009
• Photos of Halle Berry both as co-host and on the red carpet

NAACP Image Awards 2009 Performances Video below. More picturesand 2009 Winners list below.

Beyonce Halo video



YouTube Link

via Neon Limelight

Jennifer Hudson Impossible Dream video – tribute to Muhammad Ali

YouTube Link

****40th NAACP Image Awards 2009 Winners****

*Outstanding Actor in Drama or Series: Hill Harper (‘CSI: NY’)

*Outstanding New Artist: Jennifer Hudson

*Outstanding Actress In Comedy Series: Tracey Ellis Ross (‘Girlfriends’)

*Outstanding Female Artist: Beyonce

*Chairman’s Award: Al Gore; Dr. Wangari Muta Maatha

*Outstanding Comedy Series: ‘Tyler Perry’s House of Pain’

*Outstanding Role in TV Movie, Mini-Series: Sean Combs (‘Raisin in the Sun’)

*Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Taraji P Henson (‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’)

*Vanguard Award Recipient: Russell Simmons

*President’s Award: Muhammad Ali

Jennifer Hudson 40th NAACP Image Awards portrait

Beyonce 40th NAACP Image Awards portrait

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith with NAACP President Julian Bond

Former Vice President Al Gore and Will.I.Am

Jada Pinkett Smith and Dakota Fanning

Jennifer Hudson and Sean Diddy Combs

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NAACP Image Awards 2009 Winners: Performances Video, Photos pics, pictures, images