2025 AFCON: Nigeria sets to face Tunisia, Uganda,Tanzania

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania as the Final Draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tagged Morocco 2025, was concluded following a star-studded ceremony at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, giving the 24 qualified teams their path to the trophy.

The teams were drawn into six groups each containing four sides ahead of the 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026 finals tournament, that will be spread across six host cities and nine stadia in Morocco as Africa’s best chase the continent’s most coveted trophy.

The draw, which was broadcast in over 90 countries worldwide, was conducted with the assistance of African legends Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo and Mustapha Hadji.

#image_title

Hosts Morocco headline Group A and will take on Mali, Zambia and Comoros in what looks a hotly contested pool. Record seven-time winners Egypt face a trio of Southern African teams in Group B in the form of last year’s bronze medalists South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

In Group C, Nigeria will lock horns with Tunisia and the East African duo of Uganda and Tanzania, who will be CAF AFCON co-hosts in 2027.

The 2021 champions Senegal go up against Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Botswana in Group D. Algeria, winners in 2019, take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan in an interesting Group E.

And defending champions Cote d’Ivoire face old rivals and five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique in Group F as they look to claim back-to-back titles.

The top two teams in each pool will advance to the round of 16, along with the four best Third-placed sides. Morocco is hosting the CAF AFCON for the first time since 1988

CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS, MOROCCO 2025 

GROUP A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

GROUP B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe

GROUP C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania

GROUP D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana

GROUP E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

GROUP F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique.

#image_title

Hadji, Cissé, Aurier & Yobo to Assist at AFCON 2025 Final Draw

African legends Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, Aliou Cisse and Joseph Yobo will be assistants at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final Draw that will take place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January.

The 24 qualified TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 teams will learn their path to the trophy at Final Draw, which starts at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT | 20h00 Cairo).

Hadji, Cisse, Aurier and Yobo will not only pull the balls from the pots, but also be on hand to offer their insights into the groups for the tournament that will be played in Morocco from 21 December, 2025 to 18 January, 2026.

They are some of the biggest names in the African game and all have a rich history with the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON themselves.

CAF/Trendznigeria

Aliou Cissé: From Heartbreak to Glory – The Journey of Senegal’s AFCON Mastermind

From a losing finalist in 2002 to a victorious strategist at the 2021 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aliou Cissé’s story with Africa’s most prestigious competition is a true tale of perseverance and success.

The former Senegal captain and coach shares his unreserved view of this key event and analyses the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

You have been designated to attend the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025. How do you feel about this responsibility? 

Aliou Cissé: It’s an experience that I’ve already had in other contexts, but which always requires special preparation. It’s not our daily life as coaches or players. We are more comfortable on the pitch, but with clear instructions and rehearsals, it becomes natural. Like the players before a match, we rehearse our gestures to understand the steps we must take.

Why is the draw so crucial for the competition?
It’s a first for me to attend a draw, because I’ve never been there before, neither for the AFCON nor for the World Cup. However, this exercise symbolizes the beginning of an adventure for each team, with major strategic stakes.

Senegal is now one of the powers of African football. What is your analysis of them?
Senegal needs no introduction. We are among the best teams on the continent, with a place in the top 20 in the world according to the FIFA ranking.

This progression reflects the experience of our players, some of whom have played in four or five AFCONs, as well as two World Cups. We also have a very ambitious group of young people.
Since our historic victory in 2022, the objective has been clear: to aim for the title every time we participate.

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON will be held in Morocco. How do you perceive this edition?
Morocco offers modern infrastructure and a high-level organization. It will be a special TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. African football is constantly evolving, and I hope that this edition will mark a historic turning point.

You have lived through over two decades of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, first as a player and then a coach. How do you see its evolution?
The tournament has progressed on all levels: infrastructure, team preparation and coach training. With the increase from 16 to 24 teams, it has become even more competitive and is followed internationally. It is a celebration for all of Africa, and players are willing to leave their clubs in the middle of the season to participate.

What are the key elements to win an AFCON?
It takes a lot of work, patience and a bit of luck. The players have to be at the top of their game at the right time and have a competitive mentality until the end. Conditions can be demanding in Africa, but perseverance always pays off in the end.

Any advice for young coaches?
Be ready, organized, and adaptable. African football has its particularities, and you have to know how to adjust. But it’s a unique and deeply enriching experience.

CAF/Trendznigeria

NFF Unveils Eric Chelle as Super Eagles Coach

By Othniel Canice

Eric Chelle was officially unveiled on Monday as the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team, Super Eagles. The event took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where Chelle signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year contingent on the team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

NFF Calls for National Support

During the unveiling, Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), urged Nigerians to support Chelle in his mission to lead Super Eagles to success.

“I want to assure you that Eric is here to work,” Gusau said. “Let all of us, the football stakeholders in Nigeria, rally around Eric and give him all the support he needs. We at the Nigerian Football Federation and the National Sports Commission are ready to provide everything required for him to execute his job diligently without any hitches.”

Contract Details and Coaching Staff

Gusau disclosed specifics about the contract, stating, He has signed a two-year contract with the option of an extra year if Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup. He also noted that Chelle would bring in three assistants who will work alongside two existing coaches.

Chelle’s Vision for Super Eagles

Speaking after signing the contract, Chelle expressed his commitment to building a high-scoring, goal-oriented team. “Football is about scoring goals, and I am here to work,” Chelle stated. He highlighted Nigeria’s rich football history and praised the team’s potential. “Nigeria has one of the best teams, not only in Africa but in the world,” he added.

Challenges and Objectives Ahead

The 47-year-old coach faces the immediate challenge of reviving Nigeria’s faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Super Eagles are currently in fifth place in Group C, with only three points from four matches and no victories recorded so far.

Preparations for CHAN Tournament

In addition to his role as head coach, Chelle is expected to supervise Super Eagles B team as they intensify preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. His involvement aims to provide strategic guidance and enhance the team’s performance.

Eric Chelle: 10 things to know about new Super Eagles coach

Former Mali Defender Takes Over Leadership of Nigeria’s National Football Team

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially named Éric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following approval from the NFF Executive Committee. This decision comes after a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, which identified Chelle as the ideal candidate to lead Nigeria’s national football team.

Background of the New Coach
1. Early Life and Nationality
Although born in Côte d’Ivoire, Chelle is a Malian citizen, with his roots firmly planted in Mali through his mother. Raised in France, Chelle grew up in a multicultural environment that has influenced both his playing and coaching style.

2. Playing Career: A Stalwart Defender
Chelle was known for his solid defensive capabilities during his playing days. His career took him to several French clubs, including Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. As a central defender, he was recognized for his aerial prowess and his ability to read the game effectively.

3. International Experience
Between 2004 and 2006, Chelle earned five caps for the Mali national team, representing his country in various international competitions and enhancing his understanding of high-level football.

4. Coaching Journey
Following his retirement from playing, Chelle transitioned into coaching. His managerial career includes stints at clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. His work with these teams helped shape his reputation as a tactician focused on strong defensive setups.

5. Success with Mali’s National Team
In May 2022, Chelle took on the role of head coach for the Mali national team. Under his leadership, Mali achieved significant success, including a quarter-final finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire—a performance that elevated his profile within African football.

6. Appointment as Super Eagles Coach
On January 7, 2025, Chelle was appointed as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. He succeeds Finidi George, who had previously held the role. Chelle’s appointment is expected to bring fresh tactics and a new direction to the Nigerian national team, which is looking to bounce back from recent challenges.

7. Managerial Record and Achievements
Chelle’s managerial career boasts a solid record of 67 wins, 40 draws, and 41 losses, giving him a win percentage of 45.27%. His strategic focus on building strong defensive units and his adaptability have earned him respect across various coaching circles.

8. Dual Heritage and Cultural Awareness
With a French father and a Malian mother, Chelle’s dual heritage has made him a bridge between African and European football cultures. His understanding of both continents’ football philosophies is an asset to the Super Eagles as they look to integrate different playing styles.

9. Playing Philosophy and Team Focus
As a player, Chelle was renowned for his physicality and aerial dominance. He aims to instill these qualities in his coaching, emphasizing a disciplined, organized defense and strategic counter-attacks. His teams are known for their resilience and commitment to teamwork.

10. Language Skills
Fluent in French, English, and several African languages, Chelle’s multilingual abilities are expected to facilitate communication with players from diverse backgrounds. This skill will be crucial in managing the Super Eagles, a team known for its multicultural makeup.

Farida Yahya: A Letter To My 40-Year-Old Self

To my dearest 40-year-old self,

It’s the brink of a new year, I am enveloped by a tumult of emotions—anticipation, apprehension and a hint of uncertainty. Yet, through it all, an enduring sense of hope emerges. This letter serves as a communication from your current self, a reminder of the aspirations we have cultivated and the person we are endeavouring to become.

I am reflecting on the burdens of our past, the haunting memories of trauma that almost shaped our identity. I encourage you to recall the bravery you discovered within to embark on your healing journey. It was no simple task. There were days filled with shadows, and times of hopelessness when you doubted your resilience. Yet, you carried on. You turned to therapy for support, found warmth in the presence of those who empathised, and gradually, with great effort, you started to reconstruct your sense of self. You came out stronger, more resilient and with a deeper connection to who you are.

Remember that vision you had about uplifting women entrepreneurs? You put your heart into building a fund that didn’t just offer financial help but also provided mentorship, guidance, and a community of support. It was amazing to see how your hard work paid off as so many women transformed into thriving business owners, their confidence skyrocketing and their dreams taking off.

Your entrepreneurial spirit took off like a rocket. What started as a personal journey into natural haircare turned into a booming business. You created innovative products that honoured the beauty of all hair types, offering nourishment and empowerment. Your brand became a beacon of self-love, individuality, and a challenge to the status quo. You built a community around your brand, creating a space where everyone felt they belonged and celebrated their unique beauty. You emerged as a leader and an inspiration, proving just how powerful it is to chase your dreams with relentless passion.

Amidst the triumphs and the grind, you never forget the importance of love. You opened your heart again, allowing yourself to experience the joy of companionship, the warmth of intimacy, and the comfort of a loving embrace. You learned to trust again, to cherish the beauty of vulnerability, and to find solace in the arms of someone who cherished your soul as deeply as you cherished theirs.

The woman you are becoming is a testament to your strength, resilience, and your unwavering spirit. You are a survivor, a creator, a leader and a lover. You are a beacon of hope, a component of evidence of the extraordinary power of the human spirit. Most importantly, you are not a fool at 40, like you feared.

As we continue this sojourn, never lose sight of your dreams. Embrace the challenges, learn from the setbacks and never stop believing in yourself. You are capable of achieving greatness beyond your wildest imagination. We are only just getting started. Wear this age with grace, and let your light shine.

With unwavering love and belief,

Your present self.

Farida Yahya is a 2021 Mandela Washington fellow, an author, Start-up coach, and social entrepreneur with over 10 years working experience in the media and development sector. Farida Yahya is the 11th President of MWFAAN (Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria), a leading network of over 500 young leaders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT who are Alumni of the US state department’s Mandela Washington Fellowship across the business, civic and public management tracks. She also founded the Brief Academy, a learning hub dedicated to developing and supporting female-owned startups to achieve wealth and scalability. Farida is also the author of Redefining Beautiful, a book that discusses the realities of starting a natural hair business.

Nigerian designer completes attempt for ‘world’s largest sandal’

Liz Sanya, the British-Nigerian shoe designer, has completed her attempt to set a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the “largest sandal”.

The massive pink clog measures 8.147 metres (26 feet 8.8 inches) in length and 3.156 metres (10ft 4.2 inches) in width.

Sanya began designing the sandal on January 2. She completed it within 72 hours, on January 4.

The event took place at Pixel Park in Lekki, Lagos, and was attended by several celebrities, including Mayorkun, Pheelz, P.Prime, and Korty EO.

Speaking about the attempt, Sanya revealed that she started designing shoes at the age of 12 and began selling them at 14 to fund her passion.

She also expressed her gratitude to those who supported her. She also said she chose to attempt the record in Nigeria due to her connection to the country.

“I’ll never be able to put into words what any of this means to me, I started designing shoes when I was 12 and by 14 I was selling them to fund a ‘habit’ I couldn’t afford,” she said.

“None of this has been possible without the support and compassion of the people who see me and believe in my vision.

“Ibadan… where I was born. Lagos where I was inspired. It was only right to come back home and prove it. 1 world record to beat, within 72hrs.”

Sanya’s feat is subjected to verification and confirmation by the Guinness World Records.

A group of artisans from Municipio De Sahauyo holds the current record for the world’s largest sandal. Their sandal measures 7.45 metres (24 feet 5.31 inches) long and 3.09 metres (10 feet 1.65 inches) wide.

Wizkid, Ayo Edebiri, Tems & More Nominated For the 56th NAACP Image Awards

The 56th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Award nominations have been announced, with Tems, Ayo Edebiri, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Cynthia Erivo among the standout names being recognised this year. The awards celebrate exceptional talent across a variety of categories.

The award ceremony will be held on February 22 and will air live in a two-hour broadcast from the Pasadena Civic Center on BET and CBS. This year’s theme is Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence.”

Usher and Burna Boy are nominated for “Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)” for their song Coming Home, while Wizkid has earned a nomination for his track Piece of My Heart featuring Brent Faiyaz in the “Outstanding International Song category. Tems also sees recognition in the same category for her song Love Me JeJe.”

Tyla is up for “Outstanding New Artist,” and Ayo Edebiri leads the nominations with five, including one for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series,” “Outstanding voiceover,” and others.

In the animated category, “Iwájú” (Disney+) has been nominated for “Outstanding Animated Series.”

See the full list of nominations below.

Entertainer of the Year Nominees 

  • Cynthia Erivo
  • Keke Palmer
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Kevin Hart
  • Shannon Sharpe

Outstanding Social Media Personality of the Year Nominees

  • Kai Cenat
  • Keith Lee
  • RaeShanda Lias
  • Shirley Raines
  • Tony Baker

Motion Pictures Categories 

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)
  • “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

  • André Holland — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Colman Domingo — “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • John David Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Kingsley Ben-Adir — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Martin Lawrence — “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (Sony Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Cynthia Erivo — “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)
  • Kerry Washington — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Lashana Lynch — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’o — “A Quiet Place: Day One” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Regina King — “Shirley” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Brian Tyree Henry — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Corey Hawkins — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • David Alan Grier — “The American Society of Magical Negroes” (Focus Features)
  • Denzel Washington — “Gladiator II” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Samuel L. Jackson — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Danielle Deadwyler — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Ebony Obsidian — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Lynn Whitfield — “Albany Road” (Faith Filmworks)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

  • “Albany Road” (Faith Filmworks)
  • “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • “Rob Peace” (Republic Pictures)
  • “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • “We Grown Now” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

  • “El lugar de la otra” (Netflix)
  • “Emilia Pérez” (Netflix)
  • “Memoir of a Snail” (IFC Films)
  • “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (NEON)
  • “The Wall Street Boy, Kipkemboi” (ArtMattan Films)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

  • Brandon Wilson — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Clarence Maclin — “Sing Sing” (A24)
  • Danielle Deadwyler — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Ebony Obsidian — “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • Ryan Destiny — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

  • “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • “The Six Triple Eight” (Netflix)
  • “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

  • “Inside Out 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • “Kung Fu Panda 4” (DreamWorks Animation)
  • “Moana 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • “Piece by Piece” (Focus Features)
  • “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance – Motion Picture

  • Aaron Pierre — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Anika Noni Rose — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Ayo Edebiri — “Inside Out 2” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Blue Ivy Carter — “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
  • Lupita Nyong’o — “The Wild Robot” (DreamWorks Animation)

Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)

  • “Chocolate with Sprinkles” (AFI)
  • “Definitely Not a Monster”
  • “If They Took Us Back”
  • “My Brother & Me” (MeowBark Films)
  • “Superman Doesn’t Steal”

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

  • “if(fy)” (OTB/The Hidden Hand Studios)
  • “Nate & John” (Unity Animation Project, LLC)
  • “Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz ‘Jackie Robinson’” (Exhibit Treal Studios)
  • “Self” (Pixar Animation Studios)
  • “Walk in the Light” (419 Studios)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

  • David Fortune — “Color Book” (Tribeca Studios)
  • Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • RaMell Ross — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Titus Kaphar — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Zoë Kravitz — “Blink Twice” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Outstanding Youth Performance in a Motion Picture

  • Anthony B. Jenkins — “The Deliverance” (Netflix)
  • Blake Cameron James — “We Grown Now” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  • Jeremiah Daniels — “Color Book” (Tribeca Studios)
  • Percy Daggs IV — “Never Let Go” (Lionsgate)
  • Skylar Aleece Smith — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture

  • Andrés Arochi — “Longlegs” (NEON)
  • Jomo Fray — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Justin Derry — “She Taught Love” (Andscape)
  • Lachlan Milne — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Rob Hardy — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)

Television and Streaming Categories  

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • “How to Die Alone” (Hulu)
  • “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
  • “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Cedric The Entertainer — “The Neighborhood” (CBS)
  • Damon Wayans — “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • David Alan Grier — “St. Denis Medical” (NBC)
  • Delroy Lindo — “UnPrisoned” (Hulu)
  • Mike Epps — “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
  • Kerry Washington — “UnPrisoned” (Hulu)
  • Natasha Rothwell — “How to Die Alone” (Hulu)
  • Quinta Brunson — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Tichina Arnold — “The Neighborhood” (CBS)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Damon Wayans Jr. — “Poppa’s House” (CBS)
  • Giancarlo Esposito — “The Gentlemen” (Netflix)
  • Kenan Thompson — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Tyler James Williams — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • William Stanford Davis — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Danielle Pinnock — “Ghosts” (CBS)
  • Ego Nwodim — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Janelle James — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Sheryl Lee Ralph — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Wanda Sykes — “The Upshaws” (Netflix)

Outstanding Drama Series

  • “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • “Found” (NBC)
  • “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

  • Aldis Hodge — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Donald Glover — “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Harold Perrineau — “From” (MGM+)
  • Jabari Banks — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Michael Rainey Jr. — “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

  • Angela Bassett — “9-1-1” (ABC)
  • Emayatzy Corinealdi — “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)
  • Queen Latifah — “The Equalizer” (CBS)
  • Shanola Hampton — “Found” (NBC)
  • Zoe Saldaña — “Lioness” (Paramount+)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Adrian Holmes — “Bel-Air” (Netflix)
  • Cliff “Method Man” Smith — “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz)
  • Isaiah Mustafa — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Jacob Latimore — “The Chi” (Paramount+)
  • Morris Chestnut — “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Adjoa Andoh — “Bridgerton” (Netflix)
  • Coco Jones — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Golda Rosheuvel — “Bridgerton” (Netflix)
  • Lorraine Toussaint — “The Equalizer” (CBS)
  • Lynn Whitfield — “The Chi” (Paramount+)

Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • “Griselda” (Netflix)
  • “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • “The Madness” (Netflix)

Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Aaron Pierre — “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • Colman Domingo — “The Madness” (Netflix)
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Kevin Hart — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Laurence Fishburne — “Clipped” (FX/Hulu)

Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
  • Naturi Naughton — “Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Movie” (Lifetime)
  • Sanaa Lathan — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)
  • Sofía Vergara — “Griselda” (Netflix)
  • Uzo Aduba — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Don Cheadle — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Luke James — “Them: The Scare” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Ron Cephas Jones — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Samuel L. Jackson — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Terrence Howard — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie)

  • Brandy Norwood — “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+)
  • Jayme Lawson — “Genius: MLK/X” (National Geographic)
  • Loretta Devine — “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love” (Lifetime)
  • Sanaa Lathan — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Taraji P. Henson — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

  • “Black Men’s Summit” (BET Media Group)
  • “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
  • “Laura Coates Live” (CNN)
  • “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” (CNN)
  • “The ReidOut” (MSNBC)

Outstanding Talk Series

  • “Hart to Heart” (Peacock)
  • “Sherri” (Syndicated)
  • “Tamron Hall Show” (Syndicated)
  • “The Jennifer Hudson Show” (Syndicated)
  • “The Shop” Season 7 (YouTube)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

  • “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)
  • “Password” (NBC)
  • “Rhythm + Flow” (Netflix)
  • “The Real Housewives of Potomac” (Bravo)
  • “Tia Mowry: My Next Act” (WeTV)

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)

  • “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)
  • “Deon Cole: Ok, Mister” (Netflix)
  • “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…” (Netflix)
  • “Katt Williams: Woke Foke” (Netflix)
  • “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • “Craig of the Creek” (Cartoon Network)
  • “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+)
  • “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • “Sesame Street” (Max)
  • “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)

  • Caleb Elijah — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Graceyn Hollingsworth — “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • Leah Sava Jeffries — “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (Disney+)
  • Melody Hurd — “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • TJ Mixson — “The Madness” (Netflix)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

  • Abby Phillip — “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” (CNN)
  • Henry Louis Gates Jr. — “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.” (PBS)
  • Jennifer Hudson — “The Jennifer Hudson” (Syndicated)
  • Joy Reid — “The Reidout” (MSNBC)
  • Sherri Shepherd — “Sherri” (Syndicated)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) –
Individual or Ensemble

  • Alfonso Ribeiro — “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC)
  • Keke Palmer — “Password” (NBC)
  • Nick Cannon — “The Masked Singer” (FOX)
  • Steve Harvey — “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC)
  • Taraji P. Henson — “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)

Outstanding Guest Performance

  • Ayo Edebiri — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Cree Summer — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Keegan-Michael Key — “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
  • Marlon Wayans — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Maya Rudolph — “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

Outstanding Animated Series

  • “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” (Disney Jr.)
  • “Everybody Still Hates Chris” (Comedy Central)
  • “Gracie’s Corner” (YouTube TV)
  • “Iwájú” (Disney+)
  • “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” (Disney Channel)

Outstanding Character Voiceover Performance (Television)

  • Angela Bassett — “Orion and the Dark” (Netflix)
  • Cree Summer — “Rugrats” (Nickelodeon)
  • Cree Summer — “The Legend of Vox Machina” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Dawnn Lewis — “Star Trek: Lower Decks” (Paramount+)
  • Keke Palmer — “The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy” (Amazon Prime Video)

Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary

  • “In the Margins” (PBS)
  • NCAA Basketball on CBS Sports (CBS)
  • “Roots of Resistance” (PBS)
  • “SC Featured” (ESPN)
  • “The Prince of Death Row Records “(YouTube TV)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
  • Diarra Kilpatrick — “Diarra From Detroit” (BET+)
  • Maurice Williams — “The Madness” (Netflix)
  • Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Vince Staples — “The Vince Staples Show” (Netflix)

Recording Categories

Outstanding New Artist

  • Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • Myles Smith (RCA Records/Sony Music Entertainment)
  • Samoht (Affective Music)
  • Shaboozey (American Dogwood/Empire)
  • Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • J. Cole (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
  • Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • October London (Death Row Records/gamma.)
  • Usher (mega/gamma.)

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
  • Doechii (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
  • H.E.R. (RCA Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

  • “Heart of a Human” — DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration)
  • “Live Breathe Fight” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)
  • “Still Karen” — Karen Clark Sheard (Karew Records/Motown Gospel)
  • “Sunny Days” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
  • “The Maverick Way Reimagined” — Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)

Outstanding International Song

  • “Close” — Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “Hmmm” — Chris Brown feat. Davido (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • “Jump” — Tyla (Epic Records)
  • “Love Me JeJe” — Tems (RCA Records/Since ‘93)
  • “Piece of My Heart” — Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz (RCA Records/Sony Music International/Starboy Entertainment)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

  • “Alright” — Victoria Monét (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
  • “Alter Ego (ALTERnate Version)” — Doechii, JT (Capitol Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • “Boy Bye” — Chlöe (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • “Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Album

  • “Alligator Bites Never Heal” — Doechii (Epic Records)
  • “Cape Town to Cairo” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
  • “Coming Home” — USHER (mega/gamma.)
  • “Cowboy Carter” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Glorious” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

  • “Bob Marley: One Love (Soundtrack)” (Tuff Gong/Island Records)
  • “Genius: MLK/X (Songs from the Original Series)” (Hollywood Records)
  • “Reasonable Doubt (Season 2) (Original Soundtrack)” (Hollywood Records)
  • “The Book of Clarence (The Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Geneva Club under exclusive license to Roc Nation Records, LLC)
  • “Wicked: The Soundtrack” (Republic Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

  • “Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams (Epic Records)
  • “Do It Anyway” — Tasha Cobbs (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel)
  • “God Problems (Not By Power)” — (Tribl Records)
  • “I Prayed for You (Said a Prayer)” MAJOR. — (NowThatsMAJOR/MNRK Music Group)
  • “Working for Me” — Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music Group)

Outstanding Jazz Album

  • “Creole Orchestra” — Etienne Charles (Culture Shock Music)
  • “Epic Cool” — Kirk Whalum (Artistry Music)
  • “Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies” — Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson Records)
  • “On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute” — Matthew Whitaker (MOCAT Records)
  • “Portrait” — Samara Joy (Verve Records)

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

  • “16 CARRIAGES” — Beyoncé (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment LLC)
  • “Here We Go (Uh Oh)” — Coco Jones (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “I Found You” — PJ Morton (Morton Records/EMPIRE)
  • “Residuals” — Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • “Saturn” — SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song

  • “Mamushi” — Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba (Hot Girl Productions LLC/Warner Music Group)
  • “Murdergram Deux” — LL Cool J feat. Eminem (Def Jam Recordings)
  • “Noid” — Tyler, the Creator (Columbia Records)
  • “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar (pgLang, under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
  • “Yeah Glo!” — GloRilla (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

  • Adam Blackstone & Fantasia — “Summertime” (BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/EMPIRE)
  • Leela James feat. Kenyon Dixon — “Watcha Done Now” (Shesangz Music, Inc. under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management (US) LLC)
  • Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick — “God Problems (Not By Power)” (Tribl Records)
  • Muni Long & Mariah Carey — “Made for Me” (Supergiant Records/Def Jam Recordings)
  • Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett & Buddy McLain — “Thankful” (McLain Music, LLC)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

  • Flo & GloRilla — “In My Bag” (Island Records)
  • GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore — “RAIN DOWN
  • ON ME” (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)
  • Usher & Burna Boy — “Coming Home” (mega/gamma.)
  • Victoria Monét feat. Usher — “SOS” (Sex on Sight) (RCA Records/Lovett Music)
  • Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz — “Piece of My Heart” (RCA Records/Lovett Music)

Outstanding Original Score for Television/Motion Picture

  • “Challengers (Original Score)” (Milan Records)
  • “Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (WaterTower Music)
  • “Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)” (Walt Disney Records)
  • “The American Society of Magical Negroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Back Lot Music)
  • “The Book of Clarence (Original Motion Picture Score)” (Milan Records)

Documentary Categories  

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

  • “Daughters” (Netflix)
  • “Frida” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • “King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones” (Freestyle Digital Media)
  • “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
  • “The Greatest Night in Pop” (Netflix)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

  • “Black Barbie: A Documentary” (Netflix)
  • “Black Twitter: A People’s History” (Hulu)
  • “Gospel” (PBS)
  • “Simone Biles Rising” (Netflix)
  • “Sprint” (Netflix)

Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)

  • “Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps” (American Masters and Firelight Media)
  • “Danielle Scott: Ancestral Call” (American Masters and Firelight Media)
  • “How to Sue the Klan”
  • “Judging Juries”
  • “Silent Killer” (Kaila Love Jones Films)

Writing Categories  

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

  • Ashley Nicole Black — “Shrinking” – “Changing Patterns” (Apple TV+)
  • Brittani Nichols — “Abbott Elementary” – “Breakup” (ABC)
  • Crystal Jenkins — “No Good Deed” – “Letters of Intent” (Netflix)
  • Diarra Kilpatrick — “Diarra From Detroit” – “Chasing Ghosts” (BET+)
  • Jordan Temple — “Abbott Elementary” – “Smoking” (ABC)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

  • Azia Squire — “Bridgerton” – “Tick Tock” (Netflix)
  • Ben Watkins — “Cross” – “Hero Complex” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover — “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” – “First Date” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Geetika Lizardi — “Bridgerton” – “Joining of Hands” (Netflix)
  • Lauren Gamble — “Bridgerton” – “Old Friends” (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

  • Brandon Espy, Carl Reid — “Mr. Crocket” (Hulu)
  • Bree West, Chazitear — “A Wesley South African Christmas” (BET+)
  • Juel Taylor, Tony Rettenmaier, Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free.” (BET+)
  • Rudy Mancuso, Dan Lagana — “Música” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Tina Mabry, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Cee Marcellus — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

  • Barry Jenkins — “The Fire Inside” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Steve McQueen — “Blitz” (Apple Original Films)
  • Titus Kaphar — “Exhibiting Forgiveness” (Roadside Attractions)
  • Virgil Williams, Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Directing Categories  

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

  • Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” – “Napkins” (FX/Hulu)
  • Bentley Kyle Evans — “Mind Your Business” – “The Reunion” (Bounce TV)
  • Robbie Countryman — “The Upshaws” – “Ain’t Broke” (Netflix)
  • Tiffany Johnson — “How to Die Alone” – “Trust No One” (Hulu)
  • William Smith — “The Vince Staples Show” – “Brown Family” (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

  • Carl Franklin — “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” – “Blame It on the Rain” (Netflix)
  • Marta Cunningham — “Genius: MLK/X” – “Protect Us” (National Geographic)
  • Marta Cunningham — “Genius: MLK/X” – “Who We Are” (National Geographic)
  • Paris Barclay — “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” – “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” (Netflix)
  • Rapman — “Supacell” – “Supacell” (Netflix)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary, or Special

  • Kelley Kali — “Kemba” (BET+)
  • Marcelo Gama — “BET Awards 2024” (BET Media Group)
  • Shanta Fripp — “Black Men’s Summit” (BET Media Group)
  • Thembi L. Banks — “Young. Wild. Free” (BET+)
  • Tina Mabry — “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

  • Jeymes Samuel — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • Malcolm Washington — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • RaMell Ross — “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)
  • Reinaldo Marcus Green — “Bob Marley: One Love” (Paramount Pictures)
  • Steve McQueen — “Blitz” (Apple Original Films)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

  • Bao Nguyen — “The Greatest Night in Pop” (Netflix)
  • Dawn Porter — “Luther: Never Too Much” (Sony Music Entertainment/Sony Music Publishing/CNN Films)
  • Deborah Riley Draper — “James Brown: Say It Loud” (A&E)
  • Jason Pollard, Sam Pollard — “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” (A&E)
  • Nneka Onuorah — “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words” (Amazon Prime Video)

Literary Categories  

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

  • “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” — Tia Williams (Grand Central Publishing – Hachette Book Group)
  • “Grown Woman” — Sarai Johnson (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Neighbors and Other Stories” — Diane Oliver, Tayari Jones (Foreword) (Grove Atlantic)
  • “One of Us Knows: A Thriller” — Alyssa Cole (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “What You Leave Behind” — Wanda M. Morris (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction

  • “A Passionate Mind in Relentless Pursuit: The Vision of Mary McLeod Bethune” — Noliwe Rooks (Penguin Press – Penguin Books)
  • “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” — Fawn Weaver (Melcher Media Inc.)
  • “Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories that Changed the World” — Daniela Edmeier,
    Damarius Johnson, Nicholas B. Breyfogle and Steven Conn (Abrams Books – Harry N. Abrams)
  • “The 1619 Project: A Visual Experience” — Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)
  • “The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America” — Larry Tye (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

  • “A Kind of Madness” — Uche Okonkwo (Tin House Books)
  • “AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture” — Shirley Neal (HarperCollins Amistad)
  • “Grown Woman” — Sarai Johnson (Harper – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Masquerade” — O.O. Sangoyomi (Forge Books – Tor Publishing Group)
  • “Swift River” — Essie Chambers (Simon & Schuster)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

  • “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” — Whoopi Goldberg (Blackstone Publishing)
  • “By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness” ― Her
    Story in Her Own Words — Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins (Forefront Books)
  • “Do It Anyway: Don’t Give Up Before It Gets Good” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Sarah Jakes Roberts (Foreword) (WaterBrook – Penguin Random House)
  • “Lovely One: A Memoir” — Ketanji Brown Jackson (Random House)
  • “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America” — JoyAnn Reid (Mariner Books – HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

  • “Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days of Intentionally Reclaiming Your Delight” — Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggets (Ink & Willow – Penguin Random House)
  • “I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free (A Feeding the Soul Book)” — Tabitha Brown (William Morrow – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself: A Guide to Closing the Space Between Us” — Chanté Griffin (WaterBrook – Penguin Random House)
  • “Radical Self-Care: Rituals for Inner Resilience” — Rebecca Moore (Author), Amberlee Green (Illustrator) (The Quarto Group/Leaping Hare Press)
  • “Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair” — Tomesha Faxio (Clarkson Potter – Crown Publishing Group)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

  • “Bluff: Poems” — Danez Smith (Graywolf Press)
  • “Good Dress” — Brittany Rogers (Tin House Books)
  • “Load in Nine Times: Poems” — Frank X Walker (Liveright Publishing – W.W. Norton & Company)
  • “Song of My Softening” — Omotara James (Alice James Books)
  • “This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets” — Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown and Company)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

  • “All I Need to Be” — Rachel Ricketts (Author), Tiffany Rose (Illustrator) with Luana Horry (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
  • “Cicely Tyson” — Renée Watson (Author), Sherry Shine (Illustrator) (Amistad Books for Young Readers)
  • “Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair” — Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Ekua Holmes (Illustrator) (Candlewick Press)
  • “My Hair Is a Book” — Maisha Oso (Author), London Ladd (Illustrator) (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil TJ Book” — Taraji P. Henson (Author), Paul Kellam (Illustrator) (Zonderkidz – HarperCollins)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

  • “American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky” —
    Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers)
  • “Barracoon Adapted for Young Readers The Story of the Last Black Cargo” — Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi (Adapted by), Jazzmen Lee-Johnson (Illustrator) (Amistad Books for Young Readers)
  • “Black Star: The Door of No Return” — Kwame Alexander (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
  • “Brushed Between Cultures: A YA Coming of Age Novel Set in Brooklyn, New York” — Samarra St. Hilaire (Samarra St. Hilaire)
  • “Clutch Time: A Shot Clock Novel (Shot Clock, 2)” — Caron Butler and Justin A. Reynolds (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Graphic Novel

  • “Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined” — David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson (Ten Speed Graphic – Penguin Random House)
  • “Black Defender: The Awakening” — Dr. David Washington, Mr. Zhengis Tasbolatov (Illustrator), Mr. Billy Blanks (Foreword) (Washington Comix)
  • “Gamerville” — Johnnie Christmas (HarperAlley – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Ghost Roast” — Shawneé Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs, Emily Cannon (Illustrator) (Versify – HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Punk Rock Karaoke” — Bianca Xunise (Viking Books for Young Readers)

Podcast Categories  

Outstanding News and Information Podcast

  • “SundayCivics” (LJW Community Strategies)
  • “After the Uprising” (iHeartPodcasts, Double Asterisk)
  • “Into America: Uncounted Millions” (MSNBC)
  • “Native Land Pod” (iHeartPodcasts, Reasoned Choice Media)
  • “The Assignment with Audie Cornish” (CNN Audio)

Outstanding Lifestyle/Self–Help Podcast

  • “Balanced Black Girl” (Dear Media)
  • “Is This Going to Cause An Argument” (Seven14Seven Media)
  • “The R Spot with Iyanla” (Shondaland)
  • “Therapy for Black Girls” (iHeartPodcasts)
  • “We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Productions)

Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast

  • “Baby, This is Keke Palmer” (Wondery)
  • “Club Shay Shay” (Shay Shay Media & The Volume)
  • “Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay” (The Ringer)
  • “We Don’t Always Agree with Ryan & Sterling” (ABF Creative & Indian Meadows Productions)
  • “What Now? with Trevor Noah” (Spotify Studios in partnership with Day Zero Productions and Fulwell 73)

Outstanding Sports, Arts and Entertainment Podcast

  • “Naked Sports with Cari Champion” (The Black Effect Podcast Network)
  • “Nightcap” (Shay Shay Media & The Volume)
  • “Questlove Supreme” (iHeartPodcasts)
  • “R&B Money Podcast” (R&B Money)
  • “Two Funny Mamas” (Mocha Podcasts Network)

Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form

  • “About the Journey” (Marriott Bonvoy, AT WILL MEDIA & mntra)
  • “Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown” (Lemonda Media)
  • “Stranded” (Broadway Video)
  • “The Wonder of Stevie” (Audible, Higher Ground and Pineapple Street Studios)
  • “When We Win with Maya Rupert” (Lemonada Media)

Costume Design, Make-Up and Hairstyling Categories  

Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)

  • Ernesto Martinez — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Megan Coates — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Gersha Phillips — “The Big Cigar” (Apple TV+)
  • Francine Jamison-Tanchuck — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)
  • Paul Tazewell — “Wicked” (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)

  • Carol Rasheed — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Debi Young — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Rebecca Lee — “Shōgun” (Netflix)
  • Matiki Anoff — “The Book of Clarence” (Sony Pictures)
  • Para Malden — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)

  • Terry Hunt — “Bel-Air” (Peacock)
  • Lawrence Davis — “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” (Peacock)
  • Nakoya Yancey — “Shirley” (Netflix)
  • Brian Badie — “The Penguin” (HBO/Max)
  • Andrea Mona Bowman — “The Piano Lesson” (Netflix)

Stunt Category  

Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)

  • “Cross” (Amazon Prime Video)
  • “Grotesquerie” (FX/Hulu)
  • “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
  • “Red One” (Amazon MGM Studios)
  • “Them: The Scare” (Amazon Prime Video)

Morris Chestnut and Wife Pamela Steal the Spotlight at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards

Hollywood Glamour Meets African Elegance

At the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, actor Morris Chestnut and his wife, Pamela, proved that power couples not only shine on screen but on the red carpet as well. Together for over three decades, the pair made an unforgettable statement of style, blending classic Hollywood glamour with a touch of African elegance.

Pamela Chestnut’s Show-Stopping Ensemble

While Morris looked dashing in a tailored suit, it was his wife, Pamela, who truly stole the show. The former beauty queen and philanthropist turned heads in a stunning black velvet mermaid dress by Nigerian designer Erica Moore. The gown hugged her curves in all the right places, exuding sophistication and timeless beauty. Moore, known for her intricate designs that blend African heritage with modern flair, showcased her impeccable craftsmanship on a global stage, leaving many in awe of Pamela’s look.

Flawless Beauty to Match the Dress

Pamela’s beauty was just as striking as her attire. Her skin appeared flawless, glowing with a natural radiance that complemented the sleekness of her ensemble. The sophisticated look was completed with a sleek ponytail and a subtle, yet elegant makeup application that highlighted her features without overshadowing the dress.

To add a touch of understated glamour, Pamela wore three delicate ear piercings adorned with gem studs, a chic nod to modern elegance. She carried a matching gem-studded clutch, further elevating her look to perfection.

A Power Couple Moment

Morris and Pamela’s appearance at the Golden Globes was more than just a red carpet moment, it was a testament to their enduring relationship and their ability to make an impression. Having been married for over 30 years, the couple exemplified the essence of style, grace, and longevity in Hollywood.

President Tinubu Lauds Democracy in Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded democracy in Africa saying successful democratic transition in Ghana and other African countries had laid to rest the questions on the continent’s democratic capacities and productive endeavours.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states, advocating for a united approach to tackling pressing concerns of poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and other challenges hindering the progress of the region.

President Tinubu stated these on Tuesday in his speech as the Special Guest of Honour during the Swearing-In ceremony of the newly sworn-in President, John Dramani Mahama, in Accra, Ghana.

The Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government, who vowed continued support for member countries while also protecting the bonds of brotherhood, asserted that the recent democratic transition in Ghana further demonstrated the democratic and productive capabilities of the West African region.

He tasked leaders in the region to deploy available capacity to find paths to success and lift their nations out of poverty as well as build strong and resilient economies for the people.

“This moment does not merely symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society, it further demonstrates that in West Africa, we are capable of democratic and productive endeavours.

“It is time that our continent’s critics stop forgetting the strides that Ghana, Nigeria and others have made. We need not prove ourselves to them.

“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have the capacity. We shall find the critical path to our success. We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people.

“While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be.

“That star reminds us, always, to strive and work together. Even when we disagree, we must choose the path of peaceful dialogue. Never, can we do harm to our brothers nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood.”

President Tinubu extolled the black star of Ghana as the lodestar of African freedom whose rays spread across the continent with sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to the common welfare of the region.

New Administration of Dramani Mahama

The Nigerian Leader expressed optimism in the administration of the newly elected President, Dramani Mahama, in infusing positive change and progress towards sub-regional integration.

“I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress. Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress.

“With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress,” President Tinubu added.

Nigeria, Ghana Collaboration

President Tinubu expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s administration, believing it will enhance collaboration with Nigeria and strengthen existing ties.

He anticipated that this partnership will create better opportunities for the citizens of both nations.

“I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people.”

He extolled the newly sworn-in President of Ghana, Dramani Mahama as a man of patriotic vision and substance who loves his nation and its people to the core.

“Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfill it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.

“President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters.

“The bond is strong and cannot be broken. May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region,” President Tinubu added.

The Nigerian Leader further stated that Ghana, just like Nigeria draws strength from founding fathers who cherished the close relationship between the two nations.“Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength
from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws
inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her
independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two
nations.“May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these
enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President
John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.”
With the new government of President Dramani Mahama, President Tinubu urged Ghanaian to look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.

Temitope Mustapha, Von Abuja