Deon Cole returns to host NAACP Image Awards, says BAFTA disruption will be addressed
ABC News
Deon Cole returns to host the NAACP Image Awards, and he says the night remains focused on celebrating Black excellence
LOS ANGELES -- As Deon Cole returns to host the NAACP Image Awards, the comedian-actor is focused on celebrating Black achievement and responding to a recent onstage disruption at the British Academy Film Awards.
Cole called the incident “terrible” and said the matter would be addressed at the 57th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, airing live across multiple Paramount networks including BET and CBS. The disruption occurred Sunday when a racial slur was shouted from the audience by Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson while “Sinners” starsMichael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting during a ceremony that had been prerecorded earlier in the day.
The NAACP Image Awards honor achievements in entertainment, culture and public service. This year’s ceremony will include tributes to Viola Davis, who will receive the Chairman’s Award, and Colman Domingo, who will be presented with the President’s Award.
Known for his roles on the sitcoms “black-ish” and “The Neighborhood,” as well as his stand-up comedy, Cole told The Associated Press that he is preparing for both celebration and the unpredictability of live television. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
COLE: Just amping up the ante, man. Last year was phenomenal. We had a great time. And anything you do, you always go, “Man, what if we could have did this? We should do this and do that.” And so, this year we gonna do that. We just gonna go there, and just make it fun, make it exciting, spontaneous. It's going to be a good look.
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