The 55th NAACP Image Awards kicked off with a sharp monologue from Deon Cole, who took the stage as host and quickly set the tone for the night. During the live ceremony, Cole joked about Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent, drawing loud reactions from the audience inside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
At one point, Cole referenced ongoing headlines surrounding Minaj, weaving the comments into a broader bit about celebrity culture. He also mentioned 50 Cent while poking fun at public feuds and social media back-and-forths that have played out in recent months. The crowd responded with a mix of laughter and surprise as cameras captured reactions from attendees.
The NAACP Image Awards, which recognize achievements by people of color in film, television, music and literature, are known for blending celebration with commentary. Cole’s remarks leaned into that tradition, mixing humor with references to current events.
The show continued with award presentations and performances honoring artists and entertainers across multiple categories.