(FROM VARIETY) — Denzel Washington's historical drama The Great Debaters was the big winner at Thursday's 39th NAACP Image Awards, taking home four top prizes, while Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Grey's Anatomy were major victors in the TV categories.
Debaters won kudos as the best motion picture of the year, as well as best actor (Denzel Washington), actress (Jurnee Smollett), and supporting actor (Denzel Whitaker). Another historical drama, Talk to Me, won prizes for screenplay (Michael Genet and Rick Famuyiwa) and directing (Kasi Lemmons). Meanwhile, in the TV races, Payne took home awards for best comedy series, comedy actor (LaVan Davis), and comedy supporting actor (Lance Gross). Ugly Betty stars America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams won comedy actress and supporting actress, respectively. And Grey's Anatomy swept several drama categories, including best drama series and best supporting actress in a drama (Chandra Wilson).
Other winners on the night included Janet Jackson (best supporting actress in a movie for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?), Omar Epps (best supporting actor in a TV drama for House), Alicia Keys (best female music artist), and American Idol champ Jordin Sparks (best new artist). (Variety)
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