Samuel L. Jackson is the top box office star of all time, with his films combining to earn more than any other movie star's ever. At the age of 76, Jackson continues to rule Hollywood, as he stars in both the film and television show leading all nominees at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.

"The Piano Lesson" leads the motion picture categories with 14 nominations, including one for Jackson who plays a supporting role in the Netflix original film. Jackson reprised his role from the 2023 Broadway revival of the August Wilson play, which earned him a Tony Award nomination. The film will also compete for Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture for Malcolm Washington, and additional acting nominations for John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Corey Hawkins, and Skylar Aleece Smith. Director Washington also earned nominations for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture) and Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture, shared with co-writer Virgil Williams.

Peacock's limited series "Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist" leads all television programs with nine nominations, including another for Jackson for his supporting role. Stars Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson, and Terrence Howard also earned nominations, and the show will compete in the category Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie). The crime drama miniseries is based on the 2020 podcast of the same name fictionalizing an armed robbery at a party on the night of Muhammad Ali's 1970 comeback fight.

Ayo Edebiri is the leader in individual nominations this year with five. She earned three nominations for her work on FX/Hulu's dramedy "The Bear," as a lead actress in a comedy, as a director, and in the category Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television). She also earned nominations for hosting "Saturday Night Live" and for her voiceover work in "Inside Out 2."

She did not, however, earn a nomination for the night's ultimate prize, Entertainer of the Year. Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe will compete for that esteemed title.

At Broadway Stages we are thrilled that two stars of CBS's "The Equalizer" are up for awards. Queen Latifah will vie for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series, while Lorraine Toussaint is up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Congratulations to all nominees! Tune into BET or CBS on February 22 to see who wins.

About the NAACP Image Awards:

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color across more than 80 competitive categories spanning film, television, streaming, music, literature, and podcasts.

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