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Buzz Feed
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
You Can't Call Yourself A "Friends" Fan If You Haven't Seen "Living Single." It's A Fact
Note: This post is an Op-Ed and shares the author's personal views. Like a lot of people, I consider Friends one of my favorite TV shows of all time. When you grow up with a show, it's highly likely it will always have a place in your heart, and that's Friends for me. Now, while Friends has stood the test of time for me as a comedy series that I think everyone should watch at least once, there are also a ton of other comedy shows from the '90s and earlier that I missed and have been checking off my list. And last year, I watched Living Single for the first time, and it completely changed my life because how was this perfect series not in my life before then? Warner Bros / Everett Collection Or maybe Living Single found me at the exact right moment: a then-28-year-old in need of a good laugh and a found family to cling to while trying to make sense of a sudden family tragedy. I think it found me just when I needed it the most. Going into Living Single, I knew the absolute bare minimum about the show: Queen Latifah starred in it and many people say Friends is a "direct rip-off" of it. Created by Yvette Denise Lee, Living Single ran for five seasons on Fox from 1993 to 1998. It follows six friends in their 20s living in Brooklyn as they try to figure out their personal and professional lives. Fox The series chronicled Khadijah (Latifah), Synclaire (Kim Coles), and Régine (Kim Fields), who live in the downstairs apartment in a brownstone vs. Kyle (T.C. Carson), and Overton (John Henton), who live upstairs. Plus, there's Khadijah's college BFF Max (Erika Alexander), who lives in another building but practically lives at this one. Sound familiar yet? For even more context, Living Single premiered in August 1993, and Friends premiered on NBC in September 1994. Living Single would ultimately conclude its run after 118 episodes, while Friends lasted 236. In the show's five-season run, Living Single won three Image Awards in 1998 for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Alexander, and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Coles. Living Single was only ever nominated for two Emmys for Outstanding Lighting Direction. Meanwhile, Friends was nominated for 67 Emmy Awards over the course of 10 seasons, and it won six, including Outstanding Comedy Series and awards for Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston. So, in March 2024, I dove in. I pressed play on the first episode of Living Single and it was probably one of the best pilot episodes of TV I have ever watched. It was laugh-out-loud funny from the second it started. The characters were loveable and flawed. And as a single girl in her 20s, I was nodding my head at how relatable everything was. If you've never seen Living Single, I really dare you to watch the pilot and try not to fall in love with this show immediately. In fact, I can pinpoint the exact moment I knew this show would become one of my favorites: eight minutes into the pilot when Alexander enters as Maxine "Max" Shaw. It was at this moment that I knew I was about to witness one of the funniest TV performances of all time. Alexander comes into the scene with so much charisma and natural-born comedic timing it's hard not to say that Max is your favorite. i just finished watching all of living single for the first time and maxine shaw really is one of THE greatest TV characters ever created. erika alexander deserved an emmy. period. — Nora Dominick (@noradominick) June 3, 2024 Fox / Warner Bros / Via As I sat there watching Alexander give such a comedic tour de force performance over the course of seven seasons, I was baffled by the lack of awards season love for her in particular. I got about five episodes in before I was truly baffled by the fact that I personally only knew Queen Latifah and Erika Alexander from the main cast. An entire brilliant ensemble never made it into my orbit. As I sat there watching Living Single, the similarities between this show and Friends were striking. I mean, there is an entire episode in Season 1 where Kyle, Overton, and their friends play poker, and the girls are mad they aren't invited... ...and there is a long-running storyline about Max and Kyle trying to hide the fact that they've secretly been sleeping together after they drunkenly hook up one night. The similarities between Friends and Living Single are so abundantly clear, and it's even more apparent that at the time, the show that focused on an all-white group of friends simply got more promotion and love than the show with an all-Black group of friends. I'm the prime example of how the choices made in the '90s to promote one show over the other continue to have lasting effects. Alexander has spoken about this, saying in an interview with Today, "We can't say that back in the day, when that Black cast was in that show, including myself, that we had the same amount of branding and promotion, and leverage that they were putting on all the other shows underneath the same umbrella. It was totally different." She continued, saying, "You can see where the budgets went, where you invest, and where you don't invest — where you take out. That needs to have not only a conversation but an investigation. Because if we can see it, we don't have to repeat it. We can also know how and why those budgets went that way." For context, both Living Single and Friends were produced by Warner Bros. So now, having watched all of Living Single, I really want to implore every single Friends fan to watch it. I'm not saying you have to pick which one you like more. But I am saying that you can see how Living Single paved the way for Friends and how there is a whole 100+ episode show that has the same feeling as Friends that you can binge-watch for the first time right now. If you're looking for a show that is laugh-out-loud funny with a found family that is one of the best, Living Single is the show for you. Plus, the leading women are so charismatic and strong that they should really be on every list when we talk about the best characters of all time. I think Living Single really paved the way for showing how three-dimensional sitcom characters can be. The character growth of every character on the show is astounding. The series showed every aspect of the human experience in such a funny way, too. As someone who just watched Living Single for the first time in 2024, the humor and storylines on this show hold up so incredibly well, too. So, as a lifelong Friends fan — like, I have so many episodes memorized — I think every single Friends fan should watch Living Single. It is, in fact, the blueprint for Friends, and it has become one of my favorite shows of all time. Check out more Black-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed is celebrating Black History Month this year! Of course, the content doesn't end after February. Follow BuzzFeed's Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black culture content year-round. BuzzFeed
Voice of America
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Voice of America
Kamala Harris receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Donald Trump. "While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us," Harris said after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award. "The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people." The 56th annual Image Awards was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the Los Angeles area. Harris, defeated by Trump in last year's presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state's attorney general. In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris did not reference her election loss or Trump's actions since entering the Oval Office, although Trump mocked her earlier in the day at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Harris spoke about eternal vigilance, the price of liberty, staying alert, seeking the truth and America's future. "Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask 'What do we do now?'" Harris said. "But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path." Other winners of the Chairman's prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee. NAACP Hall of Fame Harris was honored during the ceremony along with the Wayans family. The family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of pioneering contributions to film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy that have shaped Hollywood for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. each were recognized. Marlon Wayans, whose guest appearance on Peacock's "Bel-Air" was up for an NAACP award, shared how Keenen Ivory Wayans sparked the family's rise. "He raised us all like Jedis," he said. "We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our big brother." Marlon Wayans joked that when his brother told their mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, "Boy, I've known you your whole life, and you ain't never said nothing funny. That's the funniest thing you've said." The crowd erupted in laughter, a fitting tribute to a family that has kept audiences laughing for more than three decades. The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the sketch comedy series "In Living Color" in 1990 and directed the 2000 slasher spoof "Scary Movie," which was written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in "White Chicks" in 2004. Damon Wayan's had a starring role in the 1995 comedy "Major Payne," and currently co-stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom "Poppa's House," which was nominated for an NAACP Award. The pair also were nominated for their acting on the show. Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: "Happy Endings" and "New Girl." Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama "Pariah." Entertainer of the year Keke Palmer expressed her surprise after her name was called as winner of the coveted entertainment of the year. "Oh my gosh. Guys, I didn't think I was going to win," said Palmer, who paid homage to fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo's Oscar-nominated performance in "Wicked." Palmer starred in the buddy comedy "One of Them Days," which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She also won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC's "Password." "It's such an amazing category to be in with all these people," Palmer said. "It's a beautiful night. It's Black History Month, y'all. It's so important we all come here together and celebrate one another with one another." Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe. Awards recognize LA residents impacted by wildfires Image Awards host Deon Cole honored residents of the nearby Altadena neighborhood who were affected by January's devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. A video of the fire devastation played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage. "Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered and over two dozen souls gone forever," said Chestnut, a Los Angeles native who referenced impacted areas such as Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. "But what was not lost is the spirit of our community," said Chestnut, who noted 22 Altadena residents attended the show on Saturday. Many in the audience stood and applauded. Cole shifted tone and brightened the mood with a comedic prayer for Kanye West's wife to find more clothes after her barely-there Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts. The opening act was a lead-up to the evening's first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series for her role in "The Equalizer." Chappelle honored Dave Chappelle was honored with the President's Award for his "thought-provoking humor." Accepting the award, Chappelle talked about the NAACP's push against negative portrayals of Black people in media and the importance of representation. "Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine," he said. Past recipients of the President's Award include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.
Chicago Tribune
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Kamala Harris receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards
LOS ANGELES — Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Donald Trump. 'While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us,' Harris said after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award. 'The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.' The 56th annual Image Awards was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the Los Angeles area. Harris, defeated by Trump in last year's presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state's attorney general. In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris did not reference her election loss or Trump's actions since entering the Oval Office, although Trump mocked her earlier in the day at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Harris spoke about eternal vigilance, the price of liberty, staying alert, seeking the truth and America's future. 'Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask 'What do we do now?'' Harris said. 'But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path.' Other winners of the Chairman's prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee. NAACP Hall of Fame Harris was honored during the ceremony along with the Wayans family. The family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of pioneering contributions to film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy that have shaped Hollywood for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. each were recognized. Marlon Wayans, whose guest appearance on Peacock's 'Bel-Air' was up for an NAACP award, shared how Keenen Ivory Wayans sparked the family's rise. 'He raised us all like Jedis,' he said. 'We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our big brother.' Marlon Wayans joked that when his brother told their mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, 'Boy, I've known you your whole life, and you ain't never said nothing funny. That's the funniest thing you've said.' The crowd erupted in laughter, a fitting tribute to a family that has kept audiences laughing for more than three decades. The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the sketch comedy series 'In Living Color' in 1990 and directed the 2000 slasher spoof 'Scary Movie,' which was written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in 'White Chicks' in 2004. Damon Wayan's had a starring role in the 1995 comedy 'Major Payne,' and currently co-stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom 'Poppa's House,' which was nominated for an NAACP Award. The pair also were nominated for their acting on the show. Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: 'Happy Endings' and 'New Girl.' Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama 'Pariah.' Entertainer of the year Keke Palmer expressed her surprise after her name was called as winner of the coveted entertainer of the year. 'Oh my gosh. Guys, I didn't think I was going to win,' said Palmer, who paid homage to fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo's Oscar-nominated performance in 'Wicked.' Palmer starred in the buddy comedy 'One of Them Days,' which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She also won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC's 'Password.' 'It's such an amazing category to be in with all these people,' Palmer said. 'It's a beautiful night. It's Black History Month, y'all. It's so important we all come here together and celebrate one another with one another.' Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe. Awards recognize LA residents impacted by wildfires Image Awards host Deon Cole honored residents of the nearby Altadena neighborhood who were affected by January's devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. A video of the fire devastation played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage. 'Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered and over two dozens souls gone forever,' said Chestnut, a Los Angeles native who referenced impacted areas such as Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. 'But what was not lost is the spirit of our community,' said Chestnut, who noted 22 Altadena residents attended the show on Saturday. Many in the audience stood and applauded. Cole shifted tone and brightened the mood with a comedic prayer for Kanye West's wife to find more clothes after her barely-there Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts. The opening act was a lead-up to the evening's first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series for her role in 'The Equalizer.' Chappelle honored Dave Chappelle was honored with the President's Award for his 'thought-provoking humor.' Accepting the award, Chappelle talked about the NAACP's push against negative portrayals of Black people in media and the importance of representation. 'Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,' he said.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kamala Harris receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Donald Trump. 'While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us,' Harris said after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award. 'The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.' The 56th annual Image Awards was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the Los Angeles area. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Harris, defeated by Trump in last year's presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state's attorney general. In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris did not reference her election loss or Trump's actions since entering the Oval Office, although Trump mocked her earlier in the day at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Harris spoke about eternal vigilance, the price of liberty, staying alert, seeking the truth and America's future. 'Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask 'What do we do now?'' Harris said. 'But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path.' Other winners of the Chairman's prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee. NAACP Hall of Fame Harris was honored during the ceremony along with the Wayans family. The family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of pioneering contributions to film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy that have shaped Hollywood for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. each were recognized. Marlon Wayans, whose guest appearance on Peacock's 'Bel-Air' was up for an NAACP award, shared how Keenen Ivory Wayans sparked the family's rise. 'He raised us all like Jedis,' he said. 'We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our big brother.' Marlon Wayans joked that when his brother told their mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, 'Boy, I've known you your whole life, and you ain't never said nothing funny. That's the funniest thing you've said." The crowd erupted in laughter, a fitting tribute to a family that has kept audiences laughing for more than three decades. The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the sketch comedy series 'In Living Color' in 1990 and directed the 2000 slasher spoof 'Scary Movie,' which was written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in 'White Chicks' in 2004. Damon Wayan's had a starring role in the 1995 comedy 'Major Payne,' and currently co-stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom 'Poppa's House," which was nominated for an NAACP Award. The pair also were nominated for their acting on the show. Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: 'Happy Endings' and 'New Girl.' Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama 'Pariah.' Entertainer of the year Keke Palmer expressed her surprise after her name was called as winner of the coveted entertainment of the year. 'Oh my gosh. Guys, I didn't think I was going to win,' said Palmer, who paid homage to fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo's Oscar-nominated performance in 'Wicked.' Palmer starred in the buddy comedy 'One of Them Days,' which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She also won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC's 'Password.' 'It's such an amazing category to be in with all these people,' Palmer said. 'It's a beautiful night. It's Black History Month, y'all. It's so important we all come here together and celebrate one another with one another.' Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe. Awards recognize LA residents impacted by wildfires Image Awards host Deon Cole honored residents of the nearby Altadena neighborhood who were affected by January's devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. A video of the fire devastation played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage. 'Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered and over two dozens souls gone forever,' said Chestnut, a Los Angeles native who referenced impacted areas such as Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. 'But what was not lost is the spirit of our community,' said Chestnut, who noted 22 Altadena residents attended the show on Saturday. Many in the audience stood and applauded. Cole shifted tone and brightened the mood with a comedic prayer for Kanye West's wife to find more clothes after her barely-there Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts. The opening act was a lead-up to the evening's first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series for her role in 'The Equalizer.' Chappelle honored Dave Chappelle was honored with the President's Award for his 'thought-provoking humor." Accepting the award, Chappelle talked about the NAACP's push against negative portrayals of Black people in media and the importance of representation. 'Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,' he said. Past recipients of the President's Award include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.
NBC News
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Kamala Harris receives prestigious Chairman's prize at NAACP Image Awards
LOS ANGELES — Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped on the NAACP Image Awards stage Saturday night with a sobering message, calling the civil rights organization a pillar of the Black community and urging people to stay resilient and hold onto their faith during the tenure of President Donald Trump. 'While we have no illusions about what we are up against in this chapter in our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the oval office nor by the wealthiest among us,' Harris said after receiving the NAACP's Chairman's Award. 'The American story will be written by you. Written by us. By we the people.' The 56th annual Image Awards kicked off Saturday at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in the Los Angeles area. Harris, defeated by Trump in last year's presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state's attorney general. In her first major public appearance since leaving office, Harris did not reference her election loss or Trump's actions since entering the Oval Office, although Trump mocked her earlier in the day at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Harris spoke about eternal vigilance, the price of liberty, staying alert, seeking the truth and America's future. 'Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy and ask 'What do we do now?'' Harris said. 'But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before. And we will do it again. We use our power. We organize, mobilize. We educate. We advocate. Our power has never come from having an easy path.' Other winners of the Chairman's prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee. NAACP Hall of Fame Harris was honored during the ceremony along with the Wayans family. The family was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of pioneering contributions to film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy that have shaped Hollywood for decades. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. each were recognized. Marlon Wayans, whose guest appearance on Peacock's 'Bel-Air' was up for an NAACP award, shared how Keenen Ivory Wayans sparked the family's rise. 'He raised us all like Jedis,' he said. 'We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our big brother.' Marlon Wayans joked that when his brother told their mom he was leaving college for comedy, she said, "Boy, I've known you your whole life, and you ain't never said nothing funny. That's the funniest thing you've said.' The crowd erupted in laughter, a fitting tribute to a family that has kept audiences laughing for more than three decades. The family has a long list of credits. Keenen Ivory Wayans created the sketch comedy series 'In Living Color' in 1990 and directed the 2000 slasher spoof 'Scary Movie,' which was written by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in 'White Chicks' in 2004. Damon Wayan's had a starring role in the 1995 comedy 'Major Payne,' and currently co-stars with son Damon Wayans Jr. in the CBS sitcom 'Poppa's House,' which was nominated for an NAACP Award. The pair also were nominated for their acting on the show. Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: 'Happy Endings' and 'New Girl.' Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama 'Pariah.' Entertainer of the year Keke Palmer expressed her surprise after her name was called as winner of the coveted entertainer of the year. 'Oh my gosh. Guys, I didn't think I was going to win,' said Palmer, who paid homage to fellow nominee Cynthia Erivo's Oscar-nominated performance in 'Wicked.' Palmer starred in the buddy comedy 'One of Them Days,' which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She also won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC's 'Password.' 'It's such an amazing category to be in with all these people,' Palmer said. 'It's a beautiful night. It's Black History Month, y'all. It's so important we all come here together and celebrate one another with one another.' Other nominees included Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe. Awards recognize L.A. residents impacted by wildfires Image Awards host Deon Cole honored residents of the nearby Altadena neighborhood who were affected by January's devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. A video of the fire devastation played before actor Morris Chestnut took the stage. 'Homes were lost, stores destroyed, countless lives shattered and over two dozens souls gone forever,' said Chestnut, a Los Angeles native who referenced impacted areas such as Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. 'But what was not lost is the spirit of our community,' said Chestnut, who noted 22 Altadena residents attended the show on Saturday. Many in the audience stood and applauded. Cole shifted tone and brightened the mood with a comedic prayer for Kanye West's wife to find more clothes after her barely-there Grammys look and for Shannon Sharpe to finally size up his T-shirts. The opening act was a lead-up to the evening's first award: Queen Latifah as best actress in a drama series for her role in 'The Equalizer.' Chappelle honored Dave Chappelle was honored with the President's Award for his 'thought-provoking humor.' Accepting the award, Chappelle talked about the NAACP's push against negative portrayals of Black people in media and the importance of representation. 'Every opportunity we get, we just keep chipping away at this monster of a machine,' he said.
