The new classics! Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross set the standard for red carpet gowns with a twist at the NAACP Image Awards
Just because the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards is in its 46th year does not mean its style needs to follow tradition.
Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross broke the mould when it comes to classic black tie event dressing on Friday night as the walked the red carpet in Pasadena, California.
The ladies led a very fashionable group in three very different gowns for the annual awards which recognises outstanding people of colour in film, television, music, and literature.
Scroll down for video and full winners list
Strike a pose: Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union and Tracee Ellis Ross broke the mould when it comes to classic black tie event dressing at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, on Friday night
Making sure to stand out Kerry donned a bright red spaghetti strapped gown by designer Zuhair Murad for the big night.
While usually it is a tough thing to pull off a red dress on a red carpet, the Scandal star was unmissable in her cleavage flaunting triangle top lace gown.
Flowing out from its empire waistline, the dress' fabric broke away from the normally stuffy reputation of lace as it had a large flower pattern that was slightly sheer.
Lady in red: Making sure to stand out Kerry donned a bright red spaghetti strapped Zuhair Murad gown for the big night
On fire: While usually it is a tough thing to pull off a red dress on a red carpet, the Scandal star was unmissable in her cleavage flaunting triangle top lace gown
The 38-year-old allowed the bright dress to remain her main style statement so skipped wearing as big necklace in favour of more delicate earrings, rings and bracelets by Cathy Waterman but gave it a bling boost thanks to a Salvatore Ferragamo metallic clutch.
Walking the carpet in Christian Louboutin heels, Kerry made sure to stop and pose with fellow style stunner Gabrielle Union.
The actress showed off some skin while remaining sophisticated in a blush gown.
Twice as nice: Walking the carpet, Kerry made sure to stop and pose with fellow style stunner Gabrielle
Best of both worlds: The 42-year-old's blush gown was both sophisticated and sexy with its skin flashing cut outs and unusual back
Showing her good side: Aside from a strap across the middle of her back, the dress was all but backless which the actress took full advantage of, by posing with her body away from the cameras
Looking decades younger than her 42 years, the star was catwalk ready in the dress which featured a cross over high neck at the top with cut outs at the actress' hips before a voluminous, albeit structured, skit.
As striking as the unusual spin on a ball gown was at the front, the back really turned up the sexy factor.
Aside from a strap across the middle of her back, the dress was all but backless which the actress took full advantage of, by posing with her body away from the cameras.
White hot: Also showing the younger actresses how it is done was, Tracee Ellis in a embellished and slightly sheer gown
Grin and bear it: Really turning up the heat, the star's dress had a plunging neckline making her cleavage the centre of attention
Happy winner: The actress' co-star Anthony Anderson celebrated his win by dipping his on-screen wife and planting a big kiss on her
Keeping the look sophisticated and sleek, the Being Mary Jane star wore her long hair slicked back into a ponytail and also kept her accessories to minimum.
For her makeup, Gabrielle's skin was made to glow with lots of glistening blush but made sexier with a sultry smoke eye.
Also showing the younger actresses how it is done was, Tracee Ellis Ross.
Long time coming: The Black-ish star has been nominated 10 times and was obviously rather happy to have finally won
Having a blast: Winner Tracee Ellis and Orange Is The Black Star Uzo Aduba were certainly enjoying themselves
The 42-year-old was white hot on the carpet in an impossibly sexy gown.
The Black-ish star stepped out in a long sleeve white dress with an embellished pattern across it.
Really turning up the heat, the star's gown had a plunging neckline making her cleavage the centre of attention.
Ageless: Another woman proving age is just a number was director Angela Bassett, who stunned in a black and gold gown
If you've got it: Taking at leaf out of Tracee Ellis' book, the 56-year-old actress also wore a plunging neckline to show off her curves with pride
But not done there, the dress also featured a sheer skirt with a thigh high split.
She was looking so good that once inside the event, she managed to distract her Black-ish co-star Anthony Anderson as he won his first ever NAACP Award.
The actor - who also hosted the evening - was named Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and the award marks his first win after 10 nominations.
Overcome with emotion, and no doubt impressed by her dress, Anthony swept his on-screen wife off her feet and panted a big smooth on her.
Same, same but different: Like Kerry Hannah Simone also chose a red dress with a floral motif
Perfect in purple: Demetria McKinney wowed in her highly detailed gown while Octavia Spence also embraced purple but in a shorter hemline
Family affair: TV judge Greg Mathis brought his wife Linda Reese and daughter Carmen to the awards
Brides take note: Stepping out in white was (L-R) actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, TV personality Daphne Wayans and reality star Omarosa Manigaul
He was in good company as Tracee Ellis also won for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
Tracee Ellis paid tribute to women everywhere as she accepted her award: ''I just want to say this. I love being a woman. I love playing a woman. I love being a whole and full woman.
'I am more than my parts, and we all are. And we all, as women, need to continue to change our gaze from how we are seen to how we are seeing. We are full and beautiful women, and let us live in that.
Power players: Oprah Winfrey wore bright orange and attended the event with Ava DuVernay
And then I said... David Oyelowo shared some laughs with Selma co-star Oprah
Big moment: Selma was the big winner of the night and Oprah accepted the award for Outstanding Motion Picture on the casts' behalf
She also revealed she hopes to be a mom in real life soon: 'I love being a mother on TV. And all I have to say is, I hope that life imitates art or art imitates life and that marriage and babies are around the corner.'
Another woman proving age is just a number was Angela Bassett, who stunned in a black and gold gown.
Taking at leaf out of Tracee Ellis' book, the 56-year-old actress also wore a plunging neckline to show off her curves with pride.
Taking home the trophy: Selma star David Oyelowo, pictured with his wife Jessica, won Best Actor
Man In Black: Will Smith presented a number of the categories including Outstanding Motion Picture
Over the moon: David could not contain his excitement as he went up to collect his Best Actor Award
As for the rest of the attendees, any would-be brides were certainly treated to catwalk show with white floor length dresses the order of the day.
Also stepping out in white besides Tracee Ellis was actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, director Ava DuVernay - who attended with Oprah Winfrey - TV personality Daphne Wayans and reality star Omarosa Manigault.
Joining the star-studded crowd was fan favourites, Orange Is The New Black stars Laverne Cox and Uzo Aduba.
Important win: Accepting the award for Outstanding Motion Picture Oprah said, 'We did this movie because we wanted to tell their story - our story'
Say cheese: Selma director Ava DuVernay was all but photobombed by Will as she accepted the big award
While the fashions were top notch, the event was of course recognising those who excelled in their fields this year.
Besides Black-ish's Anthony who finally landed himself an award, the night's big winner was Selma.
Selma took home the award for Outstanding Motion Picture, star David Oyelowo won Best Actor, Common took home Best Supporting Actor, and Carmen Ejogo was awarded Best Supporting Actress.
High five: Taraji P. Henson not only won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her work in the film No Good Deed but also took home top gong, Entertainer of the Year
Just the star: With her show Empire fast becoming the best of this television season, seems 2015 is Taraji's year, pictured accepting her Best Actress award from the night's top actor, David
Accepting the award for Outstanding Motion Picture Oprah said: 'We did this movie because we wanted to tell their story - our story.'
Also winning top honours was Taraji P. Henson, who not only won Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her work in the film No Good Deed but also took home top gong Entertainer of the Year.
With her show Empire fast becoming the best of this television season, seems 2015 is Taraji's year.
Taraji was wearing an Edition by Georges Chakra gown and Tacori jewelry.
Surprised himself: Shemar Moore won for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series but focused more in his speech on how him and his girlfriend Shawna Gordon decided what to wear
Star struck: The Criminal Minds star was just glad to be rubbing shoulders with big stars like Kerry and Lawrence Fishburne
Important winners, silly pose: Both Tracee and Spike Lee walked away with honours, with Spike receiving the NAACP President's Award, which has previously been given to Mohammed Ali and Bill Clinton
Important honour: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was awarded the Chairman's Award
Shemar Moore meanwhile won for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series.
The Criminal Minds actor appeared to be completely surprised at his win and spent most his speech talking about his girlfriend - and her booty.
He told the baffled audience: 'I'm so humbled, and I'm so grateful to have the 21 years that I've had. I did not see this coming.
Handsome couple: Omar Epps looked very dapper in his tux while his wife stole the show in her lace and satin dress
No uniforms here: Joining the star-studded crowd was fan favourites, Orange Is The New Black stars Laverne Cox and Uzo Aduba
Shinning bright: Grey's Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson glistened in a silver sequined dress
Too cool: Laurence Fishburne was blinded by his wife Gina Torres beauty so kept his shades on all night
'I came with my girlfriend, Shawna Gordon. I was, like, ''It's our first time on the red carpet tonight. We're going to take some pictures, boo. We're going to have a good time. We're going to see some fancy people. Oprah's going to be in the house. Laurence Fishburne's going to be in the house.''
She's, like, ''What do I wear? Do I wear a long dress or short dress? I said, ''Just look good and show off your ass''. That's all I said.'
All tied up: Award Honoree Spike Lee and Scott Foley (L-R) both wore statement making patterned ties
No cap: Russell Simmons left his baseball hat at home for a change to present at the awards
2015 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS - WINNERS LIST
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Taraji P. Henson
PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Spike Lee
CHAIRMAN'S AWARD: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
TELEVISION:
Outstanding Comedy Series - Black-ish
Outstanding Drama Series - How to Get Away With Murder
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series - Sara Hess (Orange Is The New Black)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series - Erika Green Swafford (How to Get Away With Murder)
Outstanding Writing in a TV Movie - Shernold Edwards (A Day Late and a Dollar Short)
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series - Ken Whittingham (Parks and Recreation)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series - Carl Franklin (House of Cards)
Outstanding Directing in a TV Movie - Reggie Bythewood (Gun Hill)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series - Anthony Anderson (Black-ish)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series - Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy - Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy - Yara Shahidi (Black-ish)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama - Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama - Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama - Joe Morton (Scandal)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama - Khandi Alexander (Scandal)
Outstanding TV Movie, Mini-Series, or Dramatic Special - The Trip to Bountiful (
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini- Series, or Dramatic Special - Blair Underwood (The Trip to Bountiful)
Taraji P. Henson
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini- Series, or Dramatic Special - Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special) - Unsung
Outstanding Talk Series - Steve Harvey
Outstanding Reality Series - Iyanla: Fix My Life
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special) - Oprah's Master Class
Outstanding Children's Program - Doc McStuffins
Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Youth/ Children's Program - Fatima Ptacek (Dora and Friends: Into the City!)
Outstanding Host in a Talk, Reality, News/Information, or Variety Series- Steve Harvey (Steve Harvey)
ANIMATED OR CGI:
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance - Loretta Devine in Doc McStuffins
MOTION PICTURE:
Outstanding Motion Picture - Selma
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture - Misan Sagay (Belle)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture - Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture - David Oyelowo (Selma)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture - Taraji P. Henson (No Good Deed)
Outstanding Supporting Actor - Common (Selma)
Outstanding Supporting Actress - Carmen Ejogo (Selema)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture - Belle
Tracee Ellis Ross
RECORDING:
Outstanding New Artist - Winans Brothers
Outstanding Male Artist - Pharrell Williams
Outstanding Female Artist - Beyoncé
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration - Stay With Me by Sam Smith feat. Mary J Blige
Outstanding Jazz Album - My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke by Al Jarreau
Outstanding Gospel Album - Where My Heart Belongs by Gladys Knight
Outstanding Music Video - You and I (Nobody in the World) by John Legend
Outstanding Song - We Are Here by Alicia Keys
Outstanding Album - Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics by Aretha Franklin
LITERATURE:
Outstanding Fiction - A Wanted Woman by Eric Jerome Dickey
Outstanding Non-Fiction - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Outstanding Literary Debut - Forty Acres by Dwayne Alexander Smith
Outstanding Biography/Autobiography - Breaking Ground: My Life in Medicine by Louis Sullivan with David Chanoff
Outstanding Instructional - Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life by Joe Brewster, Michele Stephenson, Hilary Beard
Outstanding Poetry - Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Outstanding Childrens Book - Dork Diaries 8: Tales From A Not-So Happily Ever After by Rachel Renee Russell with Nikki Russell and Erin Russell
Outstanding Youth/Teens Book - Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
DOCUMENTARY:
Outstanding Documentary (Film) - Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People (Chimpanzee Productions, Inc.)
Outstanding Documentary (Television) - Bad Boys (ESPN)
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2943533/Kerry-Washington-Gabrielle-Union-Tracee-Ellis-Ross-set-standard-red-carpet-gowns-twist-NAACP-Image-Awards.html#ixzz3R555lAjD
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