2022 NAACP Image Awards: ‘Outstanding Actress In a Motion Picture’ Nominees

The 53rd annual 2022 NAACP Image Awards, set to air on February 26, will honor impeccable performances in television, film, theater, music, and literature. The phenomenal nominees on this list are some of many that will be celebrated amongst a night dedicated to Black excellence.

The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the remarkable achievements and performances of people of color across more than 80 competitive categories spanning film, television, streaming, music, literature, and podcasts. This category count is up from the 70-plus categories recognized earlier this year.

Actor, comedian, and Black-ish star Anthony Anderson will host the following night without an in-person audience due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It will air live on February 26 at 7/8 CT on the BET network.

The ‘Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture’ nominees has been officially announced as fans and audiences alike mark their calendars in preparation for the 53rd annual 2022 NAACP Image Awards.

The category recognizes extraordinary actresses as leading ladies who captivated audiences and fans globally in their motion picture roles. These women have brought their absolute “A” game to their character portrayals through cinematic production and artistry and have grasped our attention through their varied and dedicated works.

This year’s 2022 nominees for ‘Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture’ goes as follow:

Halle Berry – Bruised (Netflix)

Raw yet emotionally charming, Halle Berry’s directorial debut Bruised is an emancipation tale about a Boxer who feels most at home within her element as she faces the harshness of society, motherhood, and regaining confidence within herself and boxing career.

Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu Original / New Slate Ventures / Lee Daniels Entertainment / Roth-Kirschenbaum Films)

Andra Day’s role as Billie Holiday cinematically captures the Federal Bureau of Narcotics undercover sting operation against the jazz singer through a tense yet thought-provoking Hulu original. Andra Day’s powerful portrayal was quite reflective and similar to the iconic Billie Holiday herself.

Jennifer Hudson – Respect (Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures/United Artists Releasing)

Jennifer Hudson’s Respect follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career, springing from a child singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom. Hudson displayed the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice through her show-stopping performance and vocals.

Tessa Thompson – Passing (Netflix)

Tessa Thompson’s Passing sends us to 1920s New York City as a Black woman who finds her world upended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend whose passing as white with its underlying themes of intersectionality amongst its barriers and privileges.

Zendaya – Malcolm & Marie (Netflix)

Malcolm & Marie provides a snapshot into a filmmaker’s brink on Hollywood glory and his girlfriend (Zendaya), whose story made his career. They find themselves pushed towards a reckoning as a single thunderous night decides the fate of their relationship. Zendaya’s robust performance was an absolute motion picture masterpiece.

We wish these remarkable and inspirational women all the best on this special night within its beauty of representation and inclusivity. The following award show is set to air on the BET network on February 26.