Chadwick Boseman Wins Award for Best Actor at 2021 NAACP Image Awards

Actor Chadwick Boseman had roles in a number of popular films, including his portrayal of T’Challa in Black Panther.

©The Associated Press

Boseman passed away in August 2020 following a battle with cancer. However, his work continues to be recognized after his passing. Boseman was named one of the greatest entertainers of the year and received a posthumous Oscar nomination.

In addition, he was also honored at the 2021 NAACP Image Awards, held on Saturday, March 27th. Chadwick Boseman won the award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom ©Netflix

His widow, Simone Ledward Boseman, accepted the award on his behalf. During the acceptance speech, she urged members of the black community to take their health seriously and get screened for colon cancer.

“Black people are 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it,” she said. “This disease is beatable if you catch it in its early stages…You are so needed and so loved. Please take your health into your own hands.”

Chadwick Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward ©Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Boseman’s co-star, Viola Davis, also won the award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in the film. During her acceptance speech, she thanked her castmates, including “the beautiful Chadwick Boseman. I love you Chad.”

Marvel’s upcoming What If…? series will feature Boseman’s final performance, as he lent his voice to Black Panther in the animated show. The series is currently set to premiere on Disney+ in Summer 2021.