Nina Simone singing in Ronnie Scott club 1983. Image shot 1983. Exact date unknown. Contributor: Janine Wiedel Photolibrary/ Alamy Stock Photo.
How It Feels to Be Free has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Documentary (Television).
How It Feels To Be Free tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.
Jamila Wignot, director of Ailey, was also nominated in the category of Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture).
Recognized as the nation’s preeminent multicultural awards show from an African American perspective, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts and those who promote social justice through their creative work.
The virtual ceremonies will recognize winners in more than 60 non-televised award categories in the fields of television and streaming, music, literature, film, and activism. The two categories for which American Masters is nominated will be presented virtually on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 8:00 PM ET.
The 53rd NAACP Image Awards will present the marquee winners live on BET Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 8:00 PM ET.