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Apple TV+ continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with its recent wins at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The streaming giant took home two prestigious awards, cementing its position as a leader in promoting diversity and social justice through creative work.
One of the awards was for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, which went to Will Smith for his role in the Apple Original film “Emancipation”. The movie is based on the true story of Peter, a man who escapes from slavery and embarks on a treacherous journey to freedom. Smith’s performance as Peter was hailed as outstanding by the NAACP Image Awards judges.
The other award was for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture), which went to Reginald Hudlin for his work on Apple’s “Sidney” documentary. The film explores the life and legacy of legendary actor, filmmaker, and civil rights activist Sidney Poitier, and features interviews with other Hollywood heavyweights such as Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, and Robert Redford.
These awards are not the first time Apple TV+ has been recognized by the NAACP Image Awards. In previous years, the streaming service has won accolades for its independent motion pictures, including “CODA” and “The Banker”, as well as the animated feature “Wolfwalkers”.
Apple’s commitment to promoting diversity and social justice is reflected in the wide range of content available on its platform. From Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” to historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA”, the streaming giant’s original films, documentaries, and series have earned 334 wins and 1,406 award nominations and counting.
“Emancipation” and “Sidney” are two excellent examples of Apple’s dedication to telling important stories that highlight the triumphs and struggles of people of color. “Emancipation” draws inspiration from the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter”, which first appeared in Harper’s Weekly and contributed to growing public opposition to slavery. Meanwhile, “Sidney” celebrates the life of an iconic figure who used his platform to fight for social justice.
The NAACP Image Awards are an important platform for recognizing outstanding achievements and performances by people of color in the arts. Apple’s recent wins demonstrate the company’s commitment to promoting diversity and social justice through its creative work, and serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire change.
