Not only will Tyler Perry be co-hosting the 40th NAACP Image Awards in Beverly Hills on Thursday, he is also one of the leading nominees for the prizes that honor projects and people who promote diversity in the arts in television, recording, literature and film. His series"Tyler Perry's House of Payne" has the most television nods, and his films "Meet the Browns" and "The Family That Preys" are nominated in the motion picture categories.
Perry is co-hosting the Shrine Auditorium ceremony with actress Halle Berry.
Two nominees who likely will not attend the ceremony are R&B singer Chris Brown and Rihanna. Brown, who turned himself in to police for allegedly assaulting Rihanna early Sunday, is nominated for three Image Awards, including outstanding male artist. Rihanna is nominated for outstanding female artist.
Los Angeles police turned their case against Brown over to the District Attorney's Office on Tuesday, but prosecutors declined to file charges, sending the matter back to police for further investigation.
Nobel Peace Prize laureates Al Gore, the former vice president, and Kenyan anti-deforestation activist Wangari Muta Maathai will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award during the show, honoring their environmental work and public service.
Russell Simmons will receive the NAACP Vanguard Award, honoring a person whose work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues.
Muhammad Ali will receive the NAACP President's Award recognizing his lifetime of public service.
Jennifer Hudson and Seal are among those scheduled to perform during the ceremony. The list of presenters includes Sean "Diddy" Combs, Taraji Henson, Keke Palmer, Regina Taylor and Kerry Washington.
