Denzel Washington’s movie "The Great Debaters" nabbed four prizes, including the one for best film of 2007, at the 39th annual NAACP Image Awards ceremony on Thursday, while Alicia Keys took home four trophies of her own.

"I'm happy for everybody up here," Washington, who directed the film, said while accepting the award at Los Angeles's Shrine Auditorium. "I'm very grateful for this one, but in particular, just happy that some of these young people are recognized for their work."

Besides the best motion picture honor, "Debaters" also took home the awards for best actor, actress and supporting actor.

"It's just a joy and an honor to be here," Washington said while accepting his acting trophy, for which he beat out, among others, Don Cheadle and Terrence Howard. "I'll be at that other show next week but my heart is here and I'm just so happy to see these young people get recognized."

Another big winner at Thursday’s ceremony was Alicia Keys, whose awards included outstanding album for the platinum-selling "As I Am," outstanding female artist, and top music video and song awards for "Like You'll Never See Me Again."

Chris Brown took home the male counterpart of that award, and Jordin Sparks continued to take steps out of that American Idol box, getting named outstanding new artist.

In television categories, "Grey's Anatomy" was named outstanding drama series, and its star Chandra Wilson picked up a trophy for outstanding actress in a drama series. Costar Kate Walsh was on hand to support Wilson at the ceremony.

"Ugly Betty" stars America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams won the awards for comedy actress and supporting actress.

"This is awesome, thank you so much," America Ferrera said onstage. "I love to be a part of this show because it's fun to be a part of, but also for what it stands for…It feels really good to be in this room with such wonderful, beautiful, colorful faces."

During the ceremony, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Oscar-nominated actress Ruby Dee were honored with special awards.

"I was here when the sets were falling down and cue cards were being written in the wings just before the artists walked on stage," said Franklin, who received the Vanguard award, reminiscing about the NAACP's inaugural ceremony. "This is the icing on the cake for me."