The outstanding actor and actress of the night were Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, for their roles in “Seven Pounds,” while Taraji P. Henson took home the supporting actress award for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Columbus Short received the supporting actor honor for “Cadillac Records” and “Slumdog Millionaire” won outstanding independent motion picture.

 

The annual awards honor both individuals and projects that encourage diversity in the arts, cinema, television, literature and music. The hosts of the event, which also celebrated the 100^th anniversary of the NAACP and was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, were Halle Berry and Tyler Perry.

 

As for television, “Grey’s Anatomy” was named outstanding drama series, while the honors for outstanding actress and writing went to Chandra Wilson and Shonda Rhimes, respectively. Taye Diggs won outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for “Private Practice,” while Angela Bassett was awarded with the prize for supporting actress for her role in “E.R.”

 

Furthermore, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” was honored with four awards, including outstanding comedy series and actor for LaVan Davis, who plays Curtis Payne in the show. Tracee Ellis Ross won the prize for outstanding actress for the sitcom “Girlfriends.”

 

In the music category, Jennifer Hudson picked up the new artist award and her ex “Dreamgirls” co-star Beyoncé took home the female artist trophy.