The NAACP announced that the legendary Wayans family will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the “56th NAACP Image Awards” airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 22, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. This year, the broadcast will be extended 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.
The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations. Past inductees include New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth Wind and Fire and more.
“For decades, the Wayans family has been at the forefront of comedy, breaking barriers and opening doors for waves of entertainers,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Their trailblazing work in television, film, and stand-up has transcended pop culture and cemented their legacy in the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. Recognizing their achievements with this induction is a celebration of a multi-generational legacy that continues to advance and uplift communities. The Wayans family has set a standard of excellence, and their influence resonates far beyond the stage and screen.”
“The Wayans family revolutionized comedy by blending cultural commentary and fearless humor. From In Living Color to blockbuster films, their influence spans generations, breaking barriers for Black entertainers and redefining mainstream comedy,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy at BET. “Their ability to push boundaries while resonating with diverse audiences has left an undeniable mark on the industry. We look forward to honoring their impact by inducting the Wayans Family into the NAACP Hall of Fame live on BET, while celebrating their legacy in entertainment and culture.”
As one of the most influential families in comedy and entertainment, the Wayans dynasty has transformed the landscape of film, television, and stand-up comedy for decades. At the forefront of this movement is Keenen Ivory Wayans, who created the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color. This show launched the careers of Hollywood heavyweights like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, along with many members of the Wayans family, all while setting new standards for diverse storytelling. At a time when mainstream comedy often sidelined Black talent and perspectives, Keenen shattered barriers as an actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer by centering diverse voices while addressing race, class, and pop culture with unapologetic humor.
In addition to ‘In Living Color,’ Keenen co-wrote and co-starred in ‘Hollywood Shuffle’ alongside Robert Townsend, directed the hit film ‘Scary Movie,’ and wrote, directed, and starred in ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.’ His fearless approach entertained while challenging industry norms, proving that Black creators could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful in Hollywood.
Damon Wayans Sr. became a comedy icon through his work on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘Major Payne,’ and ‘My Wife and Kids,’ while Marlon and Shawn Wayans co-created and starred in The Wayans Bros. and the blockbuster films ‘Scary Movie,’ ‘White Chicks,’ ‘Little Man’ and ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.’ ‘Dance Flick’ is another family hit directed by Damien Dante Wayans, with Keenen, Shawn, Marlon, Craig, and Damien as writers and producers. Damon Jr., Keenen, Marlon, Shawn, Kim, Craig, Gregg, and Chaunte all acted in the film. Kim Wayans made her mark as an actress, producer, and writer, while the next generation, including Damon Wayans Jr., has carried the legacy forward with standout roles in ‘Poppa’s House,’ ‘Shrinking,’ ‘Happy Endings,’ ‘New Girl,’ and ‘Let’s Be Cops.’
Marlon Wayans has expanded his dramatic repertoire with his recent performances in ‘Respect and Air,’ and as Lou in ‘Bel-Air,’ earning a nomination for Outstanding Guest Performance at the “56th NAACP Image Awards.” Damon Sr. and Damon Jr. have also made history as the first father-son duo nominated for their performances in ‘Poppa’s House,’ with Damon Sr. up for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series and Damon Jr. for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Now, Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn Wayans are reviving one of their most successful franchises, bringing a ‘Scary Movie’ reboot to life and introducing a new generation to the iconic horror-comedy series. The film will hit theaters June 12, 2026. Marlon is currently touring throughout the US on his ‘WILD CHILD’ Tour which will lead to his sixth standup special. He can next be seen starring in Jordan Peele’s upcoming film, ‘HIM’ (Monkeypaw Productions), hitting theaters on September 19, 2025.
BET and the NAACP remain committed to celebrating Black excellence and resilience through the “56th NAACP Image Awards.” Their support extends to the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities affected by the recent wildfires. As part of these efforts, BET Media Group, NAACP, JSSK and WME have partnered with LA County and in collaboration with local community organizations such as Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA, to launch the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, aimed at protecting homeowners from displacement and preserving the community’s cultural heritage. S: NAACP
