Elba, Ejiofor, Oyelowo nominated for 2014 Image Awards

Announced during a press conference in Pasadena, California, Chiwetel Ejiofor received two best actor nominations for the television drama “Dancing on the Edge” and movie “12 Years a Slave.” Idris Elba was recognized for his lead role in the BBC drama “Luther” and his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo earned a nomination for his part in “Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler.” Snubbed of a nomination was Barkhad Abdi, the Somalian actor who played a pirate opposite Tom Hanks in the movie “Captain Phillips.” Abdi has swept the awards circuit earning SAG and Golden Globe nominations for his first film role, but failed to garner a nomination.

Angela Bassett earned a nomination for her role in the movie Black Nativity

Angela Bassett earned a nomination for her role in the movie Black Nativity

Other NAACP Image award nominees include Lupita Nyong’o, India.Arie, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Hudson who earned her third nomination. Hudson previously won a supporting actress award for Dreamgirls in 2007. Back on the awards circuit is Octavia Spencer who received a supporting actress nod for “Fruitville Station,” a movie based on Oakland resident, Oscar Grant, who was shot to death on New Year’s Day. Spencer previously won a supporting actress award for the movie “The Help” in 2012.

Chiwetel Ejiofor earns two NAACP Image Awards

Chiwetel Ejiofor earns two NAACP Image Awards

Regina King earned her first directing nomination

Regina King earned her first directing nomination

Also nominated is Angela Bassett and Kerry Washington who received a best actress nomination for “Scandal.” The ABC drama was also nominated for outstanding drama series and “Mandela: Freedom’s Father,” a special tribute to the inspirational world leader received a nomination for outstanding news/Information special.

Idris Elba as Mandela Photo-by-Keith-Bernstein

Idris Elba as Mandela Photo by Keith Bernstein

Actress Regina King who plays a cop in the series “Southland” earned her first Image award for directing an episode from the TNT drama titled “Off Duty.”

Networks BET and CBS led the nominees in the TV categories with 19 and 16 nominations respectively, followed by ABC with 15 nominations and HBO with 13 nominations.

Jennifer Hudson previously won a supporting actress award for Dreamgirls in 2007

Jennifer Hudson previously won a supporting actress award for Dreamgirls in 2007

An annual event, now in its 45th year, the NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in entertainment and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

India.Arie nominated for outstanding female artist

India.Arie nominated for outstanding female artist

Octavia Spencer nominated again for an Image Award

Octavia Spencer nominated again for an Image Award

Winners are voted by NAACP members and will be announced during a two-hour star-studded TV One telecast on Saturday, February 22.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa. Photos courtesy of Royalty Image.

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