Accomplished actors Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie will host the 43rd NAACP Image Awards, airing live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 on NBC.

Celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and honoring individuals or groups who “promote social justice through creative endeavors,” the NAACP Image Awards are considered the “premier multicultural awards show.”

Special honorees include Cathy Hughes, founder and president of TV One and the owner of Interactive One, who will receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award.

“I am thrilled to offer Cathy Hughes the NAACP Chairman’s Award,” said Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman, NAACP Board of Directors. “This recognition is long overdue for her accomplishment as a trailblazer in the media industry. As the founder of Radio One and TV One, an advocate for small business entrepreneurship, and philanthropist, Cathy Hughes reminds us that collectively and as individuals, we can make a difference. Her presence at the Image Awards continues the NAACP’s quest to celebrate and uplift individuals who model principles of hard work, perseverance and community empowerment.”

The Vanguard Award will be presented to “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, executive producer of “Red Tails,” the feature film inspired by the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition, the Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association will receive the NAACP President’s Award.

Among those scheduled to perform are Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin and Ne-Yo, while the evening’s star-studded roster of presenters includes LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the “premier advocates for civil rights in their communities,” conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Contact entertainment reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .