Industry veterans Reginald Hudlin and Brad Lachman have been named co-executive producers of THE 44TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, it was announced today by the NAACP. Winners will be revealed during the two-hour star-studded special to air live on Friday, February 1 (8 ET live/PT tape-delayed) on NBC.
Hudlin, former president of BET, created 17 of the top 20 rated shows in the history of the network and also created the “BET Hip Hop Awards,” and the “BET Honors.” Lachman, who has received Seven Emmy Awards, has served as Executive Producer on an unprecedented variety of specials including major live events, concert performances, reality programs, clip shows and comedy specials. The production team will also include Tony McCuin as director and Melanie Massie as the talent executive.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
“Reginald Hudlin (Hudlin Entertainment) and Brad Lachman (Brad Lachman Productions) are two of the most distinguished and well-respected producers in the industry,” stated Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors, Roslyn M. Brock. “We are thrilled they will be at the helm of this year’s live broadcast of the Image Awards.”
“The NAACP Image Awards has recognized the best in both the arts and civil rights for four decades,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “We look forward to a great show this year.”
“We are so proud to have the opportunity to produce the 44th NAACP Image Awards,” commented Hudlin and Lachman. “The Image Awards hold a unique place in America’s cultural landscape, and we’re looking forward to producing a show that is inspiring, smart, funny, touching, and makes you want to get of out your seat and pump your fist!”
About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. The organization’s half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
About Reginald Hudlin:
Hudlin is a pioneer of the modern black film movement, writing, directing and producing movies like “House Party,” “Bommerang” and “Bebe’s Kids” which are some of the most profitable and influential films of his generation. He is the executive producer and writer of the “Black Panther” animated series and was executive producer of “The Boondocks.”
In addition, Hudlin is one of the producers of “Django Unchained,” the new movie by Quentin Tarantino that opens in theatres on Christmas Day. The film has been nominated for 4 Image Awards and 5 Golden Globes, including Best Picture for both awards.
Hudlin is also launching New Nation Networks, a digital premium entertainment company in partnership with Google that he co-founded with Byron Phillips.
About Brad Lachman:
His career highlights include President Clinton’s Inaugural Gala, The Grand Opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, music specials featuring Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., Phil Collins and Michel Buble, as well as two birthday tribute specials to America’s sweetheart, Betty White. In addition, he has produced NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special for the past 4 years, and the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” for the past 19 years.
