ROBERT X. GOLPHIN:

What better event to ramble about than tonight's NAACP Image Awards as my first official blog? This year’s event did not have many surprises so this won’t be very long. But I was especially moved by a few particular moments, and pissed off about one. 

Darryl “Chill” Mitchell, star of the FOX sitcom “Brothers” was awarded for his role. For nearly a decade, he has been confined to a wheelchair but he was overcome with tears during his acceptance speech, telling the audience: “As long as you all got legs, I'm going to always walk”. Beautiful! 

Tyler Perry accepted the Chairman’s Award after a brief tribute from the legendary Cicely Tyson and a very spirited performance by Tamela Mann. Perry’s applause worthy speech included a sound bite that I am sure we will hear again and again. Paraphrased, he said: “We don’t have to wait for Hollywood to green light ‘our’ projects, we can build our own intersections”. He’s living proof of that.

While I was extremely happy that the likes of Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock, and the lovely Jada Pinkett Smith took home honors, the biggest accolades came for a precious film called “Precious”. Though she was nominated alongside the talented Paula Patton and Mariah Carey, it was no shocker that the phenomenal Mo’Nique took home Best Supporting Actress. First time actor Gabourey Sidibe beat out Sandra Bullock for Best Actress and her emotional acceptance speech seemed very genuine. But then came the biggie…Best Picture.

Here’s what I have to rant about. I thought it was a slap in the face for director Lee Daniels to be cut off while accepting his award. After a few music cues to try and wrap Mr. Daniels up, the powers that be cut to Hill Harper introducing a Mary Mary performance. As an entertainer myself, I realize that time is money. But with all due respect to Mary Mary and the show producers, a performance should never have been scheduled in the first place directly after a Best Picture win. At least not a 'must have' performance. Have one on standby in case you need to fill time.  The dimming of lights and Mr. Daniel’s microphone was distasteful, and he’s owed an apology as far as I am concerned.