‘Bees’ Flies High At NAACP Image Awards

The Secret Life of Bees received eight noms, including one for top motion picture, for the 40th NAACP Image Awards, announced Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.Cadillac Records, Miracle at St. Anna, Seven Pounds and Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys round out the best pic category.

Tapped for screenwriting were Gina Prince-Bythewood for “Bees”; Jenny Lumet, “Rachel Getting Married”; Darnell Martin, “Cadillac Records”; Patrik-Ian Polk and John R. Gordon, “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom”; and Paris Qualles, “A Raisin in the Sun.”

On the TV side, ABC led all networks with 24 nominations and CBS followed with 14, while the CW and NBC scored 10 each.

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne scored six bids — the most of any series — including comedy series. Ugly Betty nabbed a nod for comedy series and star America Ferrera was nominated for actress. Other comedy series cited were The Game, Everybody Hates Chris and 30 Rock.

Drama series contenders are The Wire, The Unit, Grey’s Anatomy, House and Lincoln Heights.

In the music category, Columbia Records led with eight bids — five of which went to Beyonce.

Russell Simmons will be feted with the Vanguard Award, and both Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Maathai will receive the Chairman’s Award.

Kudocast, to be hosted by Halle Berry and Tyler Perry, will air on Fox Feb. 12 from the Shrine Auditorium.

The NAACP is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

And the nominess are:

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Comedy Series

“30 Rock” (NBC)

“Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

“The Game” (CW)

“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

“Ugly Betty” (ABC)

Actor in a Comedy Series

Donald Faison – “Scrubs” (NBC)

LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

Paul James – “Greek” (ABC Family)

Terry Crews – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Tyler James Williams – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Actress in a Comedy Series

America Ferrera – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)

Cassi Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

Tia Mowry – “The Game” (CW)

Tichina Arnold – “Everybody Hates Chris” (CW)

Tracee Ellis Ross – “Girlfriends” (CW)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Blair Underwood – “The New Adventures of Old Christine” (CBS)

Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA)

Lance Gross – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

Larramie ‘Doc’ Shaw – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)

Tisha Campbell-Martin – “Rita Rocks” (Lifetime)

Vanessa Williams – “Ugly Betty” (ABC)

Wanda Sykes – “The New Adventures of Old Christine” (CBS)

Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game” (CW)

Drama Series

“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)

“House” (FOX)

“Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)

“The Unit” (CBS)

“The Wire” (HBO)

Actor in a Drama Series

Anthony Anderson – “Law & Order” (NBC)

Blair Underwood – “In Treatment” (HBO)

Dennis Haysbert – “The Unit” (CBS)

Hill Harper – “CSI: NY” (CBS)

Omar Epps – “House” (FOX)

To check out the rest of the NAACP Image Award nominees, please click here!