Washington, Berry Reap NAACP Honors

Oscar nominees Denzel Washington and Halle Berry, along with the WB’s “The Steve Harvey Show” and Showtime’s gritty drama “Soul Food,” were key winners Saturday at the 33rd annual NAACP Image Awards.

Washington was named outstanding actor in a motion picture for his portrayal of a corrupt cop in “Training Day,” beating out fellow Oscar nominee Will Smith for “Ali.”

Berry won the outstanding actress in a motion picture for her role as the temptress in “Swordfish.” She was not up for her Oscar-nominated role as the wife of an executed killer who becomes involved in an interracial affair in “Monster’s Ball.”

Both Washington and Berry, who are working on films out of town, were unable to attend the star-studded ceremony at the Universal Amphitheatre.

Another no-show was Michael Jackson, who won for outstanding performance in a variety series/special for CBS’ “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration.” The special was also honored for outstanding variety series/special.

Despite Smith’s loss, “Ali” was still a big winner Saturday, walking off with honors for outstanding motion picture and outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture--Jamie Foxx.

Angela Bassett won one of her two Image Awards for outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture for “The Score.” She was also named outstanding actress in a television movie, miniseries or comedy special for Showtime’s supernatural “Ruby’s Bucket of Blood.”

In the television category, most of the comedy awards were repeats of last year. “The Steve Harvey Show,” which just completed a six-year run on WB, beat out Fox’s popular newcomer “The Bernie Mac Show” and ABC’s crossover hit “My Wife and Kids” for outstanding comedy series. Harvey won again for outstanding actor; his co-star Terri J. Vaughn repeated last year’s victory for outstanding supporting actress.

Mo’Nique of UPN’s “The Parkers” won her second consecutive outstanding actress in a comedy series.

“Soul Food,” which details the ups and downs of a close-knit urban family, was honored as outstanding dramatic series.

In the music categories, the late singer-actress Aaliyah was named outstanding female artist; Alicia Keys beat out India.Arie for outstanding new artist and outstanding album (“Songs in A Minor”).

Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip “The Boondocks,” was given the Chairman’s Award; National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice was honored with the President’s Award.

McGruder caused a stir among the audience during his acceptance speech when he voiced sentiments opposing President Bush and the war on terrorism. He told the audience to challenge what the administration says “because they are lying.”

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Little Richard received the Hall of Fame award.

A shortened version of the awards will air Friday on Fox.