‘Barbershop’ is clipped at Image Awards

Despite six nominations and an endorsement by the NAACP as a “positive” film, “Barbershop,” the most controversial black-themed movie of 2002 due to its jokes aimed at civil rights icons Rosa Parks and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was passed over at the 34th annual NAACP Image Awards Saturday.

The shutout came just a few days after Parks had informed the NAACP that she would not attend the ceremony because she was offended by the movie. Parks’ protest echoed objections by the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who criticized the film soon after it became a hit with audiences.

The furor over “Barbershop” was overshadowed during the three-hour gala at the Universal Amphitheatre by the wins of Denzel Washington. The actor’s directorial debut, “Antwone Fisher,” beat out “Barbershop” for outstanding motion picture, and the Oscar winner also collected two acting honors, including outstanding actor in a motion picture for “John Q.”

Washington also won over “Barbershop’s” Cedric the Entertainer and others in the category of outstanding supporting actor in a motion picture for his performance as a psychiatrist in “Antwone Fisher.”

Cedric the Entertainer, whose portrayal in “Barbershop” of an outspoken older barber making irreverent remarks about Parks, King and Jackson placed him at the center of the debate, served as host but did not mention the film or the controversy during the show. And none of the show’s presenters or other prominent figures, including NAACP chairman Julian Bond or NAACP president Kweisi Mfume, made reference to “Barbershop.” Parks, however, was saluted when “Ride to Freedom: The Rosa Parks Story” won for outstanding television movie, miniseries or dramatic special. Angela Bassett, who portrayed Parks in the CBS film, won for outstanding actress in the same category. Willis Edwards, one of the film’s producers and an NAACP national board member, said he had spoken to Parks, who wanted to thank the civil rights organization “for lifting her up.” He added that she also wanted to encourage the NAACP to “trust in the Lord.” Bassett also paid tribute to what she called Parks’ integrity.

Bassett was also named outstanding motion picture actress for “Sunshine State.” Halle Berry, who won the best actress Oscar last year for “Monster’s Ball,” scored as outstanding supporting actress for “Die Another Day.”

Showtime’s “Soul Food” won its second consecutive award for outstanding TV drama series. Vanessa Williams of “Soul Food” and Michael Beach of NBC’s “Third Watch” were named outstanding dramatic actress and actor in a TV drama.

Fox’s “The Bernie Mac Show” was named outstanding comedy series. Bernie Mac won for outstanding comedy actor, while Tisha Campbell-Martin of ABC’s “My Wife and Kids” won for outstanding comedy actress.

Filmmaker Spike Lee was presented with the Hall of Fame Award. Actor Danny Glover was awarded the Chairman’s Award and tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams were presented with the President’s Award.

An edited version of the awards will air Thursday on Fox.