Donald Glover in “Atlanta” and Tara Thornton in “Queen Sugar” (FX/OWN)
The 2017 People’s Choice Award nominations were revealed Wednesday and many Black entertainers are on the ballot.
In the Favorite Movie Actor category, Will Smith and Kevin Hart will duke it out for the prize. Smith could also win Favorite Action Movie Star and his superhero film, “Suicide Squad,” is up for Favorite Action Movie. Hart also has the chance to earn the award for Favorite Animated Movie Voice. He provided the vocals for a rabbit in “The Secret Life of Pets.” The comedian also is in the running for Favorite Comedic Movie Actor, and his film, “Central Intelligence,” could nab the trophy for Favorite Comedic Movie. The flick will battle Leslie Jones’ “Ghostbusters” remake for the award. Rounding out the film categories is Favorite Movie Icon, where Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson are among the nominees.
On television, “black-ish” has a chance at winning Favorite Network TV Comedy, and the show’s star, Anthony Anderson, is nominated for Favorite Comic TV Actor. In the battle for Favorite Network TV Drama, “How to Get Away With Murder” and “Empire” are among the viewers’ choices. The latter show’s Terrence Howard is nominated for Favorite TV Actor, along with “Grey’s Anatomy” star and activist Jesse Williams.
While “Scandal” did not earn a nomination in the TV Drama Category, the series’ lead, Kerry Washington, scored one for Favorite Dramatic TV Actress. “Murder” star Viola Davis and “Empire” lead Taraji P. Henson also are in the running.
In the cable comedy slot, FX’s breakout freshman series “Atlanta” is nominated, along with “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” RHOH star, Kevin Hart, is a nominee for Favorite Cable TV Actor. After premiering to high ratings in September, “Queen Sugar” is in the running for Favorite Cable TV Drama, while LL Cool J is on the ballot for Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor.
For premium cable, Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black” and Starz’s “Power” are among the nominees. In the science fiction category, “Luke Cage” is one of the premium cable selections.
On daytime TV, Steve Harvey is a contender for Favorite Talk Show Host. For Favorite New Actor in a TV Series, Damon Wayans is nominated for Fox’s “Lethal Weapon.” His show, along with baseball drama “Pitch,” are up for Favorite New TV Drama.
In the music realm, Drake and The Weeknd are candidates for Favorite Male Artist, while Rihanna and Beyoncé will vie for Favorite Female Artist. The two women also will battle for Favorite R&B Artist with Drake, Usher and The Weeknd. Three of those nominees – Rihanna, Drake and Beyoncé – also are among the competitors for Favorite Album. Drake and Rih also are nominated in the Favorite Song category. Rihanna’s submission stems from her song “Work,” which features the Canadian rapper. His song “Once Dance,” with Wizkid and Kyla, also is nominated. Meanwhile, options for Favorite Hip-Hop Artist include Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar.
Finally, in the digital category, Hart and Ice Cube’s cop-style ride along with talk show host Conan O’Brien is nominated for Favorite Comedic Collaboration.
Audiences can visit the website now to vote in all the categories.
The 2017 People’s Choice Awards airs on CBS Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. EST.
