Creed star Michael B. Jordan won entertainer of the year and outstanding actor in a motion picture for his role as Apollo Creed’s son at the NAACP Image Awards.

The ceremony is America’s premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of black and minority ethnic (BAME) people in the arts.

Michael B Jordan wins at the NAACP Image Awards
Michael B Jordan wins at the NAACP Image Awards (Phil McCarten/AP)

During his acceptance speech, the 28-year-old said: “I used to sneak into the Image Awards, and now I’m standing here as the entertainer of the year, which is mind-blowing.”

Straight Outta Compton, which tells the story of the pioneering rap group N***** Wit Attitudes (N.W.A.), picked up the outstanding motion picture prize.

“I want to thank the NAACP for this because without you riding for us for the last 100 years, we would not be standing here,” director F. Gary Gray stated.

As the row about the lack of racial diversity in the acting categories of the Oscar nominations rages on, there were several pointed references aimed at the furore.

Image Awards host Anthony Anderson, best known in the UK for his Transformers role as Glen Whitmann, kicked off the ceremony by pretending to be former N.W.A. member, Ice Cube.

He wore a gold chain and a baseball cap emblazoned with the words “Nominees With Attitude”.

“Listen, y’all,” Anthony rapped. “I don’t mean to sound cocky, but the movie’s called Creed not Rocky!”

 Anthony Anderson as Ice Cube at the NAACP Image Awards
Anthony Anderson as Ice Cube at the NAACP Image Awards (Phil McCarten/Invision/AP)

He later joked that he didn’t want the Academy Awards to go overboard in response to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy by handing out Kevin Harts instead of Oscars.

“Hollywood needs to know that this is what diversity is supposed to look like,” a more serious Anthony told the crowd at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California.

When Sylvester Stallone walked on stage to present Creed as an outstanding motion picture contender, he was surprised to be greeted warmly by the audience.

Sylvester Stallone attends the NAACP Image Awards
Sylvester Stallone attends the NAACP Image Awards (Phil McCarten/AP)

“I certainly didn’t expect that,” said the Rocky star, who forgot to thank co-star Michael and Creed filmmaker Ryan Coogler in his acceptance speech after winning a Golden Globe as best supporting actor.

In the TV comedy categories, host Anthony’s sitcom Black-ish swept the board, with the 45-year-old winning for outstanding actor, while the show was selected as outstanding comedy series and his co-star Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Motown legend Diana Ross, picked up outstanding actress.

Taraji P. Henson poses in the press room
Taraji P. Henson poses in the press room (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

On the TV drama side, E4 import Empire dominated with wins for outstanding drama series, actor and actress for Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.

John Legend received the NAACP President’s Award, which recognises those who have achieved career success and public service. He also performed All Of Me.

For the first time, the NAACP Chairman’s Award, which honours distinguished public service, was presented to eight recipients, including Empire actor Jussie Smollett.

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee were among this year’s Image Awards attendees who said they won’t attend this year’s Oscar ceremony.