Spelman College Endowed Professor Wins Two NAACP Image Awards

Shaping the Narrative: Spelman Faculty and Alumna Awarded for Innovative Storytelling

Spelman College Diana King Endowed Professor Shola Lynch has been awarded Outstanding Documentary (Television) and Outstanding Directing in a Documentary by the NAACP Image Awards for her film “Number One on the Call Sheet.”

Released in March 2025 on Apple TV+, the two-part documentary explores the experiences of leading Black actors and actresses in Hollywood. Lynch directed part two of the film, focusing on the actresses.

“It is an honor to receive two NAACP Image Awards for “Number One on the Call Sheet” and to be recognized by our community,” said Lynch. “I was grateful for the opportunity to direct the documentary on Black Leading Women in Hollywood.  I strove to make a piece beautiful and poignant, reflecting them.”

Through candid interviews, Lynch followed Angela Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg, Gabrielle Union, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Alfre Woodard and Nia Long as they share breakthrough moments, strategies for success, and their perspectives on the future of Black talent in Hollywood.

The top actresses, all number one on the call sheet in their films, walk with purpose and talent, and choose to be the main characters in their lives and careers. I think that is the lesson, especially for our Spelman students. We all have work to do for equity and inclusion in any profession. It cannot be taken for granted,” said Lynch. “At the same time, we should celebrate what has been achieved, so it absolutely matters that there has been one Black Woman, Halle Berry, who has won Best Actress at the Oscars. While change may not be fast enough, it reminds us to be vigilant.”

Spelman alumna Lynae Vanee, C’2016, also received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Digital Content Creator in the Political/Culture category. Each week, Vanee hosts a 45-minute talk show in partnership with Revolt where she synthesizes critical information impacting the Black community and encourages her audience to be politically engaged.

“It is so difficult. It is so tough to take in this information every day and filter it out to give it back to you. That is our job,” said Vanee in her acceptance speech. “Beyond that, you have a job, too. We give you the information. We distill it. We demystify. We give you data. We analyze. Your job is to be empowered to do something with that. You should be contacting your senators. You should be figuring out how to push back.”