George Lucas to Receive NAACP Vanguard Award, 2/17

Academy Award-winning director, filmmaker, and executive producer George Lucas will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award Presented by UAW/Chrysler at the "43RD NAACP Image Awards," broadcast live from Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium on Friday, February 17 (8-10 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on NBC.

In addition, some of the biggest names in film, television and music are schedule to be part of the two-hour live special, including Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with incredible performances by Lenny Kravitz and Jill Scott.

The Vanguard Award is presented to a person whose groundbreaking work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Previous honorees include Wyclef Jean, Tyler Perry, Russell Simmons, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Stanley Kramer and Steven Spielberg.

Lucas' devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films of all time. The creator of "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," Lucas has given birth to characters who have entertained and inspired generations of filmgoers and become bedrocks of worldwide popular culture. Lucas has directed or produced such memorable films as "THX 1138," "American Graffiti," "Willow," and "Tucker: A Man and His Dream." His independent Production Company, Lucasfilm Ltd., has garnered over 100 Academy Award nominations and more than 40 Oscars and special achievement awards. Today, Lucas is executive producer of the popular animated television series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and he served as executive producer on "Red Tails," a new film inspired by the historic and heroic exploits of America's first all-black aerial combat unit.

As previously announced, TV One Founder and President Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award.

The awards event is a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck.

The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Event sponsors include UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&T, American Airlines and Cadillac.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.

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