'Debaters' named best film at Image gala

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- "The Great Debaters," a movie directed by and starring Denzel Washington, won the top film prize at the 39th annual NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles.

The film's stars, Washington, Jurnee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker, were named outstanding actor, actress and supporting actor in a film, respectively.

"Grey's Anatomy" earned the award for best drama series, while Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" grabbed the prize for outstanding TV comedy.

"Payne" star LaVan Davis won the award for outstanding actor in a comedy series, while his co-star Lance Gross earned the prize for supporting actor.

Perry's movie "Why Did I Get Married?" also garnered singer/actress Janet Jackson the award for outstanding supporting actress.

Alicia Keys won the prizes for outstanding music video, song, album and was outstanding female artist.

The Hollywood Reporter said Stevie Wonder was inducted in to the Image Awards' Hall of Fame, while Aretha Franklin was honored with the Vanguard Award at a Thursday night gala at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.