Aaron Pierre lands Two NAACP Image Awards for roles in "Rebel Ridge" and "Mufasa: The Lion King"

AARON Pierre has received two nominations for the upcoming 2025 NAACP Image Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions of Black talent in the entertainment industry.

Pierre’s standout performances in both Rebel Ridge (Netflix) and Mufasa: The Lion King (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) have earned him a well-deserved spot in this year’s race for honours in both television and film.

Pierre’s nominations highlight his incredible range as an actor: Rebel Ridge earned him a nod for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie), while his voice work as young Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King landed him a nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture. These nominations come as a testament to Pierre’s growing influence in Hollywood and his remarkable ability to thrive in both live-action and animated projects.

Pierre’s role in Rebel Ridge, a gripping crime thriller directed by Jeremy Saulnier, is at the heart of his television nomination. In the film, Pierre portrays a man caught in the intersection of systemic violence, corruption, and personal redemption. His performance has been hailed for its emotional complexity, offering viewers a raw, intense portrayal of a character navigating a deeply flawed world.

In addition to Pierre’s recognition in the Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie) category, Rebel Ridge has earned multiple nominations at the NAACP Image Awards. The film is up for Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie), recognising its bold storytelling and timely themes. It has also been nominated for Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film), highlighting the film’s high-octane action sequences, which are integral to the film’s gripping narrative.

Pierre’s second nomination comes for his voice work as the young Mufasa in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel to the 2019 live-action adaptation of The Lion King. In this highly anticipated animated film, Pierre lends his voice to the iconic lion, capturing Mufasa’s early years with grace, wisdom, and emotional depth. His portrayal adds a new layer to the character, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of Mufasa’s journey to becoming the revered king of the Pride Lands.

Pierre’s nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture places him in competition with a group of talented actors, including Anika Noni Rose, Ayo Edebiri (Inside Out 2), Blue Ivy Carter (Mufasa: The Lion King), and Lupita Nyong’o (The Wild Robot). His performance in Mufasa highlights his growing versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning from live-action roles to animated performances.

The NAACP Image Awards have long been a platform to celebrate Black talent and excellence across a wide range of industries, including film, television, music, and literature. The 2025 nominations reflect a continued commitment to honouring artists who are making a significant impact in entertainment. With Pierre’s recognition in both television and film, his dual nominations are a powerful example of how diverse stories and performances from Black artists are gaining the recognition they deserve.

Pierre’s nominations are just one part of a strong contingent of nominees this year. In the Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie) category, Pierre competes with Colman Domingo (The Madness), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Genius: MLK/X), Kevin Hart (Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist), and Laurence Fishburne (Clipped).