"Debaters" tops Image Awards nominations

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "The Great Debaters" moved to the top of the class for the Image Awards, nabbing eight nominations, including a pair for Denzel Washington, the film's actor and director, organizers said Tuesday.

The film, loosely based on the true story of a coach who inspires students to form their college's first debate team, also received nominations for motion picture, best actress (Jurnee Smollett), supporting actor (Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker), and writing (Robert Eisele).

The Image Awards, now in their 39th year, are organized by the NAACP civil rights group. Winners will be announced during a ceremony on February 14. Fox will broadcast.

Washington will compete for the actor prize with Columbus Short ("Stomp the Yard"), Don Cheadle ("Talk to Me"), Terrence Howard ("Pride") and Will Smith ("I Am Legend").

The best actress list was rounded out by Angelina Jolie ("A Mighty Heart"), Halle Berry ("Things We Lost in the Fire"), Jill Scott ("Why Did I Get Married?") and Taraji P. Henson ("Talk To Me.")

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter