Hosted by Halle Berry and Tyler Perry, the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards coincided with the civil rights organization's 100th anniversary and was a night full of stunning fashions and beauty. I've picked 12 ladies with lovely looks from last night's show – see my big winners and start this slideshow.
Short hair may offer less versatility than longer locks since it's harder to pull back, yet Taraji doesn't let her trimmed 'do stop her. At the 40th annual NAACP Image Awards preshow gala, she changed up her usual sleek look with wildly loose waves, but she was back to straight hair, slightly curled under, for the actual ceremony. 
I'm undecided which hairstyle I like better because I'm having trouble looking past that eye shadow. Both shades blend with her dress fairly well, but the chartreuse shade matches the gown perfectly. Is this just enough or a little too much to allow you to favor one look?
The 2009 NAACP Image Awards came to LA's Shrine Auditorium with cohosts Halle Berry and Tyler Perry leading the way. Everyone looked fantastic hitting the red carpet and mingling with old friends during the show — check out all of Fab's love it or hate it polls here. Dakota Fanning chose yet another strapless number but still looked perfectly pretty. Al Gore found his way into a conversation with Will Smith who had his wife for a date. Jennifer Hudson took home the Best New Artist award and said, "Now don't start me to crying again, y'all. It's always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love."
Rihanna was up for Female Performer of the year, but it was Beyonce who took the prize and also performed at the event. Diddy took home the award for TV Movie Actor while Will Smith and Rosario Dawson both won for Seven Pounds. Best picture went to The Secret Life of Bees — check out all the winners here. Seal performed with the choir, though it was Stevie Wonder who stole the show at his piano and Muhammad Ali who took the stage in a powerful moment.
To see more from the awards including Diddy, Chandra Wilson, Blair Underwood, Danny Glover, Seal and others just read more
We saved the best for last with Halle Berry, who's wearing a one-shoulder Pamella Roland gown and matching peep-toe pumps for one of her looks as the cohost of the NAACP Awards. The pink and gray iridescent tones reflect the light perfectly, and I love her bold turquoise jewels. Are you into this?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
Check out Beyonce singing her heart out at tonight's NAACP Image Awards. Her onstage ensemble is a strapless white gown with delicate beading and a black band across the chest. Oh, and ginormous earrings! Is this a good performance look or does it fall flat?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
Rosario Dawson chose to wear a black Rafael Cennamo tea-length dress to the NAACP Awards. The tiered detailing is a fun touch and I fancy the subtle built-in belt. For accessories, Dawson experimented with ornate silver earrings and exotic sandals. Do you love it or hate it?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
Sanaa Lathan showed off her red-hot self in a plunging red gown. The black details reel in contrast while her silver drop earrings keep things classy. What say you?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
Tracee Ellis Ross wore a pretty purple Grecian-inspired gown to tonight's festivities. Notice how the color complements her skin tone to perfection. For accessories, the actress adorned herself with artsy gold earrings and strappy copper sandals. Are you digging it?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
Look who brightened up the red carpet: Chandra Wilson. The actress opted for a bright orange gown, finished with gold jewels and a brown clutch. What's your verdict?
Vote on all of my NAACP Awards polls here!
