‘COSBY’ TOPS BLACK IMAGE AWARD SHOW

Delays and miscues failed to dampen the excitement of the 19th annual Image Awards presented by the Beverly Hills-Hollywood chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People Sunday at the Wiltern Theatre.

Part of the celebration was the increase in the number of nominees enhancing the image of blacks in the media. There were 185 nominees, 30 more than last year. Both participants and those in the audience interpreted the longer program as further evidence that black actors and actresses are continuing to land meaningful roles in television and film.

This year also will mark the first time that the Image Awards will be telecast. NBC’s filming of this year’s ceremony stretched the normally two-hour-long show to more than five hours. NBC will broadcast a 90-minute version Jan. 17 during the 11:30 p.m. time slot usually occupied by “Saturday Night Live.”

As anticipated, NBC’s “The Cosby Show” walked away with awards in all four categories in which it was nominated, including best episode in a comedy series.

Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” came away with three honors, including best picture. (Last year officers of the NAACP chapter had criticized the film for its portrayal of black males. Though nominated for 11 Oscars, “Purple” came away with none.)

“That’s what makes it (the Image Award) mean that much more,” Quincy Jones, the film’s co-producer, said after accepting the award. “This is our Oscar.”

Despite the flashbulbs, TV cameras and elegantly attired audience, this year’s spectacle was more than just another parade of glitter and glitz.

The NAACP may have made its strongest statement yet against South Africa’s system of apartheid by honoring Winnie Mandela, wife of jailed South African civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, and the Rev. Allan A. Boesak, president of South Africa’s World Alliance of Churches.

The Key of Life award to Mandela for her humanitarian work was given added poignancy because it was bestowed by the children of three slain black American civil rights leaders: Yolanda King, daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.; Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar Evers, and Attallah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X.

Exiled South African folk singer Miriam Makeba accepted the award for Mandela.

“I would be happier if she could receive it or if I could give it her,” Makeba said, “but, because of the government, neither is possible.”

Rosalind Cash, one of the evening’s nominees as best female performance in a TV miniseries for her part in PBS’ “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” reflected a growing sense of urgency over South Africa expressed throughout the evening.

“I don’t think we can really be festive on this occasion without thinking about why there is no freedom in South Africa,” Cash said offstage. “I personally cannot be an African American and not be political.”

Judging by the shouts and muffled screams, Epic recording artist Luther Vandross was clearly the evening’s most electrifying performer, singing a selection of hits made famous by Dionne Warwick, recipient of the entertainer of the year award.

Other recording artists honored were Stevie Wonder for best male artist and Anita Baker for best female artist.

Several black actors, however, complained that they continue to be color-cast.

“The people in power are my age,” said comedian Franklin Ajaye. “They went through the radical period with us. But they still have no knowledge of the black experience, so it’s easier to write (parts) for white actors.”