From Mermaid to Muse: Halle Bailey’s Show-Stopping Look at 55th NAACP Image Awards

Halle Bailey made a splash last year when she was cast as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. And on Saturday, the 23-year-old actress channeled her inner mermaid in an emerald green gown as she graced the red carpet at the 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Celebrating the achievements of people of color in film, television, music, and literature, this year’s NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah at the Shrine Auditorium, drew some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Usher, Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington, and Keke Palmer.

Bailey was up for three awards this year but didn’t win any. She lost to Usher in the Entertainer of the Year category, to her The Color Purple co-star Fantasia Barrino in the Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture category, and to Taraji P. Henson in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category.

Halle Bailey at the 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 16, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

A Radiant Presence on the Red Carpet

Despite not winning any awards, Bailey, in my opinion, was a winner on the red carpet in her lush emerald green gown, which Nicole + Felicia Couture designed especially for the actress.

She was hard to miss in the jewel-toned gown glistening under the lights and shutterbugs. It featured a structured butterfly-shaped bodice, which, I think, was the focal point of the ensemble. The pointy sweetheart neckline, delicate pleats, and rosette-like embroidery on the bust were meticulously arranged to resemble a butterfly.

I like the exquisitely fitted appearance that hugged every inch of Bailey’s curves. It was tight around the waist, fit snugly on the hips, and flowed into a mermaid-style floor-sweeping skirt.

Halle Bailey wows in an emerald-green mermaid gown with a butterfly-shaped bodice by Nicole + Felicia Couture (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Accents of Elegance

Nichole Goodman styled Halle Bailey’s stunning NAACP Image Awards look with sparkling diamonds by Hassanzadeh. Her ears were fastened with the $3,537 Shapeshift 18k white gold earrings set with 1.26-carat round-cut diamonds, while her hands were adorned with a few white gold and diamond rings.

Although I’m unsure what she put on her feet, I think her emerald green dress would look amazing with a pair of black sandals.

Tinisha “Sparkle” Meeks expertly braided Bailey’s long, dark locks while Christiana Cassell applied berry-colored makeup to accentuate her striking features. She used light purple eyeshadow and mascara to highlight her eyes, and pink blush and lipstick to complete her glam.

Her gem-embellished nails rounded out her look.

Halle Bailey wears her dark hair in braids and highlights her striking features with berry makeup (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

A Supportive Partnership

Bailey was joined on the red carpet by her longtime boyfriend, DDG, an American YouTuber and rapper.

He looked neat in a classic black suit, white shirt, and bow tie. He completed his traditional red carpet outfit with chunky loafers featuring trendy square toes.

Halle Bailey with her baby daddy DDG clad in a classic suit with a bowtie at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

DDG Surprises Halle Bailey With Multiple Awards Following NAACP Image Awards Losses

Following the awards ceremony, DDG took to Snapchat to vent his frustration that Bailey didn’t receive any recognition from the NAACP Image Awards.

“I was kinda mad that she didn’t win. I feel like she should have won at least one of the awards,” DDG said in the video. “She won The Color Purple one, but that’s like a group trophy; it’s not the same as like your own. I was very, very upset that she didn’t win, knowing how much of an impact she made on the Black community last year, and it’s a Black award show. She was kinda down and out about it.”

To cheer up his baby mama, DDG staged his own “Halle Awards” event, surprising the actress with not one, not two, but six mini trophies.

Along with their son Halo, whom they welcomed in January 2024, DDG awarded Bailey the titles of Best Catsitter, Best Artist, Best Sweetheart, Best Partner, Best Woman, and Best Mother.

Halle was moved as her partner gave her the awards.