Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, whose death came as a shock to everyone, received a one-minute tribute at MTV Video Music Awards.
Reportedly, a title card appeared at the beginning of the segment, which reads, “The world needs more superheroes.”
The one-minute tribute at MTV Video Music Awards featured a clip of Chadwick Boseman accepting the Best Hero award at the 2018 MTV Movie And TV Awards. Back in 2018, he used the award ceremony to put the spotlight on a real-life hero.
While receiving the award, Boseman said, “Receiving an award for playing a superhero is amazing. But, it’s even greater to acknowledge the heroes that we have in real life. So, I just wanna acknowledge somebody that’s here today, James Shaw Jr. If you don’t know James Shaw Jr., he fought off a gunman in Antioch, Tennessee, at a Waffle House, saved lives. So, this is gonna live at your house, God bless you.”
The tribute concluded with the message, ‘Rest in Power.’
Before the video played, VMA host Keke Palmer said the show would be dedicated to Boseman, she said: “Before we get into the music tonight, we need to take the time to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion were a true inspiration to all the fans he touched, and everyone he encountered.”
She further added, “We dedicate this show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He’s a true hero – not just on screen, but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”
Closing the show at the end of the night’s last musical performance, Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am shouted out a reference to Boseman’s role of Black Panther, Wakanda forever!
Also Read – Avengers Assemble To Pay Their Last Tribute To ‘Black Panther’ Actor Chadwick Boseman
Reportedly, The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday night. Owing to the COVID pandemic, instead of taking place at a packed Barclays Center, artists like BTS, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande performed in locations without the audience around New York.
The Weeknd won the biggest prize of the night, Video Of The Year, for the song Blinding lights. Lady Gaga won Artist Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Collaboration and Best Cinematography. She was also feted with the inaugural TriCon Award, which honored her multifaceted career as a musician, actress, philanthropist, fashion influence and more.
The news of Boseman’s death was confirmed by the actor’s family in a social media statement, “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson‘s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.”