The MTV VMAs Honored Chadwick Boseman

VMAs host for 2020, Keke Palmer dedicated the award show to Chadwick Boseman.

The MTV Video Music Awards honored Chadwick Boseman two days after he lost his battle with colon cancer. Keke Palmer, who hosted the MTV VMAs said at the beginning of the show they need to take time to remember Chadwick.

“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 is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered,” the host said.

She continued saying that the show is dedicated to Chadwick, a man whose spirit touched many lives. Keke added, “He is a true hero, not just on-screen but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”

Chadwick passed away at the age of 43 on August 28 with his family by his side. The news was only revealed four years after he was battling the cancer. He was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer that progressed to stage IV. The actor never discussed it in public or shared the information.

A statement was shared from the actor’s social media handles. The statement described Chadwick as a true fighter which he preserved as he was fighting and also delivering outstanding performance in his movies. It stated, “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.”

Chadwick got his first big break in 2013 when he portrayed Jackie Robinson in 42. The actor’s stellar performances as James Brown in 2014’s Get on Up and Thurgood Marshall in 2017’s Marshall gained him popularity. But then he went on to portray T’Challa in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, which was the most memorable performance.

Chadwick landed his own Marvel movie with Black Panther in 2018. It was the highest-grossing film of all time. It was also the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Chadwick earned a SAG Award and an NAACP Image Award for the role.

The statement also acknowledged the role, saying it was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Chadwick’s last film will be releasing on Netflix.

Celebrities have posted their condolences and heartfelt tributes to him via Instagram and Twitter. Letita Wright, T’Challa’s sister, Shuri in Black Panther expressed her grief saying it breaks her heart. Their onscreen mother, Angela Bassett, wrote, “This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother.”