US rights award for Oscar winners

Whitaker won best actor for his role as dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland and Hudson picked up best supporting actress for Dreamgirls.

They each won equivalent prizes at last month's Oscars ceremony.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a prominent US civil rights group.

"There is nothing like being recognised and honoured by your own," Hudson said.

Whitaker said his performance had allowed him to "go back to Africa and touch my roots".

Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington, who recently started counselling following a row over his use of a gay slur, won the best actor for a drama series award.

"The first time I was up here I felt deserving of something. This time I feel privileged," he said.

Washington used the term "faggot" about cast mate TR Knight during an on-set argument with co-star Patrick Dempsey last October.

Keke Palmer was named best actress for her turn in Akkelah and the Bee, while Djimon Hounsou took best supporting actor for Blood Diamond.

The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith and his son, won best film.

Hit show Ugly Betty took the top television honours.

It won best TV comedy series and Vanessa Williams won best supporting actress in a comedy for her role as a steely publishing diva in the programme.

Prince was awarded best male music artist.

Comedian Bill Cosby was inducted into the NAACP's Hall of Fame and the Chairman's Award was given to U2 frontman Bono.

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