Le 5 février 2016, se dérouleront les NAACP Image Award 2016. Et sans grande surprise, les nominations continuent pour Empire et son casting. Pas moins de 14 nominations pour représenter la série.
- Outstanding Drama Series : Empire (Fox)
- Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series : Terrence Howard
- Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series : Taraji P. Henson
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series : Bryshere Y. Gray
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series : Jussie Smollett
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series : Grace Gealy
- Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series : Lee Daniels & Danny Strong (Pilot)
- Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series : Lee Daniels (Pilot)
- Outstanding New Artist : Jussie Smollet (Columbia Records)
- Outstanding New Artist : Yazz (Columbia Records)
- Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration : Conqueror (Empire Cast feat. Estelle & Jussie Smollett)
- Outstanding Album : Empire Soundtrack Season 1
- Outstanding Song (Contemporary) : Conqueror (Empire Cast feat. Estelle & Jussie Smollett)
- Outstanding Song (Contemporary) : You're So Beautiful (Empire Cast feat. Jussie Smollett & Yazz)