NAACP taps Lucas for Vanguard Award

George Lucas will be receive the NAACP Vanguard Award at the 43rd annual Image Awards, held Feb. 17 at the Shrine Auditorium. The Academy Award-winning director was tapped for a body of work that the NAACP says has increased understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. Lucas is executive producer of the animated TV series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." He also served as executive producer on "Red Tails," a new film inspired by the heroic exploits of America's first all-black aerial combat unit. Lucas joins previously announced honoree Cathy Hughes, who will receive the Chairman's Award. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com