Civil rights drama Selma has been named 'outstanding film of 2014' at this year's NAACP Image Awards, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The film which chronicles the journey of Martin Luther King Jr in 1965 to secure equal voting rights, walked away with four awards during the two ceremonies on Februray 5 and February 6 evening, reported E!Online.

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After being denied an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of King, David Oyelowo took home the Image award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. "I want to take this opportunity to say I thank the Lord I was able to play one of the most transcendent human beings who ever walked the planet," Oyelowo said after accepting the award.

Rapper Common was also recognised for his role as James Bevel in the supporting actor category. While Carmen Ejogo, who played King's wife Coretta Scott King, was awarded the best supporting actress trophy.

Accepting Selma's award for Outstanding Motion Picture, Oprah Winfrey, who produced and starred in the film said, "This is more than a movie. It's important that we all know who we are so we know where we're going, and claiming the glory."

The award for best director went to The Equalizer's Antoine Fuqua, while Belle won honours for best independent motion picture and for Misan Sagay in the writing category.

Entertainer of the year was awarded to Taraji P Henson, who was also named outstanding actress in a film for the thriller No Good Deed.

ABC drama How to Get Away With Murder was named outstanding dramatic series at the ceremony, with lead actress Viola Davis awarded the best leading actress gong. The outstanding actor in a drama award went to Shemar Moore for CBS' Criminal Minds.