Awards
SAG Awards1 nominated
- Nominated1996Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture · How to Make an American Quilt
Other awards22 won · 5 nominated
- Won2017Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame: Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame
- Won2013Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community: Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community
- Won2010Presidential Medal of Freedom: Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Nominated2009NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children
- Won2009NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction · Letter to My Daughter
- Won2008Marian Anderson Award: Marian Anderson Award
- Nominated2005NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children
- Won2005NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction · Hallelujah! The Welcome Table
- Nominated2003NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Nonfiction · A Song Flung Up to Heaven
- Won2002Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording: Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording
- Won2000National Medal of Arts: National Medal of Arts
- Won1998National Women's Hall of Fame: National Women's Hall of Fame
- Nominated1996NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture · How to Make an American Quilt
- Won1995Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording: Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording
- Won1994Spingarn Medal: Spingarn Medal
- Won1993Arkansas Black Hall of Fame: Arkansas Black Hall of Fame
- Won1993Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording: Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording · On the Pulse of Morning
- Won1992Crystal Award: Crystal Award
- Won1992Horatio Alger Award: Horatio Alger Award
- Won1991Langston Hughes Medal: Langston Hughes Medal
- Won1990Candace Award: Candace Award
- Won1990honorary citizen of Baltimore: honorary citizen of Baltimore
- Won1990Paul Robeson Award: Paul Robeson Award
- Won1989honorary doctorate of the University of South Carolina: honorary doctorate of the University of South Carolina
- Won1987North Carolina Award for Literature: North Carolina Award for Literature
- Won1983honorary degree from Spelman College: honorary degree from Spelman College
- Nominated1973Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play: Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play
Awards from Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.