| Outstanding Comedy Series: | The Bernie Mac Show |
| Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: | Mo'Nique, The Parkers |
| Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: | Bernie Mac, The Bernie Mac Show |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: | Camille Winbush, The Bernie Mac Show |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: | Dorien Wilson , The Parkers |
| Outstanding Drama Series: | Soul Food |
| Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: | Nia Long, Third Watch |
| Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: | Steve Harris, The Practice |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: | Loretta Devine, Boston Public |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: | Mekhi Phifer, ER |
| Outstanding Television Movie, Miniseries, or Dramatic Special: | D.C. Sniper: 23 Days of Fear |
| Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Miniseries, or Dramatic Special: | Whoopi Goldberg, Good Fences |
| Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Miniseries, or Dramatic Special: | Charles S. Dutton, D.C. Sniper: 23 Days of Fear |
| Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series: | Victoria Rowell, The Young & the Restless |
| Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series: | Kristoff St. John, The Young & the Restless |
| Outstanding Variety Series/Special: | The 2003 Essence Awards |
| Outstanding News, Talk, or Information Series or Special: | Judge Mathis |
| Outstanding Performance in a Youth or Children's Series/Special: | Raven, That's So Raven |