Here are some notable films featuring predominantly black casts that have received Oscar nominations:
Moonlight (2016) – The coming-of-age drama assumes three parts that reflect the life of an African American man named Chiron. It showcases his confrontation of family issues, friendship, and romance while struggling to overcome identity and sexuality crisis in addition to growing up in a rough Miami. Additionally, this film won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2017, and Mahershala Ali received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Fences (2016) – “Fences” is a movie adaptation of August Wilson‘s play. Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works in the refuse business in Pittsburgh is the center character. Moreover, bitterness and thwarted dreams shape Troy’s relationships with his wife, son, and friends. It provides another poignant analysis of race, family, and the American dream. Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson, Jovan Adepo, and Russell Hornsby. Viola Davis won an award for Best Supporting Actress in this film.
Precious (2009) – Gabourey Sidibe plays the character of Precious Jones, a fat and illiterate 16-year-old girl from Harlem. Additionally, Precious endures abuse from her parents and is already pregnant with a second child when she finds hope in an after-school program and the teachers who help empower her to escape relentless abuse and poverty. The film features Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz. Mo’Nique received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in this film.
Ray (2004) – Ray is a biopic that tells the story of the soulful musician Ray Charles. The film depicts his journey to stardom, his battle with blindness and drug addiction, and the profound influence of his music on humanity. Starring Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, and Harry Lennix. Jamie Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles.
The Color Purple (1986) – The Color Purple is a film based on Alice Walker‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It follows the story of Celie, an African American woman living in the early 20th century in the Southern United States. The film portrays Celie’s journey from abuse and oppression to empowerment and self-discovery, highlighting the enduring sisterhood and the power of the human spirit. Starting roles in the film were assigned Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover among others in the cast, although it did not win an Oscar, it was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
#Clique, what are your thoughts on these nominations?
