Well, it’s official.
Black America is an essential part of cinema. With the Oscars on Sunday, the genius of black acting has permeated the nominations, and that is a reason for us all to celebrate.
Will Smith and Forest Whittaker had the opportunity to take home awards for best actor for riveting performances in “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Last King of Scotland,” respectively. Djimon Hounsou was up for best supporting actor for his role in “Blood Diamond.” And of course Jennifer Hudson vied to become the best supporting actress for her part in the musical “Dreamgirls.”
The chances are, at least one of these cinematic performances will garner an award for both themselves and the black community. And unlike with Halle Berry and Denzel Washington’s Academy Awards, these wins can’t be brought in to question.
Berry was questioned for her provocative scenes in her award-winning performance in “Monster’s Ball,” and Washington for his role as a villain in “Training Day.”
Those questions put an asterisk on both awards, and disallowed them to be appreciated as much as they could have been.
But today is a new day. And few can question Smith’s emotion-provoking performance as a struggling father, or Hudson’s electrifying musical show.
This year’s crop of performers will have earned each and every accolade, and they should go unquestioned.
There could be no greater atrocity for not one of these Black actors to have championed their films and the cause of a race fighting to establish itself in the upper echelons of film.
Most people would say it’s an honor to simply be nominated, but it’s validation to actually win.
Akeem Anderson for the Editorial Board.