Author: Trish Bolden
Black women are leading the way in the entertainment industry and achieving great success in Hollywood. However, in the 1990s, black women were greatly underrepresented at award shows such as the Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, Academy Awards. This wasn’t just a problem with the awards themselves, but a broader cultural issue in Hollywood, where discrimination and lack of opportunity still existed. Black women faced marginalization both in front of and behind the camera. Still, black women in the film industry are making strides in portraying diversity and inclusion, with actors like Niecy Nash, Angela Bassett, Danielle Brooks, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Davine Joy Randolph leading the way.
In particular, Niecy Nash-Betts is a shining example of black excellence in Hollywood. At the 2023 Emmy Awards, she won the award for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series and exclaimed “I’m a winner baby!” as she received her award. She thanked her life partner and wife, Jessica Betts, as well as Ryan Murphy, Dahmer’s show and co-star Evan Murphy, for helping her through the tough times. She also gave credit to herself, saying “I want to thank me, for believing in me and doing what they said I couldn’t do! Go girl with your bad self! That’s what you did!”
Despite the many award shows that take place throughout the year, seeing African-Americans win in the film and entertainment industry and secure their place at mainstream award shows is a truly remarkable achievement. These awards shows were created more than 90 years ago with distinguished creative awards, and since the Academy Awards in 1929, only 23 Academy Awards have been awarded to black actors and actresses. This year 96u Oscar winners included actress Danielle Brooks, Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Color Purpleand Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Best Actress in a Supporting Role The Holdovers. Randolph revealed a beautiful moment when she won her first Academy Award, saying: “I’ve always wanted to be different, but now I realize I just have to be myself,” she said. “Thank you for seeing me.”
This recognition of the contributions of black women to society is long overdue. They have the right to be seen, heard and heard and evaluated at a higher level. It’s time for black women to be recognized, celebrated and given a chance to shine.
– ADVERTISEMENT –
