 |
| ALL OF THOSE..AND A BROTHA' AND SISTA CAN'T GET ONE!? |
Apparently for the first time in ten years-since the 73rd Academy Awards, there were no African-Americans nominated in any of the 24 categories. The recognition of films fostering the creativity of the African-American community, was seemingly low this year. All of this following a year where the breakout film directed by Lee Daniels, 'Precious', managed to be nominated an outstanding six times.
Obviously I don't believe this was a Hollywood wide snubbing of black actors, just not our best year. Personally-with the exception of a few movies, I don't think this was a thrilling year for the film industry as a whole. In any event, films created by, and starring minority men and women have always endured a tougher journey at the box office.
As far as black cinema is concerned, its apparent that we won't grandstand every year at the Academy Awards. Each year, I would like to think that our fascinating culture will gain us more and more recognition, and not for movies that show the worst aspects of our culture, but the best.
Here's what I mean...
After being in a notably graphic sex scene, Halle Berry won an Oscar for playing a primarily abusive, single black mother, all while her baby's father was in jail [Monster's Ball]. This movie-which happens to be yet another Lee Daniels production, doesn't intend to focus on the lead female role's attributes, but her personal struggle and then burgeoning love affair with a racist. Nonetheless, the characteristics of the less attractive features of our culture were instrumental in Ms. Berry's Academy Award win, I'm sure.
"Why Halle have to let a white man pop her to get an Oscar?,Why Denzel have to be crooked before he took it?" - Jadakiss
Denzel Washington won not for his extremely powerful roles in 'The Hurricane', 'John Q', or even 'Malcolm X'...but for playing a corrupt, self-proclaimed H.N.I.C (head nigger in charge) of the city streets in which he ruled through fear and questionable behavior [Training Day]. Stories of a pimp on a quest for rap stardom [Hustle and Flow], and most recently the story of young, living and breathing statistic, that is perpetuated in poverty stricken black communities world wide [Precious] were the talk of the town stemming from their respective Academy Award nominations. The list goes on and on, and these are the stories that allow our actors to take home that little gold man.
Training Day is probably one of my favorite movies of all time, and in no way am I trying to condemn Mr. Washington for taking on that role, he did great. In no way am I trying to make a point of saying that, the stories told in these Academy Award nominated films are not true, they indeed are. The point I'm trying to make, is that the sole driving force behind the recognition of progressive black cinema, shouldn't be the visualization of our downfalls. We need more romantic comedy's, films demonstrating our tragic-yet triumphant histories.We need more more African-American thrillers and not all starring SAMUEL L JACKSON! ( he is very good though). We also need less of the generic, repetive stories brought to the big screen by Tyler Perry. He's a strong supporter of female empowerment, but his movies are all so similar. He somehow manages to have room to play dress up and offer comedic relief in the form of Madea in each film.
There are many exceptions, but in any event, better luck next year right? As long as we focus on progress, and not settle for digressing roles, we should be OK.
PEACE!
