Last year, the Oscars lacked diversity. From the looks of it, this year the academy took notice, nominating actors, actresses, films and creative arts professionals of color, who deserve their dues.
For the first time in history, there is a person of color in every major acting role. Denzel Washington is getting the Oscar nod for his role in “Fences.” Washington seems to have a great chance at winning the award, having directed the film as well. Ruth Negga is nominated for her role in “Loving,” a story of an interracial couple that had to battle the law in Virginia in 1967. Dev Patel is nominated for his role in the movie “Lion,” capturing the life of an Indian boy adopted by an Australian family, and Octavia Spencer is nominated for her role in “Hidden Figures,” the story of black female scientists chipping away at the glass ceiling at NASA.
Ruth Negga is nominated for her role in “Loving,” a story of an interracial couple that had to battle the law in Virginia in 1967. Dev Patel is nominated for his role in the movie “Lion,” capturing the life of an Indian boy adopted by an Australian family, and Octavia Spencer is nominated for her role in “Hidden Figures,” the story of black female scientists chipping away at the glass ceiling at NASA.
The best picture nominations are included in this wave of diversity as well. Both “Fences,” a movie based on a play by a black author who is also up for best adapted screenplay by the same author, and “Moonlight,” a film with an all-black cast and the first black woman nominated for film editing under its belt are nominated. If “Moonlight” wins, it would also be the first LGBTQ film to win.
“Fences” being nominated is monumental for the black and theatrical communities. Not only is “Fences” a celebrated play in both communities but author August Wilson wanted a black director if the play was ever adapted into film. Having Washington direct, star and produce the film is the cherry on top.
When the play itself premiered, it won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, and the 1987 Tony for best play. With both Davis and Washington reprising their roles as Rose and Troy respectively from their 2010 run on Broadway, the film was a hit with critics and audiences alike. What should also be noted is that people of all backgrounds can love this film considering it tells the story of wanting the best for one’s family at its core.
