Exceptional actors and actresses have received more than 300 Oscars since the Academy Awards were founded in 1929. Only a few of these prizes have gone to Black or African-American actors. Do you have an estimate?
20 Oscars have been given to African-American or Black actors and actresses throughout the period of 93 years, with some of them taking home two awards. The Academy has been attempting to change this unsettling balance for a while. In actuality, 13 of the 20 awards given to Black actors over the past 20 years.
Oscar-Winning African-American Actresses
Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah – 2021
For his work in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2021. Fred Hampton, the Black Panther movement’s leader who was assassinated by the FBI in a raid in 1969, was portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya. The actor noted during his acceptance speech for his Oscar that there was still “work to do” in terms of racial fairness and equality.
Mahershala Ali – Moonlight – 2017, and Green Book – 2019
The year 2017 saw Mahershala Ali become the first Muslim actor to ever receive an Oscar. After also succeeding on television in “The 4400” and “True Detective,” he did so. He won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor on the big screen—the first for “Moonlight” in 2017 and the second for “Green Book” in 2019. By the way, Barry Jenkins also directed “Moonlight,” the film that won Regina King her Oscar. Peter Farrelly, on the other side, was in charge of directing “Green Book”.
Regina King – If Beale Street Could Talk – 2019
Regina King completed her hat-trick of Emmy victories for “American Crime Story” and “Seven Seconds” by winning her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Barry Jenkins was the director of “If Beale Street Could Talk”. Regina King’s winning streak continued, by the way, as her portrayal in “Watchmen” earned her another Emmy in 2020 for Best Actress in a Leading Performance.
Viola Davis – Fences – 2017
Viola Davis has advocated for an equitable opportunity in the film industry for many years. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in a Denzel Washington-helmed movie, and it’s obvious that she used her acceptance speech as a springboard to highlight the accomplishments of her fellow African Americans.
Lupita Nyong’o – 12 Years a Slave – 2015
In Steve McQueen’s film “12 Years a Slave,” Lupita Nyong’o gave a moving performance. Her Oscar was impeccable. The actress has proven to be a great chameleon despite not being nominated since. In “Black Panther,” “Little Monsters,” and the unpleasant thriller “Us,” she can dress up as a heroine, hunt zombies, and incite dreadful insomnia.
Octavia Spencer – The Help – 2012
She is regarded as one of Hollywood’s top actresses. The Help, directed by Tate Taylor, is one of the most unforgettable movies of the last ten years, and Octavia Spencer received an award for it. Since then, she has been nominated twice more for supporting actress roles in the films “Hidden Figures” (2017) and “The Shape of Water” (2018).
Mo’Nique – Precious – 2010
Despite having a history in comedy, Mo’Nique stunned the Academy with her magnificent and agonising performance in Lee Daniels’ “Precious.” She has not subsequently received a nomination.
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Jennifer Hudson – Dreamgirls – 2007
From “American Idol,” Jennifer Hudson went on to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She oddly failed to place in the top five in the talent competition. Yet for director Bill Condon, she was the ideal Effie White, and both the film and the actress were a complete success.
Forest Whitaker – The Last King of Scotland – 2007
After playing a spectacular part in the TV series “The Shield,” Forest Whitaker, a longtime Hollywood legend, saw his reputation reach new heights. The actor’s Oscar win for “The Last King of Scotland” is proof of the outstanding work he produced. Just take a look at his competitors for the Best Actor Oscar: Peter O’Toole, Ryan Gosling, Will Smith, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Jamie Foxx – Ray – 2005
Jamie Foxx began as a comedian before excelling as an actor. He made a stunning entrance at the Oscars in 2005. In addition to receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in “Collateral,” Ray received an Oscar. Yet it was closer than one may have thought, only the biopic ultimately brought him a trophy. He has not received another nomination.
Morgan Freeman – Million Dollar Baby – 2005
Morgan Freeman was another Hollywood icon who deserved an Oscar but it never seemed to arrive. His role in the Clint Eastwood film “Million Dollar Baby” finally materialised. Perhaps Freeman should have received it for “The Shawshank Redemption” a decade earlier, but justice was ultimately served. The actor has been nominated for four other awards. The most recent was for “Invictus” in 2010.
Halle Berry – Monster’s Ball – 2002
Unbelievably, no African-American woman has ever won the Oscar for Best Lead Actress before 2002. It took the Academy more than 70 years to accomplish this goal. One of the most well-remembered Oscar speeches in history is Halle Berry’s, which was moving and carried a tremendous amount of historical significance.
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