While the Oscars are currently at the center of controversy following the lack of diversity found in this year’s list of nominees, the Screen Actors Guild Awards offered us a bit of relief on Saturday night as multiple black actors were awarded and celebrated for their powerful performances in film and television.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to diverse TV,” Idris Elba said after being awarded twice.
Elba went home with two wins for two separate roles: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Beasts of No Nation, and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for the British crime drama, Luther.
Along with Elba’s wins came those of Viola Davis, Queen Latifah and Uzo Aduba, who took home the trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role as Crazy Eyes in the Netflix series, Orange is the New Black. Viola Davis was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for How to Get Away With Murder, while Queen Latifah received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for her phenomenal role as blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO TV film, Bessie.
“This is what happens when you have the SAG group — a group of very diverse people who understand the work that we all put in and that we all deserve the same opportunities,” Queen Latifah told the L.A. Times. “That’s about it. I feel very positive about this day.”
The night prompted a new hashtag to trend on Twitter, #SAGSoBlack, which allowed everyone to celebrate the achievements of the actors awarded.
Following the announcement of the Academy Award nominations on January 14, the painful lack of diversity prompted celebrities and Twitter users alike to use the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag. And, as if there was anyone who thought that the black actors awarded at the SAG Awards were recognized solely because of their non-recognition at the Academy Awards, April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite, took to her Twitter page to clarify that the voting for the SAG Awards nominations took place six weeks ahead of the announcement of the Oscar nominees.
For those saying the #SAGAwards are a knee-jerk reaction to #OscarsSoWhite: SAG voting occurred six weeks BEFORE Oscar noms were announced.
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 31, 2016
During her speech backstage following her win, Viola Davis made it clear that the lack of diversity in Hollywood and award shows is not just a Twitter issue.
“Diversity is not a trending topic,” she said. “I will find a way to practice my art, and all of the actors of color who I know don’t place any limitations on themselves either. So, regardless, of what is going on with the Academy, regardless of what is going on in Hollywood, they will find a way to be excellent. We always have and we always will.”
Idris Elba celebrated his wins on Twitter later that night, tweeting “You wait for one bus and TWO come along at the same time. Life innit. @SAGawards Thank you. Saaaaaaaagyyyyyy!!”