The path of recognition and representation in Hollywood has been a long and arduous journey that still has a lot more room to grow for those not only who are Black but other people of color. From Hattie McDaniel, the first African American ever to win an Oscar in 1940 for her outstanding performance of the Best Supporting Actress in the 1939 film, Gone with the Wind. To today when in 2020, Zendaya, when just at 24-years-old made her mark as the youngest winner in her category of best performance in Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series in Euphoria. There needed for comparison of recognition because (to be quite honest) any recognition is good. Being in front of the camera or not, black people in Hollywood have been looked over for decades and weren’t even an option for roles. But things are changing as their talent starts to shine through the preconceived notions and prejudice that are naturally built to stand in their way of success.
Although he has passed, Chadwick Boseman left a legacy for millions of young black children to see his films as Marvel’s first black superhero. He inspired those to lead with kindness rather than greed and have a forgiving heart that loves their family above anything else. In addition, the actor has repeatedly invested so much of his own personality into his roles, making them unique and carrying so much more power through the screen. Although he didn’t start his acting career until his 40’s, he brought a specialty that made the spectrum of action to drama just that much more seamless for many more to follow in his footsteps, such as Micheal B. Jordan and Lakeith Standfield. And those even who have been able to find the niche roles that only they can fulfill to the best of their ability and shown great strides such like Daniel Kaluuya that does phenomenal work in the more serious drama and sci-fi films and tv shows.
But let’s not get it twisted because the influential Black women on film are running right next to the men making sure they are just as visible as the next person. Such as Letitia Wright, a supporting actress most known for her role as Shuri in the Black Panther, but before that was well versed in her performance in compelling roles in Black Mirror and will continue to other bright stars to come in future films. Along with Wright, a less-known actress, Zazie Beetz, made sure that she was seen by the viewers when The Harder They Fall debuted on Netflix. With beautiful cinematography, great writing, and symbolism, Zazie Beetz stood out with her amazing acting and entrancing singing skills. On top of all that, Halle Bailey is playing the princess in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid! Like alright, girl, we see you, and I will be sure to buy a ticket opening night!
There has been a stigma of not having complete confidence in putting a Black person on screen because it automatically give the idea of grunge, violent and harmful. But through that, we rise from expectation and create a more inviting and loving industry where more viewers are willing to buy tickets because they feel represented. Blackness is greatness, and it should be celebrated through stories beyond the same slave/trauma film that is put out every three years. And I can’t wait to witness it!