April 2002 74th Academy Awards : Colorblind or Still Behind

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by Niambi Sims 74th Academy Awards : Colorblind or Still Behind In 1963, Sidney Poitier was nominated for best actor for his role in “Lilies in the Field.” He won, becoming the first black actor to receive an Oscar. His was the only face of color in the very white-sea that was Hollywood. Thirty years later the face of the Oscars looks quite different: two black actors nominated for best actor, the winner of best actress, a black woman. History was made again. It was an emotional night. Sidney was honored for his exceptional body of work as an actor, role model and pioneer. Denzel received an Oscar after being nominated 5 times and Halle became the first African American woman to receive this elusive award. Will Smith crossed the red carpet amidst screams and applauds by white throngs of fans, surpassing by far, the cheers welcoming Russell Crowe. Aaliyah was honored in a memoriam to deceased actors. It was indeed black night at the Oscars. Yes, we witnessed history tonight. But how far have we really come? Was this “ode to blacks” a true reflection of Hollywood; an indication that Hollywood has changed its image. Has the glass ceiling truly been shattered? Or have we just been thrown a bone? Not to mitigate the magnitude of their accomplishments, but what are we really being rewarded for? Did Denzel’s performances in “Training Day” supersede his performances in “Hurricane” or “Malcolm X?” “Monster’s Ball” was a decent movie but let’s be real…would Halle really have still been considered if it wasn’t for the gratuitous sex scene? What are the implications of these awards? Are black actresses unworthy of an Oscar until they bear their breasts? Do black actors have to abandon the “hero’s” and just get ghetto before they are Oscar worthy? Don’t get me wrong, I shared Halle’s tears and produced a second round for Denzel yet I am not convinced that Hollywood is now fairly embracing us with open arms. I truly hope that this is the beginning of a more colorblind Hollywood and not just an appeasement of sorts. I hope that we will see nominations in other categories in the years to come, such as best director or producer. I’m sure Sydney hoped that to. I hope that the door has been cracked a little wider. I am sure Hattie McDaniel didn’t think it would take 51 years before another black actress (Whoopi Goldberg) received an award for Best Supporting Actress. Is this the beginning of a more accurately represented Hollywood or will we have to wait another 30 before the next black actor receives this award. Yes, we should celebrate, and support our actors. Enjoy their success! I applaud Halle’s bravery. She took an incredible risk as an actress. Her performance was indeed riveting! Denzel too chose a role that let him exercise his chops as a “bad guy”. He was definitely convincing. After the celebration, however, let us consider, as well, the long-term implications of these awards. Halle really “ went there” completely committing herself to her role yet, the most discussed scene in “Monster’s Ball” is one in which she is being sexually “explored” by a white man. Denzel deviated from his normally heroic roles in “Training Day;” yet is a corrupt, rogue cop more palatable to Hollywood than a Stephen Biko? Hollywood is acutely aware of the images that the screen holds here and abroad!! Celluloid is forever. When our children open their history books and read about these achievements how will they be impacted by the films attached? Are these films only reinforcing the stereotypes white America holds of us? Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar in 1939 for Best Supporting Actress for playing the best damn servant she could be in “Gone With The Wind.” We witnessed black actresses in servitude for years to come. Now that Halle and Denzel have received them for Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role, will we be considered for the roles initially written for white actors or expected to remove our clothes, play ghetto villains, or look to the “the man” to save us?