Mainstream Award Shows: Are They Diverse Enough for Black America?

By Andre Ash

ABC televised the 95th Academy Awards Sunday night, a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the best in television and film. Yet are Black Americans falling out of love for mainstream award shows?

It was eight years ago the #OscarsSoWhite campaign ignited the internet, a sharp criticism over the Academy’s lack of diversity or representation in nominations of people of color. The negative rebuke online led the Academy to undergo a review of its operating and voting procedures and membership system.

Years following the #OscarSoWhite fallout, a USC Anneberg Inclusion Initiative studies the impact of online awareness.

“When April Reign unleashed #OscarsSoWhite, she tapped into the collective desire for change and the outrage that people felt at seeing actors of color excluded once again from this career-defining award,” Smith said. “This comprehensive look at the Oscars demonstrates that exclusion was normative for many years and still is in many categories. But it also shows that there is power in collective action, and that energy has ensured that the years since #OscarsSoWhite do not look like the years that came before.”

At the top of the show, the Academy made mention of how the organization has progress to be more inclusive, recognizing the diversity which existed in most of the 23 nominating categories, while also acknowledging great films which didn’t receive a nomination.

“While we’re on the subject of diversity, …there are a number of excellent films and performances that were not nominated tonight,” said Jimmy Kimmel, host the Acad- emy Awards. “Till and The Woman King which are both based on true stories and are very worthy of your time if you haven’t seen them.”

At every turn, the Academy made efforts to showcase more people of color and their strive for inclusivity.

Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson presented the Best Animated Feature Award, Rihanna performed “Life Me Up”, a featured song in the Black Panther movie released last year. One of presenters for the Nominee for Actor in a Supporting Role category echoing the call for diversity in the industry.

“We have been more inclusive and intention in showcasing more of a reflection of the audiences who are inspired by them.”

Despite the intentional focus to be showcase more diverse talents, the Oscars perhaps missed the mark in the category for Actress in Supporting Role, at least according to Black America.

The reaction was swift when the category win went to Jamie Lee Curtis, sideline actress Angela Bassett for her role in Black Panther.

The social media response was immediate and left some willing to turn the channel.

“Good for Angela Bassett not smiling nor clapping,” remarked twitter user @keatingsixth online. “Y’all expect Black women to not only be exceptional, but be happy for others who get accolades we deserve over and over.”

Another twitter user remarked, “she will always be an Academy Award winning in my eyes, I don’t care!” said Khalia. “Legendary Angela Bassett, they playing in my auntie’s face too much!”

Moments after the big Oscar snub, Michael B. Jordan