Feature

Why I Snub The Oscars

Monday Mar 8, 2010 – By Omni

It’s like a broken record isn’t it? Pretty much every year an African American or two is up for an Academy Award, and the debate of rewarding stereotypes is unearthed. The truth is that I love witnessing a talented actor get his/her due but if it’s for portraying characters that serve to perpetuate the notion of the Black community as full of either ‘the subservient’ or ‘the morally reprehensible’ – I simply can’t get behind it – period.

I don’t regard the Academy Awards because in my view, it not only epitomizes, but also glorifies the same archaic social structure that supports the distortion of African American culture in a two-pronged approach:

1. Tainting the experience of African American acknowledgment by nominating those who’ve characterized an oversimplified image of a negative variety.
2. Sealing the deal by bestowing those Blactors who (demean themselves, their culture and) by accurately portraying said stereotype with the original American idol – a shiny gold statue known as the Oscar.

Insults & Accolades

One of the few things Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy/Million Dollar Baby), Denzel Washington (Training Day), Halle Berry (Monster’s Ball) and Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost) and now Mo’Nique for her stirring role in Precious have in common is not their theatrical expertise but the honor they received for either playing a role that upholds one of two long held stereotypes: The happy/helpful house negro type who exists to aid in the ultimate well-being of the white lead character; or the mainstream’s seemingly favorite image of the African American as enraged, corrupt, ignorant, uneducated, cruel, indignant – a one-dimensional heathen worthy of being oppressed. Stories that recognize us as anything else go widely ignored by Hollywood and that rigid institution called the Academy.

The Oscars & The Cost of Success

This year it’s the nomination of Gabby Sibide and Best Supporting Actress award for Mo’Nique (a habitual portrayer of stereotypical Black women) for their roles in the film Precious that are the centerpiece of the long-held debate. The question is not whether it is a powerful movie brought to life by a team of gifted performers – or whether it’s worthy of praise – it’s the absence of multifaceted on-screen representation as opposed to the repetitive stagnant themes used to project the Black experience.

Esteemed film historian Donald Bogle hit the nail on the head when he stated, “African Americans have the impression that the Academy honors only a certain kind of black in a certain kind of role. Why does Sidney Poitier win for Lilies of the Field (as a carpenter who builds a church for white nuns) and not for Raisin in the Sun (as the anguished son steering his family to new opportunities)?”

The same could be said for Denzel’s win for Training Day rather than The Hurricane, or my personal pet peeve – Don Cheadles getting snubbed for his part in Hotel Rwanda.

Bogle goes on to say that “I think one of the problems with Precious and Mo’Nique’s character is not that we get a view of the monstrous mother, but that African Americans think [that] the white audience thinks she is representative of blacks.”

Honestly, I’ve learned that what ‘they’ think is immaterial. It’s how we view ourselves as a community that most concerns me.

Lastly Bogle says, “When you see yourself up there on the big screen and repeatedly are misrepresented or not fully represented, you leave these movies feeling conflicted, cheated, and disappointed.”

Hollywood Is In The Business Of Entertainment, Not Enlightenment

For the Blactor, powerful performances shouldn’t be relegated to those of a stereotypical nature. The fact is that we are not a culture defined by a perpetual downtrodden, scandalous or servile existence, whether Hollywood recognizes it or not. In the end, The Academy Awards reflects the current social climate in which we live. The scarcity of African American life on screen has a direct relationship to the state of inequality of our daily experience where our simple yet complex humanity goes widely ignored, misunderstood and disrespected.

Mona says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:26 am

I really don’t get this constant “community” relection thing. Why can’t our art just represent individual stories, why must we always be this monolithic community? Most of the films nomiated tell brutal stories of pain, abuse, dispair, etc because those are the meaty roles that actors die for. Monique’s role in “Precious” is an actresses wet dream. A layered and complex (evil)character. I will never understand why so many black people have this desire to be legitimized through “proper” protrayals to the mainstream. Why can’t we just be happy our brothers and sisters are able to portray these rich characters and be aknowledged for their hard work? I get so sick of us with these pointless rants and this ridiculous need for validation from whites.

Especially in a community where so many of our children do not read on grade level, have limited to no health care, overweight, unemployed, born out of wedlock and never see college. While “Precious” is only entertainment fiction, many of the themes are very relevant to this community.

↑ Reply

Mona says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:30 am

Sorry for the typos. I’m on my BB.
michelle says:

March 8, 2010 at 4:34 pm

i concur i get sick of people complainig about monique playing a stereotype. like it or not the character that monique played does exist. and quite frankly i’d rather her play a complex ‘stereotypical’ role like the one in precious than say playing a one dimensional so called ‘positive’ character. acting is about believability and for that monique deserved her oscar. however, i do find it strange that no one complained about ‘the game’ which was quite blatantly ‘stereotypical.’ in saying that though there is no shame in playing a stereotype after all they come from somewhere. however, i think some people fail to see the emotional charged performance in so called ‘stereotypical roles. its a shame. please open your eyes and see something bigger. nothing should ever be taken at face value.
?uestia says:

March 8, 2010 at 4:46 pm

I do have to wonder how many non-thinking, non-black people post comments on this site sometimes. Cherishing a limited range of stereotypes sounds awfully suspicious to me. I’m just sayin’…..;
Lori says:

March 12, 2010 at 9:53 am

I concur with everything Mona said! I am an actress and the most fun I’ve ever had was playing complex “un-nice” roles. Black ppl need to get over this idea that Hollywood owes you something, or that black actors take on the weight of “the community” whenever they go to work. When are blacks going to quit whining ’bout massa keeping them out da big house??? MAKE YOUR OWN MOVIES IN YOUR OWN STUDIOS AND GIVE OUT YOUR OWN DAMN AWARDS! CONTROL YOUR OWN IMAGES!

This is not 1810–it is 2010. A BLACK MAN is running the country along with his beautiful physically fit BLACK WIFE! And yet ppl are still crying the same old blues. Tell you what, anyone so insecure with themselves that they think that a MOVIE defines their entire culture, take a page from the Marcus Garvey’s school of thought: Go Back to Africa!

miranda says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:55 am

I think there are many reasons to snub the Oscars to be honest. And I feel like a lot of good points were made here. But sometimes I’m really perplexed about the situation. Mostly because I think the Academy likes to award any film that has a shady character or when they are victimized. There’s always those jokes being thrown around that, “if you play a downtrodden prostitute, you’ll win an Oscar.”

Consider Charlize Theron gaining nearly 30 pounds and making herself ugly in “Monster”, is she a misinterpretation of white trash America or gay women or mentally unstable women? Is it any better because it’s based on a true story? Or how about “The Godfather”? Lord knows the Italians are often in an uproar about always being portrayed as mafia-types and yet it is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Kathy Bates wins it for being absolutely crazy in “Misery” and Michael Douglas being slimy and ruthless in “Wall Street”. I cannot say that it’s about how the Black community receives these awards when the problem with Hollywood is that they love to praise ANY film and ANY actor that shines a negative light. They feed off that and, in most cases, so does the public. For good reason too; it’s good entertainment.

Are there more positive representation in films with white actors at the Oscars than in films with Black actors? The answer is a resounding YES, but then again there are more films with white actors (directors & production too) each year and that’s what we should really set our minds on. There is no range of roles because we haven’t told enough of our stories. I really enjoyed this article and loved the snippets from Donald Bogle but I can’t say that “Precious” isn’t someone’s story. Abuse crosses all races. And I can’t say that the rogue cop (Training Day) is a new idea. It’s always being given different layers which Denzel knew how to work and thus deserved it.

There are many reasons to snub the Oscars. Number 1 being that it’s a self-congratulatory, nationally televised event. But I don’t this is one of them.

Marla says:

March 8, 2010 at 3:09 pm

@ Miranda – your comments were beautifully stated!

Walid says:

March 8, 2010 at 7:05 am

@Mona

OMG ! Individualism is our worst enemy.

I can only suspect who wrote this post because a monolithic community is exactly what we need to be. Especially when you are a less powerful/small community that has to defend itself from destruction and fracturing (individualism and factionism) within a larger/more powerful body that by its nature and track record exists to sustain its power OVER others. This larger/more powerful body is not us, can not be us, can not do us and so can not do for us. Only we can truly empower ourselves.

As you state we do not need outside validation but we need to be deadly critical and sceptical especially of powerful/high profile interpretations that are created and put out there in the world, and then, the power and impact the particular people who interpret these interpretations have on the community as a whole when they interact with the community whether they are from the community or not.

I think we all know that the interpretation that matter the most are probably those taken by young black people, the naive and those that have impressionable minds. We all know of, and it is undeniable, the influence of negative media on young people and especially when it is tailored for young black people. Equally important with this is also is the absolute interpretation regardless of the plot, story, details or message from a film like Precious the overriding interpretation is that the black family is redundant, defunct has no positive prospect.

Now imagine how young black people will relate to each other with this retardation of community development, robbing them of envisaging a bright prosperous potential for their community, lodged/planted in their mind acting on them subconsciously. More confusion, misdirection, misinformation, bad instruction, division, fracturing…..

Layla says:

March 8, 2010 at 9:58 am

Why can’t we just be happy for Mo’nique and stop overthinking every little bit. Jamie Fox won for Ray Charles, I dont think he was play an evil piano player.

Clnmike says:

March 8, 2010 at 7:59 pm

That doesnt hold weight, Ray Charles was portrayed as a heroin addict and a womanizer.
michelle says:

March 9, 2010 at 12:17 pm

but ray charles was a heroin addict and a womaniser. no ? but can someone please explain to me what they mean by playing a ‘positive’ role. because quite frankly you can accuse all actors of playing stereotypes, but it is the level of humanity and complexity brought to the characters that transcend that. thus monique deserved her oscar.

kirsta8 says:

March 8, 2010 at 10:40 am

Man, Omni is absolutely BANG ON. When you look at the Black Oscar wins and the roles they won for, there’s a clear pattern. The exception being Jaime Foxx’s Ray portrayal, but again, like Angela Bassett’s nom for “Tina”, it was for a bio of one of our most cherished artists! Why cant we be nominated for original roles that arent biographies or sustain a negative portrayal of the black experience? Not putting down the skills of these folks (cause let’s be real, they ARE some very talented people). But come freakin’ on! To this day, i still think Spike was robbed in the best doc category for “4 little girls” all those years ago! actually he was robbed for alot of things, but politics come into play as well with these things…Good on Mo for winning i suppose, but in the end, meh…what’s it really change?

Tereza says:

March 8, 2010 at 11:46 am

I feel that Blacks that get nominated for Oscar aren’t playing one dimensional or sterotypical roles. The characters they play are very complex. That’s why Madea won’t ever be up in the mix. Black people are abusers, drug dealers, strippers and many other not so great things and if we want to have mark in the cinema world sometimes we have to show the unpretty.

@Mona Too funny. Actress wet dream.

Plus I watched the Oscars just to see if Christoph Waltz and Up were going to win.

whit says:

March 8, 2010 at 11:51 am

It’s not like we’re NOT happy for Mo. No…good for her. It’s just easy to predict when there is a dramatic ugly Black story that we’re bound to get that nom. Oh well… everyone just keep saying be happy we got one. So, I guess it’s pointless to see “ungrateful”. I didn’t even see the movie because the story was well….uninteresting.

Carla says:

March 8, 2010 at 11:55 am

Back in the day being monolithic would have been great. But now we can’t were to diverse. That’s why I hate when Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee and Al Sharpton go on their black people this black people that spill. Naw Jesse, Al and Spike you don’t speak for me.

Ondo Lady says:

March 8, 2010 at 12:24 pm

I am getting really tired of this argument. What about when Black people do get awards for playing non stereotypical degrading roles such as Jamie Foxx in Ray and Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls? Seriously lets just get other this complaining and constant dissecting of everything.

March 8, 2010 at 12:27 pm

It’s just ridiculous to be up in arms over the arts. When our real life community is in such despair. Channel some outrage where it really matters, not some awards show. Let’s be happy our actors can play these layered characters and not just simple, one dimensional roles like in the past. Tonight was a big night for monorities in Hollywood, celebrate their achievements and spare everyone the self-righteous drival.

Stories that win big are often vile and ugly. That’s where actors are able to flex their skills and show off. That’s why actors pray for them.

Get Togetha says:

March 8, 2010 at 1:28 pm

I’m with Mona and Tereza.

I saw Precious and the minute I walked out the theatre I knew she was getting nominated. That performance was too raw to be denied. Just like Charlize Theron in Monster.

Jay says:

March 8, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I agree with the Oscar criticisms. What is the next vulgar display of our wretchedness that Lee Daniels is hatching for his gold? Black folks are so desperate for that pat on the head we happily drink this bitter bile.

Sinnitta says:

March 8, 2010 at 3:19 pm

Lol @ “bitter bile.” I don’t really take the Oscar thing seriously, but I have to agree with you on that. Maybe if we start seeing African fantasy/historic epic films and other interesting films featuring African Americans that break from the norm this whole debate will finally cease and people won’t get all bent out of shape at other Black folks who don’t appreciate the way Hollywood works.

sin says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:11 pm

I dunno when some white person who was nominated/won an award played a person on the hunt for Jews. Hmmm….I don’t think it stops with only black people.

Andrea says:

March 8, 2010 at 5:12 pm

I have to agree with this article 1000%, it states exactly how I’ve been feeling since I learned the story Push was being made into a film. My heart sank because yet again, despite all our stories and various experiences this is the one story that is told over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, Mo’Nique played the hell out of that role. We can’t take that away from her, she was brilliant. But I am frustrated with this constant perpetuation of these stereotypes.

I think Chimamanda Adichie said it best in her TedTalk lecture called “The Danger of a Single Story” where she explains this feeling more eloquently than I could ever express. If you haven’t seen it yet, trust me it’s so worth the click.
http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

scottie says:

March 8, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Im really tired of this argument. While I understand the point of view, I think it is also important to look at the whole film industry. Its not that many of us in the mainstream in the first place. I think that some of you need to study black film history and realize that we have come a long way.

Precious was a film that everyone could relate to. Dont think that just because blacks played the film, that it didn’t cross color lines. Mo’nique has gone through abuse herself, so for her to play that role in the 1st place is wonderful. In the black community, it seems to be damned if you do, damned if you dont. If you didn’t relate to the film, fine, but that doesn’t mean that its not the reality for some of our brothers and sisters. We are sooo worried about how whites and others view us that out true issues fall by the waist-side. For example, instead of worrying about how monstrous and stereotypical Mo’nique was, we need to see the themes of abuse, lack of education, obesity, std rates, etc that the film raised. Not just Mo’nique yelling.

The same goes with Tyler Perry. Sure he has stereotypes but he also shows positives. The role of the black woman in the family, the black family eating together (which is rare to some black families), the fact that Madea takes people, who are not her blood, into her home as if they were her own, the positives of the black church and how our community comes together. Or even the fact that he usually ends with a positive black relationship, which is rare on the screen.

So yes, there are going to be negatives and positives on the screen but lets be happy that some people are showing our stories at all because imagine if other races were, We would not be happy.

Oh, and my biggest thing is if you have an issue with the way we are being portrayed and if you feel the need to write about it… go write film about the positives of blacks. We all have to start somewhere. If anything, these films should show you that all aspects of the black experience need to be explored. Hey, maybe you can be the next person getting an Academy Award.

Crystal Veil says:

March 8, 2010 at 7:03 pm

I understand that there are few opportunities to get our stories out there. Even less to be rewarded for our achievements, so when a chance is presented we want to be seen in the best possible light. It’s understandable, but it’s also the kind of thinking that got “The Color Purple” snubbed at the Oscars so many years ago. Interesting article comparing “Precious” and “Color Purple” http://www.theroot.com/views/color-precious

I didn’t just watch the Oscars this as year an African-American viewer. So many parts of who I am were represented this year. As a woman, I was ecstatic with Kathryn Bigelow’s win, my 80′s inner geek got a John Hughes tribute(almost the entire Breakfast Club was on the stage, I mean come on.) Carey Mulligan, Christoph Waltz, Anthony Mackie was in Best Picture winner The Hurt Locker, Zoe Saldana(star of two oscar nominated films Avatar and Star Trek), the whole Precious crew, including winning screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher (Harvard graduate and loveable nerd) Lenny and Zoe Kravitz. Zoe, who will soon be starring with Gabby in the indie film “Yelling to the Sky.”

Gabby Sidibe is probably the best thing to come out of this awards season. I love love that girl. Her personality, wit, and sense of humor make me identify with her in a way that I don’t with a lot of other young black actresses.

I absolutely agree that there needs to be a more varied depiction of African American life. Movies like American Violet, and Medicine for Melancholy are a start. Everyone may not agree but Precious is a huge accomplishment this year for black film. Just because it’s pretty, or positive does that make it good or worthwhile? Sometimes we’re so concerned with image we don’t see the beauty in real life. I feel frustration and the need to snub Hollywood at times, this year just wasn’t one of them.

Clnmike says:

March 8, 2010 at 8:15 pm

That idea of “we should happy that one of us won” is some cowardly, ignorant, garbage.

We should be happy that the acceptable portrayal of black people are stereotypical images that satisfy the vision of what other people see us as?

To hell with that.

The author is absolutely right with this.

The Oscars routinely pick the worst roles to honor black actors.

People are forgetting that most of the actors listed here have all done roles that were worthy of an Oscar and got a big fat zero for it.

And thats not including performances that did not get a nomination by other actors.

The evidence is obvious, if 90% of the winners are roles playing dysfunctional/magical characters then what more proof do you need?

Comparing it to similiar roles won by white actors is weak considering that both sides of the spectrum for white actors are awarded equally at the leasy, that is not the case for blacks.

Too many people are willing to sell out their morals and pride for validation from whites and then try to convince everyone else that the insults are no big deal.

Those people are the REAL threat to the black community.

March 8, 2010 at 10:54 pm

Cinmike I have to completely disagree. What examples do you have of those that she listed that should have won or been nominated for a role.

Also we need to stop thinking of this as a white thing. We keep talking about these movies and how we are being portrayed when there are plenty of black people behind the scenes. We hate on the Oscars. The NAACP Image awards does the same thing. But here’s an idea there’s this little thing called an independent film where you can make any kind of film you want and distribute some type of way at various film festivals. Or you can go the Tyler Perry route.

Clnmike says:

March 8, 2010 at 11:24 pm

Denzel Washington- Malcolm X

Morgan Freeman- Amistad, Glory, Lean on Me

March 8, 2010 at 11:30 pm

When the decisions are made by whites and the controls are in white hands then yeah it is a white thing.

March 9, 2010 at 12:55 am

What are you trying to prove? And who are you trying to prove it to? It is film. It is acting. Not every great performance is going to be awarded. There are many that will fly under the radar. To belittle Monique’s performance and not take notice of the depth and the brilliance of her role is ridiculous. This idea that films are supposed to represent us as a community is beyond ridiculous and you will always be a bitter as long as you have that view. Instead of standing on your self-righteous soap box, why don’t you write a screen play with “acceptable” black roles that will validate blacks to the mainstream and shop it. Or celebrate the brilliance of Geoffery Fletcher and the huge milestone his win was for black writers. Our stars get awarded because they deliver dynamic performances and the Academy loves grit. Again, of you have problems be proactive or spare us all the babble.

Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 2:12 am

What are YOU talking about?

No one is talking about the actors performance here, there talking about the Academy’s selection of roles and movies and how they are slanted.

If you like the constant wave of twisted images that media likes to portay black people in thats on you.

But there many who have a problem with it and are willing to say something as opposed to being happy that there being thought of.

There are plenty of films that do represent my community but they are ignored, that is a problem.
Sinnitta says:

March 9, 2010 at 1:04 pm

@ CInMike. You were dead on:

“No one is talking about the actors performance here, there talking about the Academy’s selection of roles and movies and how they are slanted.”

After reading this article much more closely, I can see that we may be only one of a few commenters who actually read the whole thing, well, objectively at least. I think this piece really triggered people’s latent insecurities about their support for the Academy’s conduct. Rather than respectfully disagree – the article is called “drival”, or your views are called “babble”. A nerve was hit on here that disallows certain people from having a thoughtful and intelligent debate. Rather, they regress and commence with the ‘name calling’.

The piece did nothing to discredit the actors that have been rewarded in the past. It was just writer Omni’s view on the negative impact of the Academy Awards on AA society. Sadly some people just read it through angry defensive eyes. No point in continuing the in-fighting, their mind was made up most likely when they read the title.
Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 8:20 pm

Sinnitta,

Yes I agree, apparently reading comprehension is no longer fundamental, either that or people are intentionally ignoring the issue to push their own self centered agenda.

March 9, 2010 at 2:11 am

@Clnmike Did you watch the movie Scent of a Woman starring Al Pacino that came out in 1991 or 1992?

You talk about stereotypical roles and two of the roles you listed for Morgan Freeman were that of a slave. Also he couldn’t be nominated for Lean on Me because he was already nominated for Driving Miss Daisy for Best Actor and you can’t be nominated more than once in the same category for that year. Also did you look at the nominees for Best Supporting Actor for when Amistad came out that’s some tough competition. Also Denzel Washington was nominated for Glory and won, his performance in Glory blew me away much more so than Morgan’s.

Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 2:19 am

1- No I didnt see Scent of a Woman.

2- Hold it, former slaves and dignified roles, not stereotypes.

3- Thats exactly what Im talking about right there then, selected for Driving Ms. Daisy and not Lean On me………………

4- The question is what roles they should have gotten a nod for, so despite the comp it was his better work.

5- Yeah I forgot Denzel won for that.

March 9, 2010 at 3:31 am

What is dignified about a slave? How is that any different from playing a white womans driver? Do you know what your talking about or are you just complaining with no point? “Lean on Me” is not deserving of an Oscar in any acting category. “Driving Ms. Daisy” was a good film and Morgan delivered. Him and Jessica Tandy were both great and the story was rich. Denzel was a slave in “Glory”, but he was brilliant in that role. Films are not about representing a community. It is about telling stories. These stories are relevant to our community. Take the performance for what it is. Judge it on it’s merit. You act like the Academy is awarding “Soul Plane” or “Friday” these actors deserve their props and these stories deserve to be told.

Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 4:13 am

Are you serious?

You cant tell the difference between a period piece role as a slave and a stereotypical performance?

I thought his performance in Lean ON me was Oscar worthy.

In Driving Ms Daisy he played the magical negro role who changes peoples life by having a heart of gold.

That is a standard stereotype.

Playing a slave in a time when they had slaves is not.

Here is what your missing…

1- For the 2ND TIME No one is belittling the performance of the actors if they did a good job they did a good job. The issue is with the academy and the roles they are accepting.

2- You can make all the acceptable movies you want if the Academy is not interested they are not going to nominate it.

3- If they are awarding the same types of roles over and over again, then they might as well give Friday and Soul Plane an award becuase the images once repeated over again are just as damaging and insulting.

These ideas were clearly stated in the author’s article and my posts.

Which leads to the question of why are you so hell bent on defending the institution and their ways?

I suspect we do not come from the same community.

Nokware Knight says:

March 9, 2010 at 11:45 am

Didn’t see precious so I can’t say much for Monique. Don’t see who Foxx couldn’t have won for Ray. Don’t see why Denzel didn’t win for Hurricane. Would have been a much better look than Training Day and it was a better performance anyway.

Since I’m not a huge movie buff… Who else out there had standout performances this year?

Kay Ross says:

March 10, 2010 at 8:07 am

Foxx DID won for Ray…
Kay Ross says:

March 10, 2010 at 8:08 am

Sorry… Foxx DID WIN for Ray
Nokware Knight says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:08 am

I think the comment go deleted. But when “Don’t see who Foxx couldn’t have won for Ray.” I did know Foxx won for Ray. I only meant to reiterate that I thought he deserved it whole-heartedly. Sorry if I wasn’t clear.
Nokware Knight says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:14 am

Oh no, it didn’t get deleted. It’s still there. Anyway, the point was to list a few of those I knew had won as a comparion (again, I’m very aware that Foxx won that year). I didn’t see the awards this year, or most of the movies the awards featured. So I wasn’t sure whether or not there were any other black actors who played roles that deserved the same acclaim as Monique, any other actors up for awards this year (black, white, green, or yellow), and black nominees and winners of the past.
Nokware Knight says:

March 10, 2010 at 9:19 am

Ugh, I meant to say “So I wasn’t sure whether or not there were any other black actors who played roles that deserved the same acclaim as Monique THIS YEAR, any other actors up for awards this year (black, white, green, or yellow) THAT COULD COMPARE, or any black nominees and winners of the past THAT WERE ON THE SAME LEVEL. Trying to get these comments typed out quick at the office. Need a grammar check or something…

ericka says:

March 9, 2010 at 12:43 pm

I don’t even need to say anything,…Scottie above said it perfectly, we need to move past this stage!!!!:

Scottie said> “Im really tired of this argument. While I understand the point of view, I think it is also important to look at the whole film industry. Its not that many of us in the mainstream in the first place. I think that some of you need to study black film history and realize that we have come a long way.

March 9, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Clnmike Do you really watch the Oscars? The Academy loves Denzel and Morgan they have been nominated several times and no they don’t always win. You complain about Denzel not winning for Malcolm X but you haven’t seen Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino who won the Oscar that year it could be his performance was better. And in Lean on Me as I recall Morgan Freeman seems to be playing the magical negro that tries to help everybody out with a heart of gold, too. You talk about the Oscars awarding the same type of roles over and over again but when are they doing that?

Nokware Knight Jamie Foxx did win for Ray. Also have you ever seen American Beauty?

Nokware Knight says:

March 9, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Yeah , I know Jammie Foxx won for Ray. I’m just trying to reiterate that I thought he deserved it whole-heartedly.
Nokware Knight says:

March 9, 2010 at 1:18 pm

And American Beauty is a personal favorite.
Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 8:27 pm

Carla,

You keep making the same arguement over and over again. This was not about the performance of the actors, the ones who won and were nominated were deserved to be.

The issue here is why the same type of roles are being disproportionally selected over and again.

You mean you havent noticed the questionable character roles that have won Oscars for black leading men and the one woman?

Really?

March 9, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Spare me your self-righteousness sir, honestly. How is “Lean on Me” not a stereotypical display of urban youth? Failing inner city black kids as teenaged moms and crackheads? How is that depiction any better? “Driving Ms. Daisy” took place at a time when blacks where largely employed as service workers. Morgan’s character swallows his pride to give his children a better future, so they can go to college and not have to say “yessum” to some old biggot. That is black history too.

I’m not defending anything because I’m not searching for Hollywood to validate my people or myself. I’m also not some bitter negro who is unable to see the larger picture and the strides that blacks in film have made. I also have a theater background, so I know that these layered, gritty roles are hard to come by for black actors. We are usually one dementional characters. Monique made the drama major in me proud. That’s the role an actress kills for. And “Precious” is one of the most painfully relevant films I’ve seen in years. Although it was manipulative and had technical issues.

Clnmike says:

March 9, 2010 at 8:36 pm

What part of “this is not about the actors performance but about the Academy” do you not understand?

You want props for Mon’ Nique?

Fine Mo’Nique did a wonderful job, happy?

But Im not going to ignore questionable practice by an institution cause they throw out a bone every now and then.

I aint that easy.

And yeah defending the academy’s practice because some blacks have won does mean your are seeking validation.

@Ericka I was with you then you started talking about Tyler Perry. Can’t vouch for that.

Fayme Ethiopia says:

March 10, 2010 at 12:58 am

LOVEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD IT!!!

Todd Michaels says:

March 11, 2010 at 1:25 am

This article is 100% correct. But what I find even more disturbing than the Oscars themselves is the complete lack of vision that many black people have displayed in NOT being able to see this racist pattern in Hollywood. One person wrote “Why can’t we just be happy for Mo’nique and stop overthinking every little bit.” No offense, but that is just intellectually lazy and unacceptable in this age of educated black people. I’m personally offended that you effective asked me to turn off my “think-box”.. Some black people are sooooo happy to get that pat on the head of approval from white America that they are too giddy to realize that they’ve just been rewarded for perpetuating every negative aspect of their people’s existence.

Nothing is more pathetic than seeing a slave talk about how good their master is for giving them a five minute break and a cold glass of water. White people are only comfortable seeing you in certain roles because it validates and reinforces their false sense of supremacy in the social pecking order. I bet most of you “Precious/Oscar defenders” were also proud of Three 6 Mafia’s Oscar win for their horrible song “It’s Hard Out There for a Pimp”. There is a distinct difference piss and rain and that award was straight piss on all of the better and more dignified black talent that was never recognized before them. But then again, it’s what we expect from a demonic people with such a disgraceful history towards people “with” color.

It’s a simple equation, in order for whites to win, blacks HAVE TO LOOSE. It’s the basic premise on how this country was built. Just study your history. Monique did a great job executing her role as well as the screenwriter, both of whom received top honors. But I look at that scenario in the same fashion as a slave being sent by the master to whip his fellow slaves thus keeping the vicious cycle of the false myth of white supremacy alive. I’m sending love to all of my people (both black and white/other) who get it. And I will pray that the rest of you will eventually learn that all kind gestures aren’t kind and all goodies aren’t good.

Clnmike says:

March 11, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Well said.
michelle says:

March 12, 2010 at 1:04 pm

i also think it is ‘intellectually lazy’ to relegate monique’s accomplishment solely to racism. im just sayin. im sure hollywood is a racist place, but it is also sexist,and at times homophobic., but i think alot of people really do not understand the internal workings of hollywood and the acadamy,which is really clouding your judgement.
i.e denzel washington is a member of the academy, if he voted for mo’nique to get the oscar, what would your response be?

Sharrise says:

March 11, 2010 at 9:10 pm

Clnmike you make absolutely no sense people keep making valid points and then you say its about the Academy its about the Academy. Then when we explain the reason for this actor not winning or being nominated we have no idea what we are talking about. Get it together.

Clnmike says:

March 12, 2010 at 4:46 pm

Did you read the Article?

It was about the Academy not the actors.

If you cant tell the difference between the critque of the academy and a criteria they seem to go with versus the praise for Monique’s well done work then there is no hope for you.

Get a clue.

bizchick says:

March 12, 2010 at 2:10 am

It is pretty discouraging seeing some of the comments here. One can be both proud of Mo’nique’s accomplishments and critical of the institution that has a pattern of rewarding black negativity. Those are two entirely separate ideas. I completely agree with the article. Bravo for being a brave, seemingly isolated voice to express these concerns!

Andrea says:

March 12, 2010 at 4:44 pm

i agree with you. it’s sad how so many people are missing the point.

Ayesha Gallion says:

March 13, 2010 at 5:24 pm

The Academy is entitled to bestow its praise on whichever actor or actress it deems worthy. I don’t see anything wrong with watching Mo’Nique accepting her award and being happy for her, however, there’s also nothing wring with focusing one’s energy on other award venues for black artists, too. We have to remember that these have their individual journeys that should be validated to SOME degree. Mo’Nique, Denzel, and Halle have all said their thanks on Oscar night — but we have no idea what they have said in their homes or in the company of friends regarding other roles played by black actors that are not recognized. Yet, they embrace this part of their journey…I say let them and continue to encourage and support other venues that acknowledge all art forms and creators.

Akai says:

March 13, 2010 at 6:56 pm

It amazes me when people criticize the roles Halle, Denzel and, now, Mo’Nique won Academy Awards for. Dummies erroneously mischaracterized Halle as having won an Oscar for playing a “ho” and it continues with equally false crying about blacks being rewarded for playing “subservient,” “morally reprehensible” or ‘stereotypical’ characters. Shade is leveled at Tyler Perry movies and, hell, I’ve even read people pan Avatar and basically reduce it to another story of whites conquering, pillaging and plundering.

Some people can never be satisfied and will always find a reason to b!tch, so I say white Hollywood should quit hiring blacks or making movies with black actors in them. Let blacks PUT THEIR OWN MONEY UP and make their own movies (watch the level of b!tching and whining rise if that ever happened).

Character’s like Halle’s Leticia in Monster’s Ball should not be allowed and only movies featuring one-dimensional church-going black women that work 60 hours/week, cook the bacon, raise 5 children and 3 foster kids, take care of their husband’s sick mother, and leap tall buildings in a single bound should be made. *sarcasm*

There was a reason the white Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her role in Monster (yes, playing a dirty, psychotic, murderous HOOKA – how positive and uplifting) but if blacks want to remain simple and NOT GET THAT, let them make wholesome movies only depicting themselves in artificial and erroneously-constructed sanitized situations and roles.

That outta’ keep people awake and rushing the door to buy tickets in a theatre!

The roles Queen Latifah (Chicago), Sophie Okenado (Hotel Rwanda), Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), Oprah (Color Purple), Alfre Woodard (Cross Creek), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets and Lies) etc. were nominated for embodied NONE of the “two long held stereotypes” WHINERS complain about. I could even include this year’s Music by Prudence or Lou Gossett (Officer and A Gentlemen) and Jamie Foxx (Collateral) yet people SEE WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE and conveniently overlook the facts (or neglect to do the homework period) in order to find something to complain about.

Yep, SOME OF Y’ALL COMPLAIN TOO DAGGONE MUCH OVER ANY AND EVERY LITTLE THING and it fosters a reluctance to want to deal at all!

Clnmike says:

March 13, 2010 at 7:41 pm

As opposed to you crying on here about people who dont put up with Hollywoods mess? If you want to bend over grab your ankles and take it thats on you. There are people out here with pride and self respect who prefer not to and call a spade a spade.
MJC says:

March 17, 2010 at 1:56 pm

I see where this Akai person is misunderstood. Sounds very rageful. Pity. Well, anyway what s/he is unable to grasp is not that certain people want to see Black actors win awards for playing “erroneously-constructed sanitized situations and roles” necessarily. I think many would agree that Denzel should’ve won for his performance in the Hurricane or Cheadle for Hotel Rwanda – neither of which were sanitized. I call self hatred on his/her part for the venomous way she refers to “bliggety-blacks,” that is if she’s even a member of our community in the first place.

We should all be respectful to each other when disagreeing. What is the point of all the infighting anyway?

modern lady says:

March 15, 2010 at 2:52 pm

We care WAAAAAY too much about these stupid Oscars…aren’t we still involved in 2 wars people…I mean my God. Of course the nominations are racist. We live in a racist society and this is another example/extention of it. The white power structure would sooner drop dead than to acknowledge the intrinsic beauty and power of the black race-they wouldn’t continue to perpetuate the same portrayals if doing the opposite meant nothing to the status quo-quite simply, they’re afraid not to.

Now let’s focus on something more meaningful like forcing “our” President to bring home our Black soldiers home from 2 needless wars.

March 16, 2010 at 2:36 pm

I’m always tickled when individuals bring their self-righteous tails into, say, an article about the Oscars then have the nerve to demand others “focus on something more meaningful” after they, themselves, read the same doggone article and comments.

Modern Lady any soldier currently serving was not drafted; they VOLUNTEERED. Would you have “our President” only bring home the “black soldiers” and leave those of all other ‘races’ in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Bliggety-black psuedo-militants that always see racism in every nook and cranny are sickeningly hilarious and TIRED! I wish they’d all take their whiney asses to Liberia or somewhere and STAY THERE.

modern lady says:

March 16, 2010 at 3:27 pm

@Akai:
Listen, the problem w/in the Black community is we fight each other (I’m assuming you’re Black like I am). And I’m not about to fall into that trap. But-let me pose this point to you…IF what some people have purposed about the Oscars being racist and awarding stereotypes are true, then ask yourself this question-why would they do that?

I believe infighting (divide and conquer) is the key. If they can keep all races separate, and Blacks fighting one another-we never actually hold ppl to acct. for their TRULY wrong deeds-because we’re forever focusing on things of little relevance to real life.
What they will do-like everything else- is ‘grant us’ fake accolades that are truly meant to demean us; allow us to fight w/ honor-but in illegal wars where we’re sure to die or be injured; its all connected.

Another point for u to consider: Why was our President given the Noble Peace prize while simultaneously continuing 2 wars?

And FYI-just b/c someone posts on an entertainment topic doesn’t mean they aren’t politically-minded. The reason I posted here is b/c I knew more ppl would be reading and posting to this topic. Sad-but true.

March 16, 2010 at 2:58 pm

@Clnmike, what-ev-ah!

Anybody who feels Morgan Freeman deserved an Academy Award for his roles in Amistad or Lean On Me is a commoner with a low bar who should be laughed at and never taken seriously.

Seems all an individual has to do is show up black and male in a movie and you think they deserve a friggin Oscar.

You admitted never having even seen Scent of a Woman so, as another wisely attempted to inform you, it is ignorant to insist Denzel deserved to win best actor for Malcolm X without comparing his performance to Pacino’s, Downey in Chaplin, Rea in The Crying Game or Eastwood in Unforgiven.

Clnmike says:

March 16, 2010 at 7:57 pm

@Akai,

You seem slow so let me break it down for you so you can catch up to a dead discussion and not be a johnny come lately talking out the wrong hole.

1- The focus of this article is about the roles for black actors selected by the Academy for awards, not about the performance of the actors.

2- The question asked to me was about what performance of POSITIVE characters were Oscar worthy, not if they were better then the competition at that time.

3- Since the majority of those nominated were men I pointed out their performance, but since you pointed that out you showed that you have issues you black men. I could care less about what your hang up is there so keep it to your self.

4- If I see something I believe is wrong I am going to say it and not you or anyone else is going convince me that it is not worth mentioning, you want to take the slight go right ahead, play the door mat all you want. Cauise the truth is white people and institutions like the academy are not the problem. People like you are.

Now if you want to accept the scraps they throw off their table by all means chow down, Bon Appetit, but you will have to excuse me if I choose not to be fed that slop.

TheBlack BoxOffice says:

March 16, 2010 at 4:41 pm

This is why Black people need to work on larger projects so that we can vote and have a voice in the Academy.

Like it or not Tyler Perry is the voice of Black Hollywood right now. If they did not put their money behind this movie it would have died just like SO MANY other great indie minority films have in the past. (Chameleon Street 1989)

Here is how this worked…

Book was written and movie was shopped for about 10 years.(give or take)
Film was finally made
It was shown at Sundance and was a hit.
Lionsgate bought it.
Lionsgate could not market it.(they realized it was to sensitive for a white studio to handle)
Lionsgate called Tyler.(they distribute all Tyler’s films)
Tyler called Oprah.
Film won an Oscar.

If Black folks don’t want Tyler and Oprah to be the voice of Black Hollywood then we must support other directors when the movies hit smaller theaters. The more we support movies with better themes the more power we give smaller directors.
We as a people talk a good talk but when given the chance we simply do not support worthy movies, we support the blockbusters. That is a fact, the numbers show it.
Don’t forget small neighborhood theaters, because if we support the brothers and sisters writing plays that is another statement of what we want.

Oprah, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Queen Latifah are the only Black folks on the academy board.
(that we know of right now)
We think Will Smith may be among them but we have not confirmed that.

With much respect (we love you Clutch!) there are quite a few Black Movie websites these days that can inform you of what really good movies to see. We are just one.

March 16, 2010 at 9:51 pm

It’s not just Oprah, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Queen Latifah.

Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Antoine Fuqua and others are also voting members of the AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences).

TheBlack BoxOffice says:

March 16, 2010 at 11:05 pm

Thanks, knew it was more.

March 16, 2010 at 10:21 pm

It’s telling that no one has mentioned all those Asians and Latinos that won/have won Academy Awards (sarcasm).

Anyway, look, little Mikey. Leveling a charge of ‘racism’ at the drop of a hat is indicative of neither “pride” nor “self respect”; it is indicative of being a never-ending victim. I’m well aware of what the article is about and, after all, in my first entry I disproved your claim that the Oscars picks only “dysfunctional/magical characters” to honor AA actors with:

Clnmike wrote: “The question asked to me was about what performance of POSITIVE characters were Oscar worthy, not if they were better then the competition at that time.”

Your argument is not supported yet you choose to ignore the FACTS PRESENTED, remain oblivious, and keep making false claims about stereotypical roles. The truly “slow” individual is the one lying and trying to change things up when the words are here for all to read.

The question/request was for examples ‘of those that should have won or been nominated’ and asked NOTHING about “positive characters.” You replied Morgan Freeman for Amistad and Lean on Me and, as another alluded to, a film about underachieving inner city kids is as stereotypical as it gets and Freeman’s performances was hardly Oscar-worthy. He was as lackluster as McConaughey in Amistad and Djimon “Give Us Free” Hounsou was more compelling.

Many, many, many of all races across the industry criticize the Oscars for the politics, being a popularity contest, bias against certain movie genres, rewarding blockbusters and ignoring innovative films, and others label it a ‘big ol movie promotion scheme’, so those with critical thinking skills are aware that everything can’t be reduced to “racism.”

There is the lucrative and successful Nollywood (Nigeria) and Bollywood (India) and the problem is those that always complain yet won’t get off that ass, put their money and energy where their mouths are, and make their own movies. It is also fools that watch illegally-copied films online and purchase cheap ass low-quality DVDs on the street in Harlem instead of investing in good movies and supporting up-and-coming directors, writers, producers etc. Many of the very same have the nerve to then turn around and decry the lack of representation and quality.

Clnmike says:

March 16, 2010 at 11:11 pm

@Akai Lord Of The Blacks

Still having problems focusing on the topic are you?

ADD is truely a mutha.

You can find that out about the lack of interest by the Oscars in other groups like the ones you mentioned by asking Asians and Latinos why that is as opposed to asking a predominantly black readership.

Im sure they have their own insight to it.

Their is no pulling of a race card at a drop of a hat here a look at the history of the Oscar “winners” roles would have told you that this has been going on for awhile now, you proved nothing.

A spade is a spade.

I stand by the perfomance of those actors I chose as worthy to win, if you feel other wise then that would be a matter of personal opinion.

Now since the topic here is black people and the Oscars the focus would be the relationship between the two so what other groups feel about what they see as bias against ethnic groups, genre of films, and politics, is matter up to them to defend critical thinking may have given you that much to go on.

Now since your ADD has caused you to go off focus and hijack the debate, lets address the last part.

No one here has said anything yea or nay about Nollywood, ( I’ll ignore Bollywood since they are not black), or if they support it or not.

No one here has mentioned bootleg DVDs (which ironically is how Nollywood has managed to be so lucrative), or not supporting independent black films, that was an assumption you made and we all know what happens when you assume……..

You might want to ask first if anyone did support other non-hollywood produced movies to get your answer that way I would have informed you for my part that, “yes, yes Simple Akai I have a collection of independent films, Haitian, African and Carribean movies paid for and not bootlegged”.

Now this may shock you right here, but regardless if people have it or not they still are with in their rights to question institutions that they feel are suspect in their representaion of black people regardless of how “Akai Lord Of The Blacks” tries to hush them about it.

And finally your majesty may I suggest you seek medical help from a proffesional about that ADD?

Me thinks it would do you some good.

March 16, 2010 at 10:38 pm

Modern Lady asked: “If what some people have purposed about the Oscars being racist and awarding stereotypes are true, then ask yourself this question-why would they do that?”

Why? Erm, because, uhm, that’s what some people love to do and live off of, like, when they write stuff like: “the nominations are racist…we live in a racist society blah blah blah.”

I’ve not read ANY statements that pointedly proves the awards are “racist,” and a Harvard graduate (Geoffrey Fletcher) made HISTORY and became the first AA writer/screenwriter to win; Roger Ross Williams won for directing Music by Prudence which is a documentary that hadn’t a thing to do with any “stereotypes.”

As to your comment about “illegal wars where we’re sure to die or be injured,” it’s MORE THAN OBVIOUS YOU’VE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA of the racial breakdown of the over 4,000 service members who’ve died nor the over 30,000 that have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Again, there is no draft and these are individuals who VOLUNTEERED to serve and if the only lives that matter to you are those of “black soldiers,” you’re not “politically-minded.” You’re no different than the “racists” you attempt to call out.

The successful people in this world (for example the Oprahs, Will Smiths, Obamas, Shonda Rhimes, surgeon Ben Carson, physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson etc.) are dynamic, positive and the types others are inspired by and enjoy being around. If you choose to live your life as a depressing buster always playing the victim, never enjoying life, and always conjuring up racism, have at it!

Do you really believe AAs are on the minds of whites, Native Americans, Latinos, Asians etc. 24/7? You think all things are decided based on how others are placed in relation to AAs to the point of conspiring and awarding “fake accolades” with a real objective of demeaning? Do you think people routinely sit in the backrooms of a mysterious building in a dark alley plotting ways to keep people separate and AAs down, fighting each other and looking stupid etc.? If you do, THAT IS PARANOIA and EGOCENTRIC TO THE MAX.

Most people of all races are fundamentally good and decent, and the FACTS are most non-whites ain’t thinking about AAs. The majority are everyday working people too busy trying to live their lives and take care of their families to give AAs a 2nd thought, let alone secretly plan their downfall.

Modern Lady asked: “Why was our President given the Noble Peace prize while simultaneously continuing 2 wars?”

Even though the Norwegians sought nominations from members of governments, international courts, academics etc. MONTHS BEFORE PRESIDENT OBAMA WAS EVEN ELECTED, I’m betting you have some silly ‘black conspiracy’ to share regarding why the President was awarded the Nobel Prize and I can hardly wait to read it (sniggle).

Rhonda says:

March 17, 2010 at 12:31 pm

@Akai @clnmike….Get a room!
LOL!!!!
My goodness!

michelle says:

March 17, 2010 at 4:00 pm

lol akai is more convincing than clmike is though.
Akai says:

March 17, 2010 at 4:40 pm

Ewww yuck, Rhonda.

You’re mean, that is real nasty, and the mere idea makes me want to puke then dip myself in a bleach bath.

It’s not like certain men are unknown for being verbally abusive, bullies and name calling, so I couldn’t care less about his blah blah projecting and can’t be fazed.
Clnmike says:

March 17, 2010 at 6:36 pm

NOW I AGREE with Akai, the thought is truely disgusting, castration would be a better option then to lower myself to that.