They Don't Really Care About Us
Today is February 1, 2016, officially marking the first day of Black History Month. February is also a month that is home to two of the biggest award shows in the entertainment industry, The Grammys and The Oscars. Ironically enough, these are two award shows where African-Americans seem to not get the proper treatment that they deserve. There’s always been an immense amount of controversy surrounding these award shows, and when discussing them, things tend to get heated. I would like to take the time to look on the brighter side and acknowledge the times when black entertainers, both singers and actors, achieved record-setting feats in their respective fields.
Black Actor/Actress Achievements:
In 1939, Hattie McDaniel became the first black female to win an Oscar, the first African-American person (or black person of any nationality) to win an Academy Award, and the first African-American person to be nominated for acting for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.”
In 1958, Sidney Poitier became the first African-American actor to be nominated for Best Actor for his role as Noah Cullen in “The Defiant Ones.”
In 1963, Sidney Poitier became the first black male to win an Oscar and the first African-American actor to win Best Actor for his role as Homer Smith in “Lilies of the Field.”
In 1982, Louis Gossett, Jr. became the first African-American actor to win Best Supporting Actor for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
In 2001, Halle Berry became the first African-American actress to win Best Actress for her role as Leticia Musgrove in “Monster’s Ball”.
2001 marked the first time two African-American performers won in leading role Oscars in the same year (Denzel Washington, Training Day and Halle Berry, Monster’s Ball).
Black Singer Achievements:
In 1958, Ella Fitzgerald became the first African-American to win a Grammy.
Quincy Jones has the most Grammys for a black male, with a total of 27. He’s also the most rewarded producer of any race and gender.
Beyoncé has the most Grammys for a black female, with a total of 20.
Stevie Wonder has the most “Album of the Year” wins, with a total of three.
Michael Jackson holds the record for “Most Grammys won in one night” for any person and for male.
Beyoncé holds the record for “Most Grammys won in one night” for a female.
And this doesn’t even touch the surface of the many achievements and groundbreaking influence made in the entertainment industry by African-Americans. As an African-American that wants to be an Actor one day, I find it sad that these things like “#OscarsSoWhite” still has to go on, but we can’t give up. We have to keep fighting for our right to get the recognition that we deserve.
