The 2016 Oscars created outrage across many racial communities as the amount of non-white nominees and winners were miniscule. This year’s award show even caused a boycott along with the #OscarsSoWhite trend amongst social media. The top awards feature Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director. Non-white individuals weren’t even nominated for the Best Actor/Actress awards in 2015 or 2016.
Throughout the history of the Oscars, there has definitely been progression in relation to non-white individuals being nominated as well as winning awards. However, it’s shocking to see just how the tables have turned within 2015 and 2016 with their nominee list.
In 2014, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, Barkhad Abdi were non-white individuals who were nominated for an oscar. What is ironic to notice within these nominations is the roles that each of them play individually, reveals more about the separation between European and non-European people than the progression of racial representation. Chiwetel and Lupita were both nominated for their acting roles in the film ‘12 Years a Slave’. Even though Lupita actually won the award for Actress in a Supporting Role, I can’t help but wonder why it is that the only time within 2014 that a non-European person was nominated was when they acted a role of a slave. The idea that non-European people are restricted to these roles is solidified within these Oscar nominations. Barkhad Abdi’s nomination was for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film ‘Captain Phillips’. The role he played in the film was a ship hijacker and pirate leader Abduwali Muse, which once again, highlights the fact that non-Europeans are only to be celebrated and nominated when they play certain roles that portray non-Europeans in a way that won’t make them look like the hero.
Non-white Winners of the 3 Main Awards (Best Actress/Actor/Director) are shown below according to each year:
This image depicts exactly how non-white individuals are casted, nominated and celebrated, which therefore, clearly shows there is very little celebration of those who are of races other than European.
Representation and diversity are extremely important, especially for those who are growing up. Being able to see those who are of different races being celebrated in an equal manner (not necessarily winning, but given more opportunities in acting), gives people a more open mind and therefore, over time, will help fight against the struggle of racial discrimination.
I don’t personally believe that anyone should be casted for a role specifically for their race, whether that be in order to create diversity or not. However, I do believe that all races should be given the respect and opportunity to act in roles that are not directly related to their race or nationality. To put it simply, the people involved in this industry should be judged on their creativity, skill and originality as opposed to how their depiction on screen helps the agenda of western media.
Reminds me of a pivotal scene of the movie "American History X" spoiler ahead for those who have not seen this great movie.. setting- the Vinyard residence Dining room, people involved- The Vinyard family. A discussion ensued about eligibility for a position as a firefighter. Mr Vinyard (Father) talks about fairness with affirmative black action. Arguing the case that a job that should have gone to the best people were taken because there had to be a diversity within the firefighter dept. So instead of the best of the best watching your back, you have your life in the hands of mediocrity that just scraped the pass mark. What if maybe the quality of acting was not as good as last year this year for other ethnic groups. Some say it was the quality of roles as well. Just to add to that, Mr Vinyard lost me in his argument with his young son Derek when he used the words " Nigga BS"
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