In the past several years, black actresses have been acknowledged by the Academy Awards like never before; with stars like Jennifer Hudson, Mo’Nique, Octavia Spencer and, most recently, Lupita Nyong’o taking home Oscars for their performances in critically-acclaimed films. But winning coveted awards have not translated into consistent high-profile, mainstream work for these women. Mo’Nique has been relatively quiet (except for a failed talk show) since she won for her performance in Precious and Jennifer Hudson has appeared mostly in independent black cinema since landing an Oscar for her very first role in Dreamgirls. Spencer has fared a little better since winning in 2011; she gave an acclaimed performance in the critically-lauded Fruitvale Station and is also featured in the highly-anticipated James Brown biopic Get On Up.
It was announced this week that Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o will be among the stars in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. Further details about her role have not surfaced, but appearing in a movie with the kind of devoted fan base and high visibility that Star Wars boasts can only be a boon for the beauty who’s become something of a pop culture sensation since her riveting performance in 2013’s 12 Years A Slave. But the conundrum that black actresses face goes beyond critical acclaim and obtaining roles in big movies. When is Hollywood going to take a real chance on a black actress?
Awards are significant, but they don’t really say much in regards to who lands the kind of roles that can turn an actresses into a superstar. And oftentimes, black actresses don’t get the wealth of opportunities that are afforded their white Oscar-winning counterparts. Since winning the award for Best Actress in 2012, Jennifer Lawrence has become one of the most visible actresses in Hollywood. Her clout is only growing as she continues to land major roles in films like the Oscar-nominated American Hustle, which also landed her another nomination.
Hollywood obviously does not believe that black actresses can sell movie tickets. The industry is already biased against women in general, but there are white actresses like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and younger stars like the aforementioned Lawrence who have gained a significant amount of clout in a misogynistic industry. There are no black actresses in Hollywood right now that are on the proverbial “A list,” and that can open a mainstream film as the unquestionable star. There is no “black Jennifer Lawrence,” and that’s sad.
Lupita Nyong’o is not only a gifted actress, she’s a regal beauty. Her landing high-profile, leading lady roles in mainstream Hollywood films would be a positive shift and could break down some of the cultural walls that have kept mainstream American cinema so white for so long. As male stars like Denzel and Will have become megastars by appearing in some of the biggest movies, it’s past time that a black actress was given the opportunity to become an Angelina Jolie.
