In a room filled with more women than men, this year SAG/AFTRA hosted a series of panels and a black-tie dinner honoring black actors, new and old. In connection with Black History initiatives from Icon Mann — whose mission is to champion the accomplishments and positive dialogue surrounding the Black male diaspora — the events this week highlight the best African American performers during a time when Hollywood is normally whitewashed. “We can never look outward for recognition,” shares Blair Underwood, one of four panelists during the ”Evolution of Character” session. “We can’t allow the organizations, people or experience define us or put us into a four-squared, box. We are too creative [for] that.”
By engaging audiences in town for the many festivities that are a part of the 87th Academy Awards this week, SAG/AFTRA along with Variety magazine and The Black List invited five prominent African American men to take place in a conversation about race. Hosted by veteran casting agent Robi Reed, the panel dove right in to discussing the racial divide in Hollywood.
“There are so few characters man for men of color that when you get that opportunity, you must get it right,” said thespian Louis Gossett Jr. “There might not be a second chance in that arena.” A truly genuine moment came when David Oyelowo broke down after Gossett revealed that his favorite film of the year was Selma.
The second panel titled, “Black Book Value,” was moderated by Franklin Leonard and included Matt Jackson, Charles King and Jeremy Kleiner, who collectively debunked the myth that Black films telling Black stories aren’t relevant to a worldwide audience.
“There’s a real cognitive dissonance to the international superstardom of folks like Will Smith and Denzel Washington and the — flawed in my opinion — conventional wisdom that Black people don’t sell abroad,” insisted Franklin Leonard. “This is a conversation that is long overdue and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Honoring the contributions of Black men, ICON Mann Award Season Celebrations of Black men culminated in an awards dinner with honorees only, held Feb. 19 at Beverly Hills’ Mr. C. Restaurant. Louis Gossett Jr, along with Obba Babatunda, Bill Duke and new sensation David Oyelowo of Selma were in attendance, making the star-studded evening a welcome addition to the many events taking place during Oscar week. This third annual homage spotlights 50 Black power players in entertainment, plus previous and current Oscar contenders. –darralynn hutson
