The Academy Awards have come a long way since the first ceremony in 1929. Regarded by many as the highest honor in the film industry, there has always been a shortage of African-Americans nominated.
However, this year at the 77th Annual Academy Awards African-Americans lead the way with a record-setting five acting nominations.Despite the historical wins in 2002 by African-Americans Denzel Washington and Halle Berry in lead acting categories, African-Americans did not have a large representation in the acting nominations for 2003 and 2004.
Yet, in 2005, the African-American presence in Hollywood is stronger than ever.
Jamie Foxx, once famous for his slapstick-comedy style in "Booty Call" and "In Living Color," has come a long way with two nominations for dramatic roles this year. Foxx is nominated for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of the late Ray Charles in "Ray" and best actor in a supporting role for his role as an unlucky cab driver opposite Tom Cruise in "Collateral."
This is the fourth Oscar nomination for Morgan Freeman, who is nominated this year for best actor in a supporting role for Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby."
The other two African-American nominations go to two actors from "Hotel Rwanda." Don Cheadle, best known for his character roles in films like "Boogie Nights" and "Ocean's Eleven" is nominated for the film along with relatively unknown actress Sophie Okonedo, who is nominated for best actress in a supporting role.
David L. Acey, U of M assistant professor of African-American rhetoric and interracial communication, believes that these nominations are very important because they represent a continuing struggle for African-American equality in Hollywood.
"This is such a big deal because it hasn't happened before. We're still scoring firsts - not only for African-Americans but for the industry as well," Acey said. "It opens up avenues for young people of color to feel like they have a chance because this is not a first anymore."
These record-setting nominations could signify progress not only for African-Americans but for the entire film industry as well.
"It has always been difficult for African-Americans in such a tight industry. In the 1970s, works like "Roots" gave African-Americans the chance to be cast in roles that elevated them closer to the top," Acey said. "To be at the top says a lot for the industry and a lot for the actors."
Some people feel as though this is not only a big step for African-Americans, but also a reminder of how slowly progress has come."I feel like it's time. I feel like the Oscar nominations have been segregated -- it's been predominately white. It's a start," said Sheri Henning, U of M nursing major.
Despite the difficulty African-American actors have had in the past, this year's nominations could definitely signal upcoming changes to America's leading film awards ceremony. And there is also hope that a strong African-American presence at the event will continue."We're still moving, but we've got a long way to go," Acey said.
