From Chadwick Boseman to Angela Bassett: A History of Black Actors Overlooked During Award Season
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Award season often brings excitement and celebration, yet for many Black actors, it has also been a recurring story of disappointment and overlooked achievements. From the late Chadwick Boseman to Angela Bassett, a pattern of snubs has raised questions about fairness and representation in Hollywood’s most prestigious honors.
Angela Bassett, renowned for her electrifying portrayal of Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” experienced a notable omission from the Academy Awards nominations, despite critical acclaim. More recently, her powerful performance in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was similarly overlooked at the 2023 Oscars, with some voters reportedly expressing discomfort with what they perceived as “wokeness.” This sentiment underscores a persistent reluctance among some voting bodies to fully embrace diverse narratives.
Denzel Washington’s omission for his iconic role in “Malcolm X” remains one of the most glaring snubs in awards history. Critics argue that the controversial nature of Malcolm X’s life was used as a pretext to deny Washington the recognition he deserved, a justification that rings hollow given that other complex figures, such as Jake LaMotta portrayed by Robert De Niro in “Raging Bull,” have been honored.
Similarly, Samuel L. Jackson’s unforgettable performance as Jules Winnfield in “Pulp Fiction” was passed over in favor of Martin Landau’s role in “Ed Wood,” a decision that many fans and critics alike found puzzling. The snub reflects broader issues in how performances by Black actors are evaluated and valued.
David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma” notably failed to secure a Best Actor nomination in 2015, a year that sparked the viral #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlighting the lack of diversity in Hollywood’s top awards. Lupita Nyong’o faced a similar fate in 2020 when her dual role in “Us” was completely shut out from nominations, despite widespread praise for her work.
Viola Davis, a powerhouse in the industry, was overlooked for an Oscar nomination for her leading role in “The Woman King” in 2023, even though the film received recognition at other major ceremonies like the Golden Globes. This absence was particularly striking given the film’s all-Black cast and the critical acclaim it garnered.
Cynthia Erivo’s performance in the 2024 film “Wicked” earned her a nomination, but her loss to Mikey Madison and subsequent snub in 2026 for “Wicked: For Good” left many feeling the voting bodies had once again failed to properly acknowledge her talent.
Michael K. Williams, beloved for his role in “Lovecraft Country,” was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 but did not win, with the victor Tobias Menzies publicly dedicating his award to Williams, acknowledging the profound impact of his performance.
Janelle James, a standout in the comedy series “Abbott Elementary,” was widely expected to win the 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series but was passed over, a disappointment compounded by the fact that only one Black actor won an award that night.
Chadwick Boseman, whose career was marked by transformative performances and cultural significance, was also among those who faced award season disappointments despite his undeniable impact.
These instances highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving equitable recognition for Black actors in Hollywood. As the industry continues to grapple with diversity and inclusion, calls are growing louder for voting bodies to engage more deeply with the work they evaluate and to move beyond superficial gestures toward genuine acknowledgment.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Television Academy have both taken steps to increase diversity among their members, but critics argue that more substantive changes are needed to prevent future snubs. The NAACP and other advocacy groups continue to push for systemic reforms to ensure that award recognition reflects the full spectrum of talent.
As audiences and industry insiders alike call for accountability, the hope remains that future award seasons will celebrate Black actors not just for their presence but for their undeniable excellence. For now, the history of overlooked performances serves as a reminder of the work still to be done in Hollywood’s journey toward true inclusivity.
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