Why is it that most black actors and actresses have to do a degrading role before they can get an Oscar?

Question

For example, Halle Berry had to get naked and do a white man, Denzel had to play a dirty cop, Forest Whitaker had to play Idi Amin. Thats why Will Smith haven't got one yet. Jennifer Hudson got hers because they knew there would be an outrage if she didn't because her competition was weak. What do you think?

Answer 1

First, you have to realize that the role for which an actor or actress actually receives the award is not really the role that deserves the award. For example, Denzel Washington should have won Best Actor for "Malcolm X," or "Hurricane," but for various reasons did not. The academy knew he deserved to win, and he finally did for Training Day. It was their guilt.

Answer 2

I think you're out of your mind. Look at the role Alan Arkin played to get his - after MANY years. There is no racism in the Academy.

I'll agree that their used to be - but it simply hasn't been there for a long time.

Will Smith did NOT deserve an Oscar last night.

Did you note the song the Jack Black and Will Ferrell sang last night? Light comedic actors - are just not Oscar material.

And just for the record - Halley Berry, Denzel and Whitaker all CHOSE to play those roles. Nobody made them do it. They didn't HAVE to do it. Actors can have command of their careers if they so chose. Take note of Johnny Depp. He only does what he wants to do. If you think these people HAVE to "degrade" themselves - you are wrong.

White or black - intense roles (what you seem to call degrading - for some reason) are what require a lot of work. Therefor - the Academy votes for them.

Regarding Jennifer Hudson winning: She won because she was the best. My opinion is that if she hadn't sung in that role - she NEVER would have won. She's a fabulous singer - but her acting - if left to stand alone was NOT that impressive. And - did you see the other three films from which the other four nominees were chosen? Kate Blanchette was brilliant in her role. And the two actresses from Babel were very good. I wouldn't call any of them weak.

I would - however - call your opinion weak. Do you act? I kind of doubt it - because I just can't see an actor - of any color - feeling the way that you do.

Sorry - but the Academy is not racist. Political - probably. But not racist.

Answer 3

they won the oscars because they gave a hell of a performance. and black people are not the only ones that have to get down and dirty in movies. and i sure as hell dont agree with you when you say that Jennifer hudson had weak competetion for the oscar! did you see how many great actresses were nominated? they have been in better and harder roles than jennifer hudsonand played them very good. Why does everything have to be about racism with some people??

Answer 4

I agree, its an honor that they get nominated but it really sucks they dont have very nice roles. I just wonder what that does to their self-esteem.

It's a euro centric industry, any roles that dont somehow gratify whites basically gets given to other races. I just asked a question about why most movie directors are WASP's ( white Anglo-sax ton protestants).

Forrest's role was annoying and also the supporting actor in Blood diamond's role was annoying too. They take on a role that advances their careers but also can pose a damaging image to their community. Can't imagine if I had to play that stuff. As an actor you should be happy to get any role in a play ( that goes for ALL plays) and pull through.

I would say Jennifer Hudson deserved it, not just because of popularity.


It just shows that as blacks we have a long way to go before we are fairly represented in film and media.

But lets not back bite our new winners! They work hard and got what they deserve, remember so many other people could be where they are today. But for some reason it was them.

Answer 5

I think that everyone has their season. Denzel got an Oscar for Glory way before Training Day. Whoopi got one for Ghost. Cuba got one for Jerry Maguire. Yes, I think many actors and actresses are long overdue such, as Angela Bassett, Samuel Jackson, and Laurence Fishburn. I think that society still does not see us as equals. Yet, many actors do not degrade themselves and take just any roles. Forest Whitaker's role as "evil" as Idi Amin was portrayed, is a part of our history. He showed a different side to him, he showed that he had a human side. The 2007 Oscars showed that we have evolved. There were more minority winners such as Pan Labyrinth. I think we will see more in the future.

Answer 6

Recently it appears to be a trend. Sidney Poiter, Morgan Freeman
and Butterfly McQueen played gentle characters and still won awards.
When it comes to playing undesirable roles, African American actors are very intense in the roles that are provided.
Sometimes you have to play the stereotype to get the goody character parts in the future.
Jennifer deserved her nomination because she kicked Beyonce's *** in the movie because she sings a whole lot better and looks like one of the original dream girls.

Answer 7

I think that the color of someone's skin has nothing to do with whether or not they "deserve" an Oscar. Stop making everything have to do with race - that's getting very old.

Answer 8

I agree with you.
But i do not thi nk that that is the reason why Jennifer Hudson got the Oscar. She worked hard to get it.
But i hear what you are saying.

Answer 9

Congratulations on finding something fresh to whine about.

Answer 10

You theory is a bunch of nonsense.