Women Of Colour Made History At This Year's Oscars
The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the logistics of awards season, from reduced guest lists to staggered venues. But whilst traditions stepped aside for COVID-friendly events, the real question was as to whether the entertainment industry’s most prestigious awards would overlook the incredible talents of people of colour – a tradition that perhaps is slightly harder for them to break.
Last night, to our delight, women of colour were celebrated and made history at the 93rd Academy Awards.
Nomadland’s director, Chloé Zhao took home Best Director (as well as Nomadland winning Best Film), making her the first woman of colour, and the second woman ever, to win the prestigious award. It’s important to note that even without winning the award, Zhao was the first woman of colour just to be nominated in the category.
Additionally, Yuh-Jung Youn became the first South Korean actress to become an Oscar recipient, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Korean-American family Drama, Minari.
Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson became the first Black winners of the Best Make-Up And Hairstyling award for their work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, an award which they also shared with Sergio Lopez-Rivera. In her emotional acceptance speech, Neal said:
"Jamika and I break this glass ceiling with so much excitement for the future because I can picture black trans women standing up here and Asian sisters and Latinx sisters, and one day it won't be unusual and groundbreaking, it will just be normal."
Hear! Hear!
Whilst we mustn’t ignore the broader lack of diversity generally, the wins come as an all too refreshing change following decades of whitewashed nominations and winners, which ultimately spurred April Reign to create #OscarsSoWhite back in 2015. The hashtag took flight and opened up much-needed criticism towards the Academy Awards and other prestigious award ceremonies, who have continuously failed to recognise non-white talent. It’s hopeful that the 93rd Academy Awards' record-breaking year for diversity is a jumping-off point for future ceremonies to come, where we look forward to celebrating the history-making moments such as the first Black Best Director, the first woman to win Best Cinematography, and more.
Image credits: AP / Reuters
Want to support The Unedit and the work that we do? Buy us a coffee.
