Oscar Snub of Black Actors and Directors in 2020 Despite Their Dominance in the Industry

It’s hard not to seethe over the Academy’s continuous disregard of Black talent. Year after year, it seems Black stories, actors, and filmmakers are cast aside, and it’s a frustration that keeps building. However, it’s important to note that institutions like the Oscars should not be the end-all in defining Blackness’s worth. Despite the Academy’s snubbing of films like “The Woman King,” “Nope,” and “Till,” we should continue to applaud the work of Black artists because no one knows our value like us. Essence shared a tribute to the film’s cast and director on Jan. 24, writing, “The crowns of Queens cannot be removed by those who are unqualified to rule.” It’s clear that if we only let the Academy judge our stories, there’s not enough space for all our distinct and beautiful identities to be celebrated and recognized at the same time. We’re tired of constantly telling the Academy they got it wrong. But will a change ever come if we stop speaking up?