After seeing SELMA and understanding the unique circumstances in producing a film without the dismantled King Family's authorization, I was almost speechless over the talent of the film's director, Ava Duvernay.
In fact, the only word that came to mind was the title of the movie's Academy Award Nominated song, "Glory".
I did not see all the films that are nominated for best picture. Therefore, I feel awkward commenting on who should have been nominated and who should not. But, what I find odd is how SELMA was nominated for Best Picture and received no nomination for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenwriter or Best Cinematography. How are you included in the "Best Picture" category when all the individual parts are snubbed and none are label extraordinary? Somebody needs to address this question or I am left to feel that this snubbed shows some validity in the hashtag #Oscars So White.
I am not a trained journalist, but I am an opinion guru. According to a little known source called "Wikipedia The Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director have been very closely linked throughout their history. Of the 86 films that have been awarded Best Picture, 62 have also been awarded Best Director. Only four films have won Best Picture without their directors being nominated: Wings (1927/28), Grand Hotel (1931/32),Driving Miss Daisy (1989), and Argo (2012). The only two Best Director winners to win for films which did not receive a Best Picture nomination are distinctly during the early years: Lewis Milestone for Two Arabian Knights (1927/28), and Frank Lloyd for The Divine Lady (1928/29).
My next question is directed to the African American community. Why would this movie nationally open with a $11 million in ticket sales? Now, that's on us and, not racism.
According to the http://www.blackyouthproject.com/2011/12/the-10-highest-grossing-black-films-of-all-time are as follows:
10. Are We There Yet? $97 Million
9. Little Man $101 Million
8. Ray $125 Million
7. Boomerang $131 Million
6. Big Momma's House $137 Million
5. Bad Boys $144 Million
4. DreamGirls $154 Million
3. Big Momma's House 2000 $173 Million
2. Bad Boys 2 $272 Million
1. Coming to America $288 Million
There is a commentary for this list that shows our Top Ten, but I won't bother giving it because you were read my mind. What we are allowing to consume us? I like many of those films and went to see all of them. Well, except, Little Man and Big Momma's House. I could not do that to myself and waited for the HBO showing of them. But, I also value films with storytelling like Akleelah and the Bee, Twelve Years a Slave, Antwone Fisher, The Princess & the Frog, and yes, SELMA.
So, I have two questions one for the Academy and one for the African American community. I am looking forward to reading the answer that I am sure they Academy will address. And, I want us to answer the second question with our surge of ticket sales. As I was writing this blog, my daughter called and said the Academy Awards addressed my question that was echoed from thousands. Can't wait to read the response.
P.S.Well, I just read the response from the (African American) Academy Awards' President. She does not address the merits of the craft or art being critiqued, and its parts ignored. But, in my opinion she verifies a flawed system, directors nominate directors, actors nominate actors, etc. It is a peer review concept and the body that is in that that "peer review" lacks diversity. Therefore the system itself is flawed. All I can say, after that, is SistahGirl, you have some work to do.
So, I have two questions one for the Academy and one for the African American community. I am looking forward to reading the answer that I am sure they Academy will address. And, I want us to answer the second question with our surge of ticket sales. As I was writing this blog, my daughter called and said the Academy Awards addressed my question that was echoed from thousands. Can't wait to read the response.
P.S.Well, I just read the response from the (African American) Academy Awards' President. She does not address the merits of the craft or art being critiqued, and its parts ignored. But, in my opinion she verifies a flawed system, directors nominate directors, actors nominate actors, etc. It is a peer review concept and the body that is in that that "peer review" lacks diversity. Therefore the system itself is flawed. All I can say, after that, is SistahGirl, you have some work to do.
