Constanza Romero, Stephen Henderson, Mykelti Williamson, Jovan Adepo, Saniyya Sidney
With all the buzz surrounding the fact that Denzel lost out on an Oscar yet again. We decided to update this post and delve into feedback on the award show. Many people at the awards seemed to get two black films mixed up, with the phrase ‘Hidden Fences’ being used often during the night and on the red carpet!
And of course the biggest snafu was the announcement of ‘La La Land’ as winner of best picture instead of ‘Moonlight’:
Several black movies dominated the award show news cycle. The results are in. Everyone is in agreement that ‘Fences’ was a powerful movie. However, there is definitely an outpouring on social media that Denzel Washington was robbed once again. Denzel is magical. One thing for certain no matter what age; his performances on screen always—and I mean always deliver. There are of course the naysayers that claim blacks cry and whine about being robbed during award season; but to those in that demographic all I have to say is “know your history.” American entertainment has been a revolving door that has interwoven black American artistry within its very foundation–even when whitewashed.
From blues, to jazz, to rock to films; blacks have figured prominently in both music and film. America loves black culture and most Americans have been raised on it rather it was ganster rap, Whitney Houston era pop or the soulful crooning of the bygone years. Many of the actors and artists we have seen in the past few years speak out against the award committees’ selection process and social media has allowed their fans to add their own two cents. Social media has made the various committees more accountable and it has also served to shine more light on the issue of diversity and recognition in Hollywood. However, this Oscars many people were very supportive of the choices made by the academy. Check out some of the responses and memes below.
Previous Content:
With Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in the same film, expect fireworks. There are so many good films coming out right now but this one in particular promises to be a treat for movie goers and film aficionados.
Photo by Stewart Cook – Variety/REX/Shutterstock (7765522c)Constanza Romero, Stephen Henderson, Mykelti Williamson, Jovan Adepo, Saniyya Sidney
‘Fences’ Variety and AARP Movies For Grownups film screening and Q&A, Los Angeles, USA – 10 Jan 2017
Fences Variety and AARP Movies for Grownups Screening
In a Q&A with Variety’s Jenelle Riley following the screening, Denzel, Constanza, Mykelti and Jovan discussed the film.
Denzel Washington on the universal lessons we can learn from Fences: “Universal stems from the specific. It just stretches out because you see yourself.”
Denzel Washington on whether or not the studio had any notes for him on the film: “More importantly, did I listen to the studios? The answer to both is no. They were supportive and loved what they saw.”
Mykelti Williamson on working with Denzel Washington: “Being trusted by a director like Denzel inspired us to do our best work. We just couldn’t stay away from the set and the magical work Mr. Washington was doing.”
Credit: Photo by Stewart Cook – Variety/REX/Shutterstock (7765522r)Saniyya Sidney (front) Mykelti Williamson, Jovan Adepo, Stephen Henderson, Denzel Washington, Constanza Romero
‘Fences’ Variety and AARP Movies For Grownups film screening and Q&A, Los Angeles, USA – 10 Jan 2017
Jovan Adepo on acting on screen with Denzel Washington and Viola Davis: “I’m about to meet the man that I’ve watched for years. He knew I was nervous. He’s one of my heroes and getting the chance to work with him was a blessing.”
Constanza Romero on bringing the work to the screen: “One of the reasons that this is so perfect is because August [Wilson] had written the screenplay for this movie, and of course, it took forever to make it. Sometimes I think that it was just waiting for Denzel.”
About Fences
Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) makes his living as a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh. Maxson once dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but was deemed too old when the major leagues began admitting black athletes. Bitter over his missed opportunity, Troy creates further tension in his family when he squashes his son’s (Jovan Adepo) chance to meet a college football recruiter.
