The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences release of their nominations for the Oscars this year shocked people with the records that were broken.
Aside from “La La Land”‘s record-tying nomination for 14 Oscars (“All About Eve” and “Titanic” also received 14 nominations), there were more African-American nominees in this year’s Oscars than ever before.
Over the past few years, Twitter has had a ball with the hashtag “#OscarsSoWhite.” However, this time around the Academy has brought this trend to a halt.
Critically acclaimed African-American actors Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali have both been nominated for awards this year, a first for Ali.
Washington is up for Leading Actor for his role in “Fences.” This is Washington’s seventh nomination, and, if he wins, this will be his third awarded Oscar. He currently holds the record for the most Oscar nominations held by an African-American actor in history.
Ali has received a nod for the title of Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film Moonlight.
African-American actresses came in strong this time around, as well. Ruth Negga is nominated for Actress in a Leading Role for her work in the film “Loving.” Viola Davis (“Fences”), Octavia Spencer (“Hidden Figures”), and Naomie Harris (“Moonlight”) have been all nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role.
The halt of #OscarsSoWhite does not end there. Director Ava DuVernay has been recognized for her work on the documentary “13th.” Barry Jenkins has also received two nominations for “Moonlight.” Jenkins is nominated for Best Director, which makes him the fourth African-American nominee in this category in the 89 years that the Oscars have been awarded. He is also nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. Shattering #OscarsSoWhite this year, “Moonlight,” “Fences,” and “Hidden Figures” also came in strong and are nominated for Best Picture. Films with African American directors and casts have also been nominated in the other categories, such as Film Editing, Original Score, and Cinematography.
The Oscars will be held on February 26.