African Americans Who Should’ve Received Golden Globes
Awards season is upon us, which means in addition to seeing what’s considered the best of film and television be honored, people like me have to remind those that don’t know any better that racial minorities are doing some pretty great things, too, dammit. The first big awards show this season is The Golden Globes and while this year’s awards show is a bit more diverse in its nominees than in years past, much like the American government, this show owes the Blacks some reparations.
With that in mind, here’s a list of a few actors and shows that should’ve been afforded some recognition for their good work, but The Hollywood Foreign Press Association ignored. Send your hate mail to them, not me. I didn’t do it.
Tichina Arnold: Everybody Hates Chris
Tichina Arnold is one of the best comedic actresses of her generation, and yet, she has never been nominated at any of the bigger award shows for her contributions. Of all her great TV roles – including Martin and Survivor’s Remorse on Starz – arguably her best, or at the very least, most unappreciated role is Rochelle on Everybody Hates Chris.
The show itself deserved far more recognition than it ever received, but Arnold’s role as the matriarch on the sitcom based on the life of Chris Rock was phenomenal.
Tracee Ellis Ross: Girlfriends, Black-ish
The role of Rainbow on Black-ish could have easily been forgettable if not for the comedic chops of Diana Ross’ daughter. And frankly, if Sarah Jessica Parker could have been honored for playing Carrie Bradshaw’s annoying ass, so could Ross for crazy ass Joan Clayton.
Michael K. Williams: The Wire and Boardwalk Empire
Michael K. Williams was fantastic on both these HBO dramas, but he didn't get the acknowledgment for either of his standout performances. I'd say Omar should pistol whip those have smitten thee, but I'm not going to advocate violence in this space.
The original Aunt Viv, that show where she did the dancing on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This was riveting television.
Cicely Tyson: How To Get Away With Murder
To be fair, Cicely Tyson did get an Emmy nomination for her guest role on the popular ABC series, but we’re talking about The Golden Globes. With that in mind, Cicely Tyson should have been nominated for greasing Viola Davis’ scalp. It’s one of the blackest moments on TV since Florida Evans said “Damn! Damn! Damn!”
Lorraine Toussaint: Orange Is The New Black
She got on my damn nerves playing Val, but that is a testament to her doing an excellent job. Meanwhile, your mom might remember this, but Toussaint also deserved a lil’ love for her stint on the 90s show Any Day Now.
Power
If Empire can get nominated, the show with an actual plausible plotline should, too. No shade. I like both, but you know.
Selma
Last year, Selma was nominated for every major film category at The Golden Globes only to lose every single one sans Best Original Song. Much of that was attributed to controversy surrounding the film’s depiction of Lyndon B. Johnson aka some people were mad the Black woman director didn’t deify LBJ. Meanwhile, David Oyelowo also deserved a Best Actor win for his measured portrayal of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Nicey Nash, Getting On
The critically-acclaimed HBO drama is ending its run, but that does not excuse any parties involved for not giving Niecy Nash her just due.
I was going to add Kris Humphries for his portrayal as Kim Kardashian’s second husband on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but that would be petty. You know, like The Hollywood Foreign Press Association. This is just a mere sample, though. I’m sure you have some grievances to air.
Please add yours.