‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Do the Oscars care about Black stories?
This Sunday televisions, tablets, laptops and phones will be tuned into Hollywood’s biggest night: the 98th Academy Awards ceremony.
Undoubtedly, Black folks in Atlanta and across the diaspora will be watching with rooting interest for “Sinners.” The vampire flick, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring a double dose of Michael B. Jordan (he plays twins), racked up 16 nominations. In case you’re keeping score, that’s the most in Oscar history.
The film is nominated in more than a few of the major categories, including best picture, director (Coogler) and actor (Jordan).
Here’s what we know. One of two things will likely happen: “Sinners” wins reflect its historic tally of nods, or it becomes the latest in a long line of Black-led flicks snubbed by Hollywood’s highest honor.
Since Hattie McDaniel became the first Black person to win an Oscar in 1940 — honored as best supporting actress for her role as an enslaved maid in “Gone With the Wind” — Hollywood’s track record of properly honoring Black stories on film has been checkered at best.
UATL reporter Brooke Howard recently spoke to Black folks in the local film community about “Sinners” and their expectations. Howard joined the “It’s UATL” podcast hosts for a discussion on the Academy’s past, present and how they may (or may not) honor Black films like “Sinners” going forward.
This week’s episode
It ain’t all Hollywood.
This week’s episode also features a discussion about the Atlanta Hawks’ partnership with Magic City, which was recorded before the NBA canceled the planned promotion. Be sure to listen out for our follow-up discussion on this story.
The hosts also catch up on yet another development in Pinky Cole’s world, Tyler Perry’s forthcoming scripted Netflix series and their thoughts on Jill Scott’s first album in over a decade.
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Roll credits
“It’s UATL” comes from DeAsia Paige, Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker, Isabelle Kerby-McGowan, Cara Shillenn, Gavin Godfrey, Shane Beckler, Ron Williams, Matt Gannon, Keith Lovely Jr., Megan Nadolski, Samantha Stamler and Janel Davis.
About the Author
Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise. He's an award-winning writer and editor from Atlanta who's covered everything from OutKast to the water boys. Before joining the AJC, Gavin worked for Capital B Atlanta, CNN, and Creative Loafing.