My highlight last night was seeing Octavia Spencer win this most deserved award. We all watched as her tears flowed from a grateful heart. We all remember her portrayal of “Minnie” in THE HELP! She did a great job in this movie. I oftentimes wonder what type of characters do we as African-Americans really like in the movies. The answer-The ones we can relate to! Enough said!
All of us, if we are truthful, have either seen,heard,or observed “domestic violence” in our community. (My e-book addresses this issue) Let us also not forget Ms. Minnie’s bout with racism and her small victory experienced there. (THE PIE) This should make you laugh this morning! But this character pulled on several of our emotions and this actress did a great job in her last masterpiece. We not only go to the movies to be entertained, but also to see ourselves on one level or another.
Octavia Spencer is a native of Montgomery, Alabama and the sixth of seven children. She hols a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Auburn University. Rumor has it she was like many of us was, “a closet actress.” However all of this changed after Joel Schumacher gave her a small part, opposite Sandra Bullock in the intense but real film, ‘A Time to Kill.’ Octavia makes her characters come alive both on the screen and in our hearts. I can still see her standing in that dining room watching her former employer ‘eat that pie.’LOL
Things are changing for African-Americans on more than one level. It appears that the Academy feels free to recognize true talent. Yes, we were a little disappointed about ‘Viola” but we did walk away with some gold. I wanted to say that in proper taste and not linger on that point too long. As the world changes so must we!
I really wanted to share the other accolades and awards that Ms.Spencer has been either nominated for or awarded for her portrayal of Minnie. This list is long but I want you to take a look and see how great this actress really is to a number of academies and organizations.
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
African American Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Black Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Black Reel Award for Best Supporting Actress
Black Reel Award for Best Ensemble
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Acting Ensemble
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture
Hollywood Film Festival Award for Best Ensemble
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
National Board of Review Award for Best Acting by an Ensemble
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress
Palm Springs International Film Festival Award for Breakthrough Performance
Satellite Award for Best Cast – Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Southeastern Film Critics Association Award for Best Ensemble
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Black Reel Award for Breakthrough Performance
Nominated – Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Detroit Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Houston Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture
Nominated – St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
If you would, take a look at my new -book. It promises to make you think and even laugh at yourself on some levels as it relationships to our past bad relationships.
Go to http://amzn.to/AcFViO.
Thanks for listening,
Dr.O
