Black History Month, Women's History Month, Academy Awards: Venn Diagram?

Yes, I too am going to watch the Academy Awards-along with a billion others around the world. So I was particularly pleased that there were so many good movies this year that spotlighted people, and more importantly women of color: The Butler, Black Nativity, Fruitvale Station, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, 20 Feet from Stardom and of course 12 Years a Slave. Despite the diverse lot-only two-12 Years and 20 Feet were nominated. This reminded me of my last post-about the compelling and for me, life altering movie Beasts of the Southern Wild-and it's young starlet Quevenzhane Wallis. Miss Wallis was in 12 Years as well, playing Solomon's daughter Margaret. Also a standout was Lupita Nyong'o.

12 Years a Slave

 I hope to see much more of her work in the years to come. Because so much of the topic material, and timing seems to intersect-Ms. Wallis has gone on to star in her next movie due out December, 2014-Annie. I hope Lupita Nyong'o will also be in a new role this time next year. She is wonderfully diverse-Kenyan, but raised in Mexico.

Last, I was also pleased to see Darlene Love finally get her due in a best documentary nomination   20 Feet From Stardom. about a great background singer thrust front and center and what a difficult a journey even that 20 feet that can be-cleaning notwithstanding.

Asian women's life journeys and stories were also represented wonderfully as well. Cutie and the Boxer, was also nominated for best documentary (Love the art form, and of course all of the flower references). Cutie knows her worth, even married to an emotionally abusive alcoholic-she continues to flourish.


For all of the nominees, winners-and host Ellen DeGeneres-I'm looking forward to a great show.