6 Black Actors Overlooked For Oscars Despite Outstanding Performances
Hollywood's biggest award, the Academy Awards, have overlooked many exceptional Black actors throughout the years.
Here's a list of Black thespians who are well deserving of a gold Oscar.
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne's portrayal of Ike Turner in 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' earned him accolades from fans who believed he deserved an Academy Award.
Despite a Best Actor nomination in 1994, Tom Hanks secured the win for his role in 'Philadelphia.'
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Samuel L. Jackson
Enthusiastic fans championed Samuel L. Jackson for his role in the iconic film 'Pulp Fiction' (1994).
Despite earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination, the Washington, D.C. native missed out on the win. However, his contributions were recognized with an Honorary Oscar in 2021. According to IMDb, Jackson has appeared in over 150 movies.
Yahoo! reports he is the highest grossing actor of all time, with films grossing over $27 billion worldwide.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett's unforgettable depiction of Tina Turner in the 1993 film 'What's Love Got to Do with It?' left an everlasting mark.
Despite earning a Best Actress Oscar nomination the following year, she faced defeat against 'The Piano's' Holly Hunter.
In January 2024, Bassett, who was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the world last year, was awarded an Honorary Oscar.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah's powerful portrayal of Miss Sophia in 1985's 'The Color Purple' showcased her remarkable acting skills to a global audience.
Although the Academy recognized her performance with a Best Supporting Actress nomination, the coveted trophy went to Anjelica Huston in 1986.
Michael Clarke Duncan
In the 'The Green Mile' (1999), a fantasy drama film that follows a death row prison guard (Tom Hanks) and a newly booked inmate, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, viewers became instand fans of the gentle giant.
Clarke Duncan delivered an excellent portrayal of John Coffey, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning him a well-deserved Oscar nomination. However, despite the undeniable talent and emotional depth he brought to the character, he was not awarded the Oscar.
Clarke Duncan died in Los Angeles of respiratory failure after experiencing a heart attack. He was 54.
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Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle secured a Best Actor nomination for his compelling role in the 2004 film 'Hotel Rwanda.'
Cheadle, 59, who played real-life Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan hotelier who helped protect and hide refugees from genocide, did not win the award. Jamie Foxx took home the honor for his role for his portrayal of Ray Charles in his biopic, 'Ray.'
