2021 Oscars Recognize People Of Color With Historic Wins

2021 Oscars Recognize People Of Color With Historic Wins

The 93rd Annual Oscars recognized various people of color through historic wins last night (April 25th).

The Academy Awards have long been known for their exclusivity regarding the recognition of nonwhite creatives’ film-based contributions, bringing about the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag back in early 2016. However, it was a different story this year, as historic strides were made in the name equitably recognizing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) talent and contributions to entertainment.

Among the notable winners from last night’s Oscars is Nomadland director Chloé Zhao, who is the first woman of color to win in the Best Director category and the second Asian woman to win Best Picture.

Ma Rainey‘s Black Bottom also won within the Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling categories. The latter win made stylists Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson the first Black winners within the category. Speaking on their history-making win, Mia Neal commented:

“I stand here, as Jamika and I break this glass ceiling, with so much excitement for the future”

She continued,

“Because I can picture Black trans women standing up here, and Asian sisters, and our Latina sisters, and indigenous women, and I know that one day it won’t be unusual or groundbreaking, it will just be normal.”

Staying on the subject of historic wins, Two Distant Strangers won the title of Best Live-Action Short Film, making co-director Travon Free the first Black winner in the category.

Daniel Kaluuya and Yuh-Jung Youn also won Oscars for their supporting roles in Judas and the Black Messiah and Minari, respectively.

Additionally, Judas and the Black Messiah won in the Best Original Song category for H.E.R.’s “Fight for You.”

Finally, the popular Disney movie Soul took home the award for Best Animated Feature Film and Original Score.

What are your thoughts on last night’s Academy Awards winners? Comment down below to let us know!