Black Oscars: From Mammy to Minny, What the Academy Awards Tell Us about African Americans

The book explores the legacy of Black actors nominated for Academy Awards, tracing historical trends and examining how race relations have changed over time. It sheds light on the Oscars' role in shaping perceptions of race in mainstream Hollywood and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In his book, "Black Oscars: From Mammy to Minny," Frederick W. Gooding Jr. delves into the complex legacy of the Academy Awards in recognizing Black actors. Drawing from a wealth of American, African American, and film history, Gooding Jr. explores how the Oscars have acknowledged Black performers from the inception of the awards to the present day. The book is divided into chapters, each providing a comprehensive overview and analysis of Black actors nominated for Hollywood roles during each decade. Special attention is given to the winners, shedding light on historical patterns and examining whether race relations have truly improved or merely superficially changed over time. Given the Oscars' immense presence and popularity, the book raises important questions about what these awards reflect and reinforce about larger society. "Black Oscars" serves as a valuable resource for understanding race in mainstream Hollywood and beyond, offering a meticulously researched perspective on the Academy Awards' role in shaping cinematic representation.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538175682