Yes, it is 2018 and we are still celebrating black/African-American firsts in Hollywood.
On Sunday, March 4, actor, director, filmmaker Jordan Peele made history in becoming the first African American to win the Academy Award for best original screenplay for his directorial debut, “Get Out.”
“I stopped writing this movie about 20 times because I thought it was impossible,” Peele said during his acceptance speech, as an audience of his peers greeted him with applause. “I thought it wasn’t going to work. I thought no one would ever make this movie. I kept coming back to it because I knew if someone let me make this movie, people would hear it and people would see it.”
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As he continued to express his gratitude for the award, he thanked those who gave him a voice and helped catapult the film to success.
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“Everybody who bought a ticket, told somebody to buy a ticket – thank you,” he said. “I love you for shouting out at the theater, for shouting out at the screen. I love all, thank you so much goodnight.”
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The film made its waves upon its release, from a $5 million budget to a $260 million box office hit. Peele shined the light on the horrors of racism and was nominated for best director and best picture, as a result. One out of three isn’t half bad.
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Congratulations to Peele.
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