African-American movies have always stood out for their Black representation - they allow Black people to see their lived experiences playing out on the screen, which adds to their sense of identity. But that's not all. These films give insights into the African-American culture by challenging stereotypes while delving into Black history. They also feature captivating storylines that hook their audiences from the start to the end, whether exploring dramatic endings, capturing the past, or leaning on romance or comedy. Let's look at some of the best actors and films from the 19th Century till now.
Throwing It Back to the 20th Century - Down Memory Lane
There are no 19th-century films, as cinema did not exist at this time. But as soon as it gained its footing, African-Americans were eager to tell their story to the world, which led to the making of movies such as the following:
The Homesteader
In 1919, Oscar Micheaux and his wonderful team worked on a film that would change Black history for good. In it, they succeeded in two things. First, they addressed the racial issues that were prevalent in society and how they were holding people back. Secondly, they countered the prevalent stereotypes in the current films, thus allowing Black people to have a say in this widespread messaging. Given that this was a feature film where an African American was in charge of the story, the message appealed to the Black community, who finally felt like they were heard and seen.
Within Our Gates
Soon after The Homesteader had set the pace for unique storytelling, Oscar Micheaux was at it again. In 1920, he released another film, which was a response to "The Birth of a Nation" by Griffith. Micheaux did not hold back in highlighting the struggles that the Black community was facing. He emphasized societal ills such as injustice and racial violence, spelling out just how much the system had been stacked against a community that was trying to fit into society.
Body and Soul
Anyone who delves into the making of the African-American film industry sets their eyes on this film, which dates back to 1925. Micheaux was at it again, highlighting the African American experience in a way Black people could relate. The film focused on pertinent issues such as ethics, morality, and religion, showing how people sometimes struggled to find their way in society while trying to hold on to their values.
These films shone a much-needed light on the African American lived experiences, enabling Black people to relate to what they saw on screens and setting the pace for what would soon be one of the biggest film industries in the world.
Best Actors in this Period
A story is only as believable as the actors on the screen. Luckily, the following actors paved the way for great storytelling skills in the 20th Century:
- Bert Williams. People loved Bert for his comedic effect, which added a humorous twist to his storylines. His role in "Natural Born Gambler" was especially praised.
- Oscar Micheaux. Having directed some of the top films of the Century, it's unsurprising that Oscar also acted in some of the movies, where he brought out the characters' lived experiences in captivating performances.
- Paul Robeson. Not only was Paul an active civil rights activist, but he was also an amazing actor who was known for his emotional performances that would tug at people's heartstrings.
These (and many other) actors challenged the barriers to the film industry while advocating for social changes, thus changing the entertainment landscape in favor of upcoming Black actors.
Welcoming the 21st Century - Actors Shining in the Modern Age
Lights, camera, action! By the time the 21st Century started, African-American movies had gained such a huge following that they had created a sustainable industry. Below are the films that stood out the most in this era:
Black Panther
"Wakanda" was a kingdom that appealed to black people everywhere when this movie came out in 2018. The film follows a king who is desperately trying to secure the future of his nation by addressing the threats to his crown. The ode to African culture was a huge selling point as Black people all over the world were quick to flock to cinemas and watch the action play out in this mythical African kingdom where the cast was mainly Black.
Selma
Everyone knows that voting rights were not always a given for the Black community. This movie, released in 2014, follows the struggles of the civil rights leaders who worked day and night to make this a reality. By focusing on actual people, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the story captures the audience's emotions, taking them through a time when everything hinged on the success of peaceful protests.
Hidden Figures
It's no secret that history is not always accurate and that some facts remain hidden from the general public. In a quest to shed light on the contributions the Black community has made to the world, this 2016 film takes the audience through the journey of three African American female mathematicians working at NASA. It details how impactful they were to the space race, highlighting the effect of secrecy in the media and motivating young girls to be part of the change.
Top Actors in this Era
As cinema has grown, so has the talent pool. But the following actors have had the most successful storytelling stints so far:
- Viola Davis. "How to Get Away with Murder" comes up whenever the name Viola comes up. But this award-winning actress has also featured in starring roles in various films where her powerful performances have stolen the show.
- Denzel Washington. Many people know him for his commanding presence and intriguing performances that lend depth to any film. It's no wonder he is one of the top actors in Hollywood, having been in the industry for over forty years.
- Morgan Freeman. His voice alone is enough to inspire awe in the audience. But that's not all he has to offer. He's also known for his ability to take on any character and bring out all their traits, often leaning towards a dignified quietness that exudes wisdom.
Many other actors have won awards in the industry, but few have come close to these iconic figures.
Conclusion
The African-American film industry has come a long way, thanks to contributions by actors who were willing to push beyond societal stereotypes and tell the actual story behind their lived experiences. Thanks to them, the African-American community now has a repertoire of resources that they can rely on for their sense of identity.