We finally made it to 2021, however, I must say that I have watched more movies and television series during COVID than ever.

Streaming channels such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others have made it very convenient for families and people who never made the time or had the funds to go to the movie theaters to see shows they never would have. For example, how many people would have been able to afford to see the Broadway show HAMILTON at the theater? Tickets can cost as much as a car note.  Even though seeing it on television or a laptop does not take the place of seeing it in the flesh, more people are reached.

The award season is coming up and there are so many shows of color that should be in the running.  A few of my choices are: 

 Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Based on August Wilson’s play of the same name and produced by Denzel Washington, this film is interesting, exciting, and so well done.  Having seen the play on stage director George C. Wolf did a fantastic job of bringing the feeling that you, the audience, are a part of the scenes on the screen.  The setting is one day in a Chicago recording studio where Ma Rainey is recording an album. Viola Davis is amazing as Ma Rainey.  Maxayn Lewis did most of the singing for the role but Viola Davis sold it.   Chadwick Boseman’s performance was untouchable. His death was a shock to all; however, his performance stands on its own.  He learned to play the trumpet so he would have the look just right.  I am positive he will be nominated as Best Actor in all the upcoming award shows.

I predict:

Best Film – Denzel Washington – Producer

Best Actor – Chadwick Boseman as Leevee

Best Actress – Viola Davis as Ma Rainey

Best Costume – Ann Roth

Bridgerton  

Bridgerton, produced by Shonda Rhimes and created by Chris Van Dusen is a Netflix period drama series based on Julia Quinn’s novels and based around the Bridgerton Family. It is set in Regency London high society where Queen Charlotte rules, and there are Dukes and Lords, Lady’s, and debutantes.  The series is beautifully written and watching those of African descent with titles as high or higher than the European aristocrats is quite interesting, especially seeing that Queen Charlotte is of mixed race. However, it is not lost that those of color were not always accepted or had titles.

Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury is a standout with her sassy ways and knowing looks. When she is on screen all focus goes to her.  Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings is the perfect leading man. He is handsome, an amazing actor, and brings to life the plight and emotions of the young Duke.

I predict:

Best Drama Streaming Series – Shonda Rhimes

Best Supporting Actress – Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury,

Best Supporting Actor – Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.

Best Costumes – costume designer Ellen Mirojnick,

 Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey 

To be honest I am not sure if this is going to be classified as animation or regular film as it is a mixture of both.  It is a fun whimsical film full of magic, adventure, and love. I can visualize this as a live Broadway stage production.  Forest Whitaker is one of my favorite actors, but I did not know he could sing.  He has a beautiful voice.  Writer-Director David E. Talbert brought this fantasy story to life.  Madalen Mills makes her debut in this film and steals the show. This film warmed my heart.

I predict: 

Best Supporting Actress – Madalen Mills as Journey

Best Actor – Forest Whitaker as Jeronicus

Best Supporting Actor – Keegan-Michael Key,

Best Original Song – Square Root of Possible” performed by Madalen Mills, Produced by Davy Nathan, Harvey Mason Jr. & Philip Lawrence

Best Costumes – Michael Wilkinson

SOUL  

This is a cute story about Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a teacher who dreams of being a jazz performer. He finally gets his chance when he falls through a manhole and is headed for the “Great Beyond.” As he tries to run away, he falls into the “Great Before” which is where new souls are assigned the personalities that make them who they are on earth.

SOUL is an impactful story that is deeper than one may think, depending on the age of the soul that is watching.  It had a very profound effect on me.   The story, artwork, animation, voices, and music are bright, colorful, and just fantastic.

I predict:

Best Animated Film

    Sylvie’s Love

Sylvie’s Love takes place in 1950’s Harlem when a young man walks into a record store and falls in love with the store owner’s daughter. He is an aspiring jazz saxophonist, and she is engaged to a high society young man.  Of course, things happen, and they are parted but meet up again in the ’60s.  It is a true romantic love story that many people do not think or believe happens to people of color.  Tessa Thompson is open and loving in the role of Sylvie. Nnamdi Asomugha as Robert is the romantic man girls dream of.

I predict:

Best Actress – Tessa Thompson

Best Actor – Nnamdi Asomugha

Best Costumes – Phoenix Mellow

There are so many more that should be mentioned.  As we get closer to the award shows we will have a lot to discuss.  I would love to hear from you who you think should be nominated and why.  Email me at [email protected].

Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!