Reimagining Hollywood: 5 Influential Black Films That Changed The Entertainment Industry
Courtesy of Ron Lach
For years, Hollywood has been dominated by white actors, directors, and writers. However, there have been a handful of influential black films that have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in Hollywood. In this article, we look at 5 of these movies that have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. From historical dramas to action-packed blockbusters, these films prove that black filmmakers can tell powerful stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Introduction
In recent years, the entertainment industry has been coming under fire for its lack of diversity both on and off the screen. While Hollywood has always been predominately white, the rise of social media has given a platform to people of color who are demanding to see more diverse representation in film and television. The #OscarsSoWhite movement was created in response to the Academy Awards lack of diversity, which ultimately led to changes being made within the organization.
While Hollywood is still largely dominated by white men, there have been some influential black films that have helped to change the landscape of the entertainment industry. Here are just a few examples:
1. Black Panther (2018) - Marvel Studios' Black Panther was a game-changer for Hollywood. Not only was it one of the highest-grossing films of all time, but it also featured a predominantly black cast and crew. The film grossed over $1 billion at the global box office and received critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
2. Get Out (2017) - Jordan Peele's horror film Get Out was both a commercial and critical success. It grossed over $250 million at the box office on a budget of just $4.5 million and earned Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Get Out helped to break down barriers for black filmmakers in Hollywood and proved that diverse stories can be successful financially as well as critically.
3. Moonlight (2016) - Barry Jenkins
#1: Do The Right Thing (1989)
In 1989, director Spike Lee released his third feature film, Do the Right Thing. The movie was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $27 million at the box office against its $6 million budget. Do the Right Thing is set during a hot summer day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. The story follows a group of friends and neighbors as they experience racial tension and violence.
The film was groundbreaking in its depiction of race relations in America. It featured an all-black cast, including actors such as Danny Glover, Ossie Davis, and Samuel L. Jackson. Do the Right Thing was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Spike Lee.
Do the Right Thing is considered one of the most influential black films of all time. It helped to change Hollywood's representation of black people on screen and has been cited as an inspiration by many filmmakers, including Ava DuVernay and Jordan Peele.
#2: Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Boyz n the Hood is a 1991 American coming-of-age hood drama film directed by John Singleton. The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long, and Angela Bassett. The film follows three young men in South Central Los Angeles, California, as they navigate their way through life amidst gang violence and racism.
The film was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, becoming the first African American to be nominated for the latter. Boyz n the Hood is considered a classic of both African American cinema and 1990s-American filmmaking.
#3: Malcolm X (1992)
While the film is controversial and not without its critics, Spike Lee's 1992 biopic of Malcolm X was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $48 million at the box office. The film tells the story of Malcolm X's life, from his early years in Boston to his time as a member of the Nation of Islam to his assassination in 1965.
While some have criticized the film for its portrayal of Malcolm X, others have praised it for its complex and nuanced portrayal of a complex and controversial figure. Either way, there is no doubt that Lee's film had a major impact on Hollywood and the way that black stories are told on film.
#4: Love Jones (1997)
Love Jones is a 1997 American romantic drama film written and directed by Theodore Witcher, in his feature film debut. The film stars Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington, Bill Bellamy, and Lisa Nicole Carson.
Set in Chicago's South Side, the film tells the story of a young photographer named Darius Lovehall (Tate) and his muse/girlfriend Nina Mosley (Long). After an initial falling out, the two reconnect and rekindle their relationship only to be met with new challenges.
The film was released to critical acclaim and is considered a cult classic. It was nominated for several awards including the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.
#5: Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight (2016) was one of the most influential black films of the past decade. The movie follows the story of a young black man named Chiron who is coming of age in Miami. Moonlight won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was nominated for eight more. Mahershala Ali won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
Conclusion:
We hope that this article has shown you the impact that black filmmakers and actors have had on the entertainment industry. These five films are just a few examples of how stories from black creators can make an incredible difference in Hollywood and beyond, inspiring generations to come. It's important to recognize these groundbreaking works of art for what they are: masterpieces that deserve to be celebrated above all else.
