The Golden Globe nominations have been released and many of the season’s nominees are reacting to the list that includes several African-American film and TV roles.
Many of today’s most popular Black actors were on the list this year including Kerry Washington, Idris Elba and Lupita Nyong’o.
Washington’s nomination came as no surprise as the hit series “Scandal” took over TV screens all across the nation.
“I’m enormously grateful to the Hollywood Foreign Press for this honor,” Washington said. “It’s humbling to be nominated alongside such talented and hard-working women whose work inspires me.”
While Washington focused on how grateful she was, her fans were upset that “Scandal” hadn’t earned even more nominations.
“Scandal” is absent from the “Best TV Series (Drama)” nomination list and none of the supporting actors received a nomination for their roles on the show.
“752. 752. 752… No nom for huck? Blasphemy,” one tweet read.
“Yassssss Joe Morton! Snapped on the Prez,” another tweet read. “How u like em now HFPA?”
“YOU ARE A LITTLE – BOY!” another tweet read. “Papa pope is amazing. Sum1 tell the golden globes.”
The Nelson Mandela biopic, on the other hand, earned three nominations. Two of them were for the film’s spectacular music and the third was for Elba’s performance as Mandela.
“I’m truly humbled and honored to be acknowledged for two projects that, though very different from one another, are both extremely personal and special to me,” Elba said as he also referenced his nomination for his role in the mini-series “Luther.” “Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press for your support, and I would also like to give a special thank you to Mr. Mandela, who will be forever missed.”
“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” was yet another film that some people felt didn’t receive all the nominations it deserved.
“No supporting actress nom for Winnie,” one user tweeted. “Rlly? Like no, really?”
The tweet was referencing actress Naomie Harris’s role as Nelson Mandela’s wife, Winnie, in the biopic that has already earned much love and respect from big names across the globe, including the president of the United States.
President Obama admitted that the film was so touching that he may have shed a tear or two while watching the emotional piece.
It was a big year for biopic films as “12 Years a Slave” received quite a bit of recognition with six nominations.
The film is based on the life of Solomon Northup who was born as a free man and kidnapped into slavery in the 1840s.
“12 Years a Slave” earned Lupita Nyong’o a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actress in a drama.
“I can’t express the excitement I felt hearing my name called while listening to the nominations from Paris this afternoon,” she said. “I screamed and the tears started immediately; I was so overhwhelmed!”
She went on to express how happy she was for her cast mates and the crew, who also earned nominations.
Michael Fassbender received a nomination for best supporting actor in a drama and Steve McQueen received a nomination for best director.
“Thank you very much to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for acknowledging our efforts in making ’12 Years a Slave,’ “ McQueen said. “I am delighted for my cast and crew who worked so hard on this film to shine a light on a forgotten American hero, Solomon Northup.”
This year’s Golden Globe nomination list serves as a reminder of the gradual growth of African-American lead roles in both film and television.
Washington’s nomination is giving recognition to one of the most popular African-American women to ever play a lead TV role without an all African- American cast.
She has graced several major magazine covers including “Lucky” and “Vanity Fair” since she snagged the major leading role.
Elba was a 2013 favorite and with several projects under his belt and it’s likely that he will be all over the next Golden Globe nominations list as well.
The success of films and TV series with African-American lead actors may very well open the door for more Black stars to get the breakthrough roles they have long been waiting for.
