The Academy Awards have no problem honoring historical dramas, period pieces or scripts “based on a true story,” but has such admiration for these themes ever extended itself to films starring Black actors talking about “Black issues,” helmed by Black auteurs?

When the 2015 nominations were announced, Selma was disappointingly absent from categories outside of Best Picture and Best Original Song. The snub inspired the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. The prestigious ceremony was accused of being out of touch and flippant in their blatant omission of one of this year’s most remarkable films that portrays one the most significant eras and icons in history. The Selma blackout prompted a discussion: does the Academy only honor the Black experience when told through the interpretation of White filmmakers? There’s been a negligence on their part in not recognizing the next generation of modern-day Black narratives.

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