Diversity for sure was at the SAG and Sundance Awards this weekend. Forget the Oscars! Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba, Viola Davis and Idris Elba were all able to receive awards for their accomplishments Saturday. “The Birth of a Nation,” is a drama about Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. This film was for sure the talk of the Sundance Awards as Nate Parker received recognition for his part in the film.
The two award ceremonies stepped outside of the box and gave credit where it was due, despite all the negative energy floating around about inequality in the movie business and also nominations. Idris Elba announced,
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to diverse TV.”
As Nate Parker took to the stage, he said,
“Thank you, Sundance, for creating a platform for us to grow, in spite of what the rest of Hollywood is doing,”
Queen Latifah won an award for her role in the movie, “Bessie.” She gave a moving speech saying,
“I hope that anyone out there who does not come in the package that people say you should, keep fighting for it. Hopefully our business will continue to supply the demand that people are asking for. The people want it. Give it to the people.”
Uzo Aduba won an award for best actress in Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black.” She gave credit to the creator of the show for creating “a show that reflects and represents so many people.”
Viola Davis who won an award for TV hit show “How to Get Away With Murder,” won another award. She reminded the audience that “diversity is not a trending topic.” She said,
“All of the actors of color I know don’t place any limitations on themselves,” said Davis. “So regardless what is going on with the academy, what is going on with Hollywood, they will find a way to be excellent. We always have and we always will.”
Source: Nola
