African Americans in Cinema: In Honor of Black History Month

When asked who Will Smith, Eddie Murphy or Whoopi Goldberg are, most people, especially those born in the last few decades, would be able to easily put name to face. Talented actors like Jamie Foxx and Denzel Washington have garnered Oscars for their lead-role performances in high budget films, and influential directors like Spike Lee have received much praise for their thought-provoking movies. It seems almost unfathomable that only 60 years ago African-Americans were still subjected to playing stereotypical roles that bore no merit on their acting ability, but only on the color of their skin.

In the earlier part of the 20th century, civil rights seemed like an impossible goal, and the silver screen was almost exclusively white. In very early films like The Birth of a Nation, all of the black characters were played by white actors in blackface. African-Americans played unappealing, cliché side-characters that only worked to strengthen cruel stereotypes.

By the late '50s and early '60s, when the civil rights movement was in full swing, African-Americans began starring in films that explored the depths of their acting abilities and painted them in an alluring light. Sidney Poitier was the most prominent actor of his time and perhaps one of the most influential African-American artists ever. He could play a plethora of roles, and had a radiating and strong demeanor in his performances. He starred in numerous films that explored race relations like The Defiant Ones and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. In 1964, Sidney Poitier achieved what no other African-American artist ever had, by becoming the first black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Now countless African-American actors and actresses like James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg and Halle Berry have all been recognized for their body of work, and their acting abilities. Even black filmmakers like Oscar nominee Spike Lee, have been given credit where credit is due. Lee's films often explore topics of urban crime, poverty and many other political issues. His movies bear a distinctive style because of the strong character interaction and development within the films.

African-Americans have taken leaps and strides in the film industry. What is admirable now is that these talented men and women are recognized for their reputable achievements in the cinema business not for being black, but for their skill in their own craft. In honor of Black History Month, we would like to pay tribute to the countless, brilliant men and women who have helped shape the film industry and continue to entertain audiences with their work.