Despite Black culture being an indispensable force that moves global culture, many mainstream groups tend to overlook Black talent in all its glory.
Luckily, ceremonies help recognize work that might be passed over if it were up to the gatekeepers of Hollywood.
One of our favorite awards shows is striking back in 2019 with their 50th ceremony set to air live on TV One on March 30. Until the big day arrives, hit the next pages to peep instances in which they got it right with their nominations, while your some of our other favorite awards shows got it wrong.
Beyoncé wins Outstanding Album for Lemonade (2017)
She loses Album of the Year Grammy to Adele
Many of you might recall the baffling moment Beyoncé went home with zero of the Big Three awards at the 59th Grammy Awards. Not only did she lose in the Song of the Year and Record of the Year categories, but the gramophone folks couldn’t even throw her an award for Album of the Year!
Luckily, Bey got something with her win for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Music Video. But with Lemonade being one of the most culturally impactful and juicy releases of 2016, these wins seem like little gold stars in comparison to what the project deserves.
Luckily, someone was there to right a wrong.
Denzel Washington wins for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Flight (2013)
He loses Best Actor Academy Award to Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln
Let’s face it, there are many movies Denzel could’ve earned an Oscar for, but ultimately the Academy Awards went with the 2001 flick Training Day.
Despite a great performance from Denzel in the movie, one can argue it was lacking the emotional vulnerability that’s always refreshing to watch from a male actor. With Flight, Denzel gave it his all as an alcoholic pilot, churning out one of the most dynamic performances of his career.
Oscar, right?
Wrong.
Denzel lost to Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln. The man already had two Oscars beforehand. They could’ve slid that gold to Denzel!
Keke Palmer wins for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for Akeelah & The Bee (2007)
Palmer receives no Academy Award nomination
Every now and then, the Academy recognizes an actor below the age of 21 for their undeniable electricity on screen. But when recognizing movies from 2006, the Academy completely dropped the ball when they passed over Keke Palmer’s moving performance in Akeelah & The Bee. Along with an inspiring story, Keke brought depth, nuance and dynamic emotions to a young scholar from South L.A….all at the tender age of 12.
Mariah Carey wins for Outstanding Album for The Emancipation of Mimi (2006)
She loses an Album of the Year Grammy to U2
The competition was tough in 2005 when Mariah released The Emancipation of Mimi.Kanye West destroyed the idea of a sophomore slump with Late Registration and Mary J. Blige proved she could still sing about the pains of love with The Breakthrough.
But no one had a bigger comeback like Mimi with Emancipation. The seasoned singer went from a bunch of lukewarm releases in prior years to a smash single and lush sounds on her tenth studio album.
Easily album of the year.
Unfortunately, Mimi couldn’t escape the shadows of the massive band U2 at the 48th Grammy Awards.
Tiffany Haddish wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Girls Trip (2018)
She receives zero Academy Awards nominations
There’s no question that Girls Trip was Tiffany Haddish‘s breakout role. With a mixture of slapstick comedy and her own personable charm, the flick just wouldn’t be the same without her talent.
You’d think her memorable performances would make the Academy give her an Oscar nomination.
But nope.
Luckily, someone showed her love when she rightfully deserved it.
Regina King wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for Ray (2005)
She receives zero Academy Awards nominations
It seems like just recently the mainstream awards circuit has realized the jewel that is Regina King.
But many Black spaces already knew the deal, especially when she gave a gut-wrenching performance in 2004’s Ray.
A mistress never felt so relatable and raw.
Queen Sugar wins for Outstanding Drama Series (2017)
The show has yet to receive any Primetime Emmy Award nominations
It’s absolutely criminal how much this OWN show doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. With strong performances, subtle direction and deep dives into topics impacting Black families of the South, the show has achieved amazing work in television. Add in Ava DuVernay‘s push to hire all women directors, and you have the recipe for a groundbreaking show.
The Emmys have yet to acknowledge this though, considering three seasons of the show have received zero nominations.
