For decades, Black people have used art as a means of expression.
One of the most exhilarating mediums is film and television, which allows writers, actors, and the audience to embed themselves in the Black experience.
From The Jeffersons, Living Colors, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and some historical films like The Color Purple, there are plenty of options available now if you’re looking to immerse yourself in authentic Black art.
2024 saw multiple Black-led films in the movie industry.
Films like “The Piano Lesson,” The Kitchen, Challengers, The Deliverance, Shirley,” “The Fire Inside,” Bob Marley: One Love, and “Exhibiting Forgiveness”
These films weren’t just on our watchlist but made themselves known as critically acclaimed features belonging to the Oscars conversation.
Now Hollywood is said to have grown to welcome diverse storytelling and has allowed the streaming world to have even more shows and films for movie lovers to enjoy.
However, only a handful were named among the 97th Academy Awards nominations on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Below are some Black-led films of 2024 that were hoped to have been announced as nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards, which will be hosted by Conan O’Brien on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. E.T. on ABC and will also stream on Hulu.
“Exhibiting Forgiveness” – André Holland
Terell, played by André Holland, is on the path to success but is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron, played by John Earl Jelks, a recovering addict desperate to reconcile.
This film questions audiences on what it means to examine, and ultimately, let go of a heavy past.
“Rob Peace”
The film is centered around Academic Rob Peace, played by Jay Will, who seeks a life out of the shadow of his incarcerated father, Skeet, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is accused of murder through higher education at Yale University.
“Shirley” – Regina King
Netflix’s Shirley is an intimate portrayal of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for United States president, played by Academy Award winner Regina King.
The Fire Inside”
The film is about the early boxing career of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, a fighter from Flint, Michigan, including her competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Shields is played by Ryan Destiny, who embodies the character’s sheer courage as a two-time Olympic gold medalist boxing champion.
“Nickel Boys”
The “Nickel Boys” is the first theatrical film by director RaMell Ross.
This film was hoped to be in the Oscar conversation for Best Director and Best Cinematography but made it to the Best Adapted Screenplay nomination list.
Based on Colson Whitehead’s historical fiction novel “The Nickel Boys,” the experimental drama vulnerably depicts characters Elwood Curtis, played by Ethan Herisse, and Jack Turner, played by Brandon Wilson, fighting to survive at the segregated reform school Nickel Academy.
“The Piano Lesson”
This film is based on the August Wilson play of the same name, “The Piano Lesson,” which explores the struggle between siblings Berniece, played by Danielle Deadwyler, and Boy Willie Charles, played by John David Washington, over their inherited carved wooden piano.
Movie lovers hoped that Deadwyler would see a Best Actress nomination along with the film getting a Best Adapted Screenplay nod.
“The Supremes All-You-Can-Eat”
Based on the Edward Kelsey Moore novel of the same name, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” follows three lifelong friends, Odette, Barbara Jean, and Clarice, who recount the challenges of sisterhood when their friendship nearly reaches a breaking point.
2024 was a good year for Ellis-Taylor, and she is said to deserve a nod for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress. She also appeared in “Nickel Boys” and “Exhibiting Forgiveness.”
“Sing Sing”
This film is centered around John “Divine G” Whitfield, played by Colman Domingo, who was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit and finds purpose in “Sing Sing” by acting in a theater group with other incarcerated
“Hard Truths”
The film is based on Pansy Deacon, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, a woman tormented by anger and depression, who’s forced to come to grips with her depression and how it impacts those around her.
This London-set drama has a relatable depiction of Black women from all walks of life.
While “Hard Truths” should have been up for Best International Feature, Jean-Baptiste should have had a Best Actress nomination.