Cynthia Erivo ‘Saddened’ By Being Only Black Actor Nominated for Oscar

Cynthia Erivo shared that she’s disappointed other black actors were not nominated for an Oscar.

What We Know:

  • In brief, according to HuffPost, the talented actress told Roxane Gay, The Hollywood Reporter, that her nominations were a “celebration” and a “real eye-opener”. 
  • Erivo said, “It can’t just be me alone.” She added, “There’s just such good work going on, and this may sound fantastic, but I would hate for people’s work to have gone by an then for us to have looked back and gone, ‘Oh, I wish we would’ve given roses,’ when people aren’t there to actually receive them. I don’t want us to do that.”
  • The actress received nominations for her 2019 role in Harriet. Harriet followed the historic life of the heroic Harriet Tubman, and her escape from slavery. Most importantly, it highlighted Harriet’s role in liberating hundreds of others from enslavement. 
  • Furthermore, HuffPost added, Erivo posted a video of Joaquin Phoenix on Instagram. The video was of the actor addressing the issue of lack of diversity among the nominees at the British Academy of Film and Television.
  • Erivo commented: “Joaquin Phoenix giving you a word on institutional racism. Much respect.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B8GuT4fpoH7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Lastly, Erivo explained that she is not afraid of taking a political stance on the issue and that even meant considering her vulnerability after the fact. “I have a thing about injustice and fairness,” Erivo said. Moreover, she continued, “When I feel like that is being endangered, it makes the hairs prick up on my neck. I can’t help but speak up.”

Congratulations, Erivo, on being nominated, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuit to influence diversity in the Hollywood industry.