Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony-Award (EGOT) winner Whoopi Goldberg shines as the cover star for Variety’s pre-Oscar issue. In a Zoom call with writer Angelique Jackson, Goldberg reminisces on her first Oscar win in 1991 for Best Supporting Actress in Ghost. She proceeds to discuss all her accomplishments after the win.
What We Know:
- In the discussion, Goldberg watched a clip from that year’s Academy Awards in which Denzel Washington hands her the award, and “breaks into a smile”. Goldberg listened intently to her acceptance speech and shared her takeaways. Some of them include how she felt about her outfit that night.
“I looked really good… My hair was cool. My dress was cute,” she said.
- Goldberg recounted how her legendary award almost did not occur. Jerry Zucker, the film’s director, was uncertain about casting a comedian for the role of Oda Mae. Goldberg also claimed every Black woman in Hollywood, including Tina Turner and Patti Labelle, were considered. However, Patrick Swayze, the protagonist, demanded she received the casting. Swayze and Zucker even flew to Alabama, where she was filming The Long Walk Home with Sissy Spacek, so she could read with Swayze. Zucker was taken aback by their chemistry and selected her for the movie. She even contributed to the memorability of the movie. During the first table read, Goldberg suggested new lines, including the famous line “Molly, you in danger, girl.“
- Goldberg added she and Zucker didn’t imagine Ghost would be such a success. She stated they “weren’t sure what the hell” they were shooting. The film received five nominations: Best Supporting Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture.
- She mentioned her 1991 win was historic not only for her but also for Black people. That March night, she became the first Black woman to receive an Oscar in 50 years. Hattie McDaniel became the first Black person to win an Academy Award in any category in 1940. Like Goldberg, McDaniel won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Gone with the Wind. After McDaniel’s win and before Goldberg’s, only three Black people won Oscars: Sidney Poitier in 1964 for Best Actor in Lilies of the Field, Louis Gossett Jr. in 1983 for Best Supporting Actor in An Officer and a Gentleman, and Denzel Washington in 1990 for Best Actor in Glory.
- Goldberg also discussed another groundbreaking moment for her in the interview, hosting the 2002 Oscars. She felt honored to be the host when Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win Best Actress.
“It was kind of wonderful… I had a little tear in my eye, because I always wished it would be me. But you can’t always get what you want; sometimes you get what you need,” she declared.
- Furthermore, Goldberg talked about Elizabeth Taylor’s mentorship. She recollected that Taylor gave her important advice on navigating Hollywood. Some of these included asking the studio for a present when signing on for a film. Additionally, Taylor told her it would be harder for folks to believe Goldberg could do anything because of her skin color. Taylor added that it would be “up and down”. She reminded Goldberg to “have a way to see where you were,” so she could be motivated during tough times. Goldberg took those words to heart and bought artwork for her “mile markers”.
- Goldberg now has a similar relationship with Tiffany Haddish. The Girls Trip actress saw Goldberg as an idol after watching Jumpin’ Jack Flash in 1986. Goldberg and Haddish became close after Haddish appeared on The View in 2017. Afterward, they starred as a mother-daughter duo in Tyler Perry’s Nobody’s Fool. Haddish is appreciative of her conversations with Goldberg. She says the best advice she ever received from the legend was to “listen and know your worth. And don’t be afraid to say no or walk away.” Haddish uses her friendship as motivation to improve her talent and eventually make it into the EGOT club.
- In addition, the interview reveals some of Goldberg’s next steps. The actress is currently writing a script for a superhero film about an older Black woman. She will also reprise the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the Disney Plus movie Sister Act 3. Variety mentions more roles in the article.
- Moreover, Goldberg serves on the Motion Picture Academy Board of Governors. It seems she may have impacted the diversity of nominations. At the 2021 Oscars, nine of the twenty acting nominees were people of color. This means all four acting categories could be won by a person of color.
The article wraps up by stating her trophies are milestones of her career. Jackson emphasizes that Goldberg’s legacy is not defined by the number of awards she’s gathered in her four-decade career. Goldberg told Jackson she is most proud of not fading away. The legendary actress says she’s still present and being authentically herself.
