From CSMonitor
This year, Africans and members of the African Diaspora across the globe have more of a reason to follow Hollywood film awards than any other year.
In the past, when Africans watched the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards or the Academy Awards – they hardly saw African faces, much less African nominees.
Africa itself was often represented by non-Africans. It seemed the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood runway was not a space for Africans. In an industry where there are already limited roles for minorities, African immigrants, children of African immigrants and Africans faced big challenges in finding roles that highlighted their talent.
In recent years, advances in the African film industry have been noted. Africa now has large film industries such as Nollywood, many awards, and being an actor or actress is a more viable career choice then in the past. Now, Africa is also making its mark on Hollywood.
Africa has its own film industry awards and should not be seeking validation from the global North on its top talent. The African Movie Academy Awards have made a large and lasting impact on the continent. They are in their 10th year. Yet Hollywood is a tough and competitive space for any foreigners, much less Africans, to gain visibility. So it is important when Africans in the diaspora make headway in the American movie industry.
And therefore the presence of Africa and the African diaspora at the Golden Globe Awards show on Sunday, is to be celebrated.
Africa was represented by films set on the continent and by actors and actresses directly connected to the continent.
And it is starting to be the year for Africa in Hollywood.
Written by Sitinga Kachipande | Read more at CSMonitor