Oscars 2014

CONGRATULATIONS to 12 Years a Slave for winning BEST PICTURE at the Academy Awards this weekend. And with that, history has been made. 12 Years a Slave becomes the first film with a black director to ever winner this top award as well as the first “black film” (black director, black screenwriter, majority black cast) to do so as well. I still can’t believe that I was in a room with Steve McQueen some months back at the New York Film Festival, patted him on the back, exchanged smiles with him, and heard him speak on this incredible film. 12 Years a Slave topped my Best in Film 2013 list so of course I agree wholeheartedly with the Academy.

I’m also so so full of joy in regards to the winners in the acting categories this year. These were people that I have loved and supported throughout this year’s award season. Matthew McConaughey (best actor) who has come back to us in terms of his acting; the man who was such a powerful contender in the 90s but had lost his way a bit in recent years. Cate Blanchett (best actress) who is always so elegant and graceful in all that she does. Jared Leto (best supporting actor) who did so much more than just put on a dress and some makeup but who became the living and breathing soul of his film; he is truly an artist as not only has he always been a great actor but also an incredible singer. And Lupita N’yongo (best supporting actress) who is my new inspiration, my new girl crush, and my overall standard for all that is beautiful in being a thoughtful, intelligent black woman. Congrats to all.

—> See the whole list of winners here. Gravity took home the most awards.
—> Watch all the speeches here. Lupita’s made me (and everyone else) cry!