Did you know that this year was the first year a Black man produced the Oscars Academy Awards? Or that the 2022 Oscars was the first time an all-black production oversaw production? I am sure the entire world has heard about what happened at the Oscars between Will Smith and Chris Rock. This has been the ONLY thing being talked about since that night and as I am, I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about it, especially starting that so many other remarkable things happened. There were many first and major milestones that were made by Black talent yet, no light is being shed on that.
Here is what happened at the Oscars 2022:
- Will Packer and Shayla Cowan, two African Americans produced the prestige award show, making it the first time in history the Oscars was produced by African Americans. The production staff was all Black, which has now opened the door for Black creatives and producers, as this is a space we not welcomed to once a point of time.
- Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall, where two of the three lady host during the Oscars.
- This year had the largest number of Black presenters as well.
- Arianna DeBose was the first Black queer woman to win an Academy award for Best Supporting Actress for West Side Story.
- Will Smith also won his first Oscar for the film, King Richard.
While the night was overshadowed by violence and high running emotions let us not forget all that happened that night for the culture and that is what should truly be celebrated.