Chadwick Boseman once shared why it'd be 'meaningful' to be honored by the Academy

The late actor is posthumously nominated for best actor at the 2021 Oscars.

April 23, 2021, 10:29 AM

There's no question Chadwick Boseman left an indelible mark on Hollywood.

The late actor, who died at the age of 43 in August after a private four-year battle with colon cancer, has been posthumously nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

During a press run in 2018 for "Black Panther," Boseman told ABC Audio the significance of being recognized by the Academy for his work.

"I think it would be -- it's meaningful any time any film is acknowledged," he said. "And any part of a film -- whether it be behind the scenes, design, director, performers -- is always meaningful to be acknowledged by the Academy."

PHOTO: Chadwick Boseman as Levee, Glynn Turman as Toldeo, Michael Potts as Slow Drag, Colman Domingo as Cutler in the 2020 film, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
Chadwick Boseman as Levee, Glynn Turman as Toldeo, Michael Potts as Slow Drag, Colman Domingo as Cutler in the 2020 film, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
David Lee/Netflix

Boseman is the seventh actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nod. If he wins, he would follow in the footsteps of Peter Finch for "Network" in 1977 and Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight" in 2009.

Boseman said "being a part of the Academy" gave him a certain understanding of just how important the Oscars race is.

"Because ... I know the caliber of people that are in there," he said. "And that actually vote and care about this this art form that we do."

Visit Oscar.com for Oscar 2021 highlights and watch Sunday, April 25, live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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