What Oscar Gold Means for Black Nominees
March 18 -- When Sidney Poitier won the Oscar for Lilies of the Field in 1964, it was the first time an African-American had won an Academy Award in the Best Actor or Best Actress categories.
It was also the last time.
In the 74-year history of the Academy Awards, Poitier is the only black actor to have won an award for a leading role. This year, however, no fewer than three black actors are nominated in the Best Actor categories: Denzel Washington in Training Day, Halle Berry in Monster's Ball and Will Smith in Ali.
Smith says the cliché is true: It really is an honor just to be nominated. "The Oscar is one of those awards where the nomination really is big enough, " he told ABCNEWS. "Just being nominated for an Oscar, you have 'Oscar nominee Will Smith,' you know?"
Asked whether he is aware of a change in Hollywood, with black actors getting more Oscar-worthy roles, Smith mentioned a telephone call he made to Washington on the morning they were nominated. "I called Denzel, you know, it's a really weird camaraderie thing," he said. "I actually feel like I have two chances to win, you know? That's how I feel. If Denzel wins, I feel like I won, too."
Five black actors have won Oscars for supporting roles: Hattie McDaniel for her role in Gone With the Wind (1940), Louis Gossett Jr. in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Washington in Glory (1989), Whoopi Goldberg in Ghost (1990) and Cuba Gooding Jr. in Jerry Maguire (1996). James Baskett received an honorary award in 1948 for playing Uncle Remus in Song of the South.
The last time three black actors were nominated for leading role awards in the same year was 1972, when Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson got the nod for Sounder, and Diana Ross for Lady Sings the Blues.
Win or Lose
Smith said that just hearing his name announced for the nomination was an unforgettable moment, and that whether he wins the award or not, he expects a dramatic reaction either way.
"It's just one of those things that it's actually better than winning or losing. If you lose the Oscar, then people say, 'Aw! God, he didn't get it!' And if you win, then they expect something from you from that point," he said, adding, "I just wish the awards would never come."
