By Jacquie (Lady J) Murrell
The Oscars this year were full of slaying of the red carpet in designer gowns, strong messages of awareness, social justice, love, community, and FINALLY.... history making first ever wins in the history of the Academy.
While Angela Bassett slayed the red carpet in a gorgeous red gown by Alberta Ferretti, Regina King owned the runway in a beautifully breathtaking blue gown by Louis Vuitton and delivered an awe-inspiring speech about George Floyd. To top off the event's best dressed, Viola Davis and Mia Neal take the win for their jaw-dropping gowns, hair, shoes, and makeup as they both were "slayed to the gods." From Tyler Perry's win of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, to Daniel Kaluuya's Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "Judas and the Black Messiah," to the win of the Best Original Song, "Fight for You," by H.E.R. for "Judas and the Black Messiah" as well, and the win for Makeup and Hair Styling that went to Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson, and Sergio Lopez Rivera, for "Ma Rainey" featuring lead actress, Viola Davis, they all represented a proud moment for the African-American community and have many across the nation saying to themselves... Finally.
Tyler Perry finally received the recognition he deserves not just for his work behind the scenes but most importantly, his work, heart, and humanity off camera. Gary native, Mia Neal, made history as she and her counterpart, Jamika Wilson, became the first black women in Oscar history to win in the Makeup and Hairstyling category... Finally. Though the speeches of Tyler, Daniel, and H.E.R. carried a strong message of awareness, community, justice, and love that we all have been hearing across the nation as we try to move in a different direction concerning the African-American community and the nation as a whole, it was ultimately the statement of Mia Neil that resonated with many when she said, "And I know that one day it won't be unusual or ground breaking, it will just be normal," after speaking about the racism her grandfather endured and how her ancestors blazed the path to make that moment a reality.
So, the Oscars this year carried a strong message of never giving up because no matter how hard, how long, or how much you seem to go unrecognized, if you hold fast, in due season you shall reap a reward. To be seen, to be heard... Finally.
