Octavia Spencer Wins at The Oscars!

Congratulations to Octavia Spencer for taking home the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role for The Help. The film sparked controversy and has been under fire since its release. Many in the black community have been upset about the stereotyped depiction of black women. The fact the story was written by a white woman, and told from the perspective of the white protagonist, who essentially serves as the “white savior”, has also fanned the flames. However, regardless of the politics behind the film, and Hollywood’s inept understanding of the black experience and how to portray it in its variety Spencer gave an impeccable performance (as did Viola Davis!), and deserves every honor of recognition.

I appreciate the strength and class of Spencer, and how she’s handled being the center of controversy surrounding this film. She has not only had to answer to the media, but according to her own reports, navigate personal attacks from the black community. And from what I’ve seen, she has done that with poise while remaining unapologetic about their choices. And that is what being a black woman, at times in this country, is all about; holding your head high while walking in your own destiny regardless of who “gets it”, or is on your team.

Outside of the controversy surrounding The Help, I do hope (even though it may be naïve), that Spencer’s success will translate into more black women getting their time on the big screen. (And I venture to guess that this is just the beginning for both Spencer and Davis, who I predict will be holding her own golden statue before long.) And I hope we will get more films that feature diverse depictions of the black experience. Because yes, we helped build this country, but we also live, love and dream in it like everybody else.

Just as black maids in the 60’s paved the way for future generations of black women to have more options, I chose to believe that Spencer has widened the path for more black actresses to get more opportunities to tell our stories; the good the bad and the beautiful.

Well done Ms. Spencer! Well done. We love you!