Actress Danielle Deadwyler Cites Racism, Misogynoir in Oscar Snub

Actress Danielle Deadwyler has said that misogynoir, racism, and other forms of bigotry were factors in the selection of nominees for this year’s Academy Awards.

Misogynoir is a term used to describe the intersection of misogyny and anti-Black racism, specifically directed towards Black women. The term was created by Black feminist author and activist Moya Bailey to describe the unique form of prejudice and discrimination that Black women face based on both their race and gender.

This intersectional form of oppression combines the biases and prejudices that exist against both Black men and women, creating a compounded form of discrimination and marginalization for Black women.

In short, misogynoir refers to the hatred, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards Black women that are rooted in both racist and sexist ideologies.

Racial prejudices taking over the film industry

Deadwyler, whose performance in the movie “Till” was highly regarded as deserving of consideration for best actress, did not earn a nomination despite much anticipation to the contrary.

In the same category as her, veteran actress Viola Davis, who recently featured in the historical epic “The Woman King,” was also passed over for an award.

Some people have the misconception that there is still racial prejudice in the film business because two great black actors did not get the acclaim they deserved.

Chinonye Chukwu, the director of the film “Till,” recently said in an Instagram post that “we live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women.”

“What happens to any of us anywhere in the world had better be the business of us all.” Brilliant and at times unbearable to watch. But a film everyone should see. Thank you Danielle Deadwyler thank you @KeithBeauchamp 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/93SNqamVsb

— Bob Karp (@BobKarpDR) February 7, 2023

Deadwyler agrees with Chukwu’s analysis and is of the opinion that the film business is to blame for the perpetuation of sexism as well as discrimination towards Black women.

The exclusion of Deadwyler and Davis increased the anger against actress Andrea Riseborough, who, to everyone’s surprise, was given a nomination for her portrayal in the independent drama “To Leslie.”

Inquiry into Riseborough’s Award Campaign

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences conducted an inquiry into Riseborough’s award campaign, but the nomination for her did not get revoked as a result of the probe. On the other hand, the event has prompted a discussion on the impact that factors such as money, race, prestige, and connections may have on award campaigns.

“We’re talking about people who perhaps chose not to see the film – we’re talking about misogynoir – like it comes in all kinds of ways, whether it’s direct or indirect,” said Danielle. “It impacts who we are.”

Deadwyler is of the opinion that everyone has a duty to work toward the establishment of a level playing field, to abstain from engaging in racist behavior, and to refuse to ignore the aftereffects of racism in the film business.