How many POC have won Best Actress? This question has sparked a significant conversation in the entertainment industry, highlighting the representation and recognition of people of color (POC) in Hollywood. Over the years, the number of POC winning the prestigious Best Actress award has increased, but there is still a long way to go in achieving true diversity and equality.
The first POC to win the Best Actress Oscar was Hattie McDaniel in 1940 for her role in “Gone with the Wind.” Since then, several talented actresses have made history by taking home the coveted award. In 2014, Cate Blanchett became the first Australian actress to win the award for her role in “Blue Jasmine.” However, it wasn’t until 2015 that the conversation around POC representation in the Best Actress category gained traction.
In 2015, two POC actresses were nominated for Best Actress: Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Revenant” co-star, Alicia Vikander, and “Carol” star, Cate Blanchett. Although Blanchett won the award, the fact that two POC actresses were nominated in the same year was a significant milestone. The following year, in 2016, the conversation took another turn when both of the nominees for Best Actress were POC: Brie Larson for “Room” and Saoirse Ronan for “Lady Bird.” Larson went on to win the award, becoming the first POC actress to win Best Actress in a Leading Role since Hattie McDaniel.
Since then, the number of POC winning the Best Actress Oscar has continued to grow. In 2018, Yalitza Aparicio won the award for her role in “Roma,” and in 2020, Glenn Close became the first actress to win the award twice, with her performance in “The Father.” However, despite these achievements, the number of POC nominees and winners remains relatively low compared to the overall number of nominees and winners in the category.
The conversation around POC representation in the Best Actress category is not just about the number of awards won but also about the opportunities and roles available to POC actresses. It is essential for Hollywood to continue promoting diversity and ensuring that POC have access to the same opportunities as their white counterparts. This includes casting POC in leading roles, providing them with the necessary resources, and supporting their careers throughout their time in the industry.
In conclusion, while the number of POC winning Best Actress has increased over the years, there is still much work to be done. As the conversation around representation in Hollywood continues to evolve, it is crucial for the industry to prioritize diversity and equality, not just for the sake of awards but for the betterment of the entire entertainment landscape. How many POC have won Best Actress? The answer is growing, but the journey towards true representation is far from over.
