Uncle Chim Tuna Explains Why Lupita Nyong’o Will Not Win An Oscar Tonight
Today, I like most other Kenyans happen to find myself waiting upon baited breathe for the Oscar Awards ceremony to be held later tonight (probably in the small hours of the morning). I am naturally rooting for Lupita Nyong’o to win after she conquered the hearts of the entire world with her performance in the movie 12 Years A Slave.
For those of you who do not know, she was nominated an Academy Award for outstanding supporting actress for her role as the enslaved Patsey, a role she played to such perfection that she landed herself a nomination -no mean feat. Now, for the idiots reading this, I feel the need to explain that this is strictly an opinion piece and I personally am routing for her. However, after looking at the statistics of the Academy Awards, I cannot confidently say that I see her winning. Allow me to share the statistics before I digest them for you:
That is an infograph that merely states this fact: The people who vote for the Oscar’s are 94% white, 77% male, and an average age of 62. That means that the decision makers, the people who matter are not traditionally and indeed to date, inclined to show support for minorities.
Just look at these statistics: black actors who have won an Oscar in the past are an overwhelming 6. Six black actors. They are:
1. Ted Brynner in 1956
2. Sidney Poitier in 1963
3. Ben Kingsley in 1982
4. Denzel Washington in 2001
5. Jamie Foxx in 2004
6. Forest Whitaker in 2006
The only woman of “colour” whatever that means (yes, I hate that term) to have won the best actress leading role is Halle Berry in 2002.
There have been only five best actress supporting role winners in the 85 year history of the awards who are;
- Hattie McDonald – 1939
- Whoopi Goldberg -1990
- Jennifer Hudson – 2006
- Mo’Nique 2009
- Octavia Spencer 2011
The statistics are overwhelming indeed. History is clearly enamoured by the plight of black actors/actresses whom it has favoured above and beyond. That is why while I am proud of Lupita Nyong’o, I am not holding out for a win.
Perhaps I am just jaded. Just jarred by the staggering statistics speaking, singing sweet serenades to my hopes and Lupita’s aspirations. But whatever the case, we will have had our star cause ripples in Hollywood and indeed, she is such a smart girl. She took full advantage of the ride while it lasted.
And to Lupita -whom I know reads Ghafla, you’ve done us proud. Across the divide and schisms created by politics seeing as your father is a politician. Your legacy is that you transcended petty politics. you won all our hearts.
I just realized that is she did win, she would be the first woman from Africa, and only the sixth black woman to have won. If she did win, she would make history. So scratch all that, let us pray for a miracle.
My entire argument has been nullified. Lupita has won!
