His legacy lives on!
It’s been a month since the late Chadwick Boseman made history as the first Black actor, and second overall, to posthumously win a Golden Globe for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” During a virtual ceremony, his widow Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted the award on his behalf. Now, he’s been nominated for his first Academy Award for best actor for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” This makes him the first Black performer to be posthumously nominated for an Oscar. Only seven actors have previously been nominated after their death: Jeanne Eagels, James Dean, Spencer Tracy, Peter Finch, Ralph Richardson, Massimo Troisi, and Heath Ledger.
Taylor Simone Ledward accepts the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama on behalf of her late husband @chadwickboseman at the #GoldenGlobes.pic.twitter.com/UOgdLlnA52
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021
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The 43-year-old actor passed in August following his years-long battle with colon cancer. The shock of his passing reverberated around the world.
His last role was portraying the fictional Levee in the George C. Wolfe-directed drama set in Chicago in 1927. He plays a trumpeter who wants to escape the shadow of Ma Rainey’s band and compose his music. He is nominated alongside Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”), Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”), Gary Oldman (“Mank”), and Steven Yeun (“Minari.”)
Viola Davis, who starred as Ma Rainey in the film, received an Oscar nomination for best actress in a leading role. Two other historic nominations for this film went to Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson. They’ve become the first Black women to be Oscar-nominated in the makeup and hairstyling category. Neal worked on the film’s hair department head, working on the hair and wig designs, and Wilson is Viola Davis’ hairstylist.
Absolutely thrilled!! Congratulations to the whole @MaRaineyFilm team! Deserved! pic.twitter.com/Dx9GEsLRaz
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) March 15, 2021
The internet has been throwing its support around the film since the nominees were announced.
Congratulations to @violadavis and an added blessing to the memory of @chadwickboseman for this recognition from @TheAcademy for @MaRaineyFilm ✨How lucky for us all to have their spirits immortalized through their performances. ❤️ #ForeverBestLeads pic.twitter.com/xVov4ligcz
advertisement— Lupita Nyong’o (@Lupita_Nyongo) March 15, 2021
Chadwick Boseman is about to be an Oscar Winner ❤️ https://t.co/mKtEuROrs4
advertisement— Jessica Fyre (@TheJessieWoo) March 15, 2021
A big congratulations to Viola Davis and what a beautiful nod to the spirit of Chadwick Boseman for this deserving recognition from @TheAcademy for @MaRaineyFilm.
advertisementCheering you on, @violadavis! #OscarNoms #Oscars pic.twitter.com/xhOWHmInxU
— Mary Millben (@MaryMillben) March 15, 2021
Chadwick Boseman nominated for Best Actor, yes!!!
I just wish he could be here to celebrate! It was definitely well-deserved! #OscarNoms pic.twitter.com/P0M1YAqDCl
— Dave Hollingsworth (@_daveyH) March 15, 2021
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For what it’s worth Chadwick Boseman was one of the most versatile actors to come across the big screen in the last 20 years. He was all-time great at what he did on the screen. The man was fighting cancer and still completing movies with $100 million budgets pic.twitter.com/pcbxRCAJfR
— Buddy X (@MikeTroy81) March 15, 2021
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chadwick boseman got his first ever Oscars nomination, well deserved I hope he bags it. Continue to Rest In Peace champ
— BENUEGIANT (@one_dosh) March 15, 2021
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Chadwick Boseman’s #OscarNom is his first. What a talent gone too soon https://t.co/AgmzhIdPlI
— Atima Omara (@atima_omara) March 15, 2021
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Chadwick Boseman had the best acting performance I seen in years with “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
— Old Man Mir (@Moneymirweather) March 15, 2021
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Chadwick Boseman is an Oscar Nominee for Best Actor.
Totally deserves it.#OscarNoms
advertisement— ✨✨TheTaiwo69 (@Thetaiwo69) March 15, 2021
Chadwick, you touched us all with your gifts, and we will never forget you!
Photo Credit: The Los Angeles Times