After nominees were released for the Oscars, the Internet took notice to realize that there were no African-Americans nominated this year. This, however, doesn't say there aren't any great African-American films and movies, as "Straight Outta Compton" is nominated for Best Original Screenplay. But there are movies that are important to African-Americans, as they showcase life as we see it and experience it. As there are well over 100 films, here are 12 that capture different essences of African-American life.
1. "Friday" (1995).
Starring Ice Cube, this comedy displays how many neighborhoods are alike in the African-American community. Oh, and this is where the phrase “Bye Felicia” comes from.
2. "Soul Food" (1997).
Starring Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, and Nia Long, "Soul Food" shows the life of a family as they eat Sunday dinner together every Sunday, through the eyes of an 11-year-old.
3. "Dreamgirls" (2006).
Based on the Broadway play of the same name, the film stars Beyonce, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx in what is an amazing watch that is based off of real-life R&B acts of the '60s and '70s.
4. "Waiting to Exhale" (1995).
With Whitney Houston and Angela Basset as two of the four main characters, "Waiting to Exhale" shows women dealing with love.
5. "Paris Is Burning" (1990).
This documentary tells of the underground voguing and house scene of New York City in the late '80s. It features almost exclusively black and Latino members of the LGBT community.
6. "Crooklyn" (1994).
"Crooklyn" is another movie about family, but this time the story centers around a young girl, and the setting is '70s Brooklyn.
7. "Malcom X" (1992).
A look at the life of one of the most influential civil rights activists, portrayed by Denzel Washington.
8. "The Color Purple" (1985).
The story of an African-American woman who has basically been abused all her life, "The Color Purple" has to be great since it has spawned a Broadway play.
9. "The Wiz" (1978).
Starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson while being based off of the the novel, "The Wizard of Oz," it doesn't actually display any specific aspect of African-American life, but this classic HAS to be on this list with great movies.
10. "Love & Basketball" (2000).
The story of two neighbors turned lovers from their adolescent years, through college and beyond.
11. "Boyz n the Hood" (1991).
Taking place in South Central, it is the story of young men trying to navigate their way out of the hood.
12. "Lean on Me" (1989).
Based on the life a principal in New Jersey, this movie shows Joe Louis Clark trying to change his school from a dangerous gang haven to improving the overall performance of the school on standardized tests, and bringing the students and faculty together as a community.
This is an incomplete list as there are so many different movies that are important. Not included but certainly "must-watch" movies include "Set it Off," "House Party," "John Q," "Poetic Justice," "Daddy's Little Girls," and the list can go on and on. While many black actors may not be awarded for the work, that doesn't mean they aren't talented.
