Critics say NAACP Image Awards tarnished
"I am somewhat surprised that Denzel Washington got nominated for best actor in 'The Great Debaters' rather than 'American Gangster,'" says our forums poster pacinofan about the 39th annual NAACP Image Awards. To see other reax, CLICK HERE.
Washington is a favorite of the Image Awards: he's won 14, including 8 for best actor and 3 for supporting. Now he's not only nommed for lead actor again, but also for directing "Debaters," which leads with the most Image bids (8). "Gangster" is also nominated for best picture and, theoretically, should win, if past voting patterns prevail. Historically, the best-picture award goes to the highest grossing of the contenders — like last year's Image champ "The Pursuit of Happyness." "Gangster" has earned $130 million since being released in early November. "Debaters" has reaped $22 million since opening at Christmastime, but it's not likely to reach "Gangster" heights. Still, "Debaters" is expected to beat "Gangster" here because these, remember, are the Image Awards. Though lauded by critics for his gritty characterization of a drug lord in "Gangster," the nominating committee preferred Washington's performance as an inspirational teacher in "Debaters."
As always, there is debate about the inclusiveness and exclusiveness of these awards that "honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures." Writing on Blackvoices.com, film critic Wilson Morales said, "The most glaring nomination went to 'A Mighty Heart' and its star Angelina Jolie. Here's a film that was good and well received, but received some controversy for casting Joliie in a role that should have gone to a black actress."
And in the forums, while there was praise for the support of the biopic "Talk to Me," there was surprise over the lack of love for "Hairspray" with its message of inclusion. And, of course, there was the inevitable discussion about the need for the awards themselves.
As these awards honor achievements in recording and literature as well as film and TV, it will be interesting to see if they fall victim to a SAG boycott should the WGA strike continue to February 14 when they are due to air live on FOX.
