For Black folks watching the 95th Academy Awards, there weren’t many chances for surprises. We knew there wouldn’t be a Black winner in Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and International Film because on nomination morning, when the primary drama occurred, the Academy failed to nominate The Woman King, Saint Omer, or Till — almost guaranteeing the few remaining mysteries reserved for the actual ceremony could only offer disappointment. How often would the slap by Will Smith, last year’s disgraced Best Actor winner for King Richard, be used as a punchline? Would any mention be made of the Andrea Riseborough controversy? Would any of the few Black nominees — Ruth E. Carter for Costume Design, Camille Friend for Makeup and Hairstyling, Tems, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler for song, and Angela Bassett for Best Supporting Actress, all for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — take home an Oscar?
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