While most of the focus was on La La Lands 14 Academy Awards nominations this was also a great year for African American actors and directors. This a record year that features a record number 6 black actors being nominated. There are the usual nominees like Denzel Washington and Octavia "I'm in every movie coming out for the next two years" Spencer, but there were a few surprises thrown in. Here is a complete list of the African Americans actors and directors nominated for Academy Awards.
Best Picture:
Fences
Hidden Figures
Moonlight
Lead Actor:
Denzel Washington, “Fences”
Lead Actress
Ruth Negga, “Loving”
Supporting actor:
Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”
Supporting actress:
Viola Davis, “Fences”
Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”
Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures”
Best Director:
“Moonlight,” Barry Jenkins
Adapted screenplay:
“Fences,” August Wilson
“Hidden Figures,” Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi
“Moonlight,” Barry Jenkins; Story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Best documentary feature:
“13th,” Ava DuVernay, Spencer Averick and Howard Barish
“I Am Not Your Negro,” Raoul Peck, Remi Grellety and Hebert Peck
