Black Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 96th Oscar Nominations

(photo courtesy of Instagram @thedaniellebrooks) The 96th Academy Awards nominations are finally here, and it’s a night of celebration for Black talent! After a long and exciting awards season, the nominees were announced by Zazie Beetz (“Atlanta”) and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”). While “Oppenheimer” leads the pack with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, the evening truly belongs to the Black artists who have earned well-deserved recognition for their exceptional work. Sterling K. Brown finally gets his due with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in “American Fiction.” His nuanced and powerful performance has long been lauded, and this nomination is a testament to his talent and dedication. It’s high time he takes his rightful place as a top-billed leading man. Colman Domingo delivers a tour-de-force performance as Bayard Rustin in “Rustin,” earning him a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor. He not only brings this historical figure to life but also uses his platform to shine a light on Rustin’s crucial role in the civil rights movement. Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a frontrunner in the Best Supporting Actress category for her captivating performance in “The Holdovers.” Her talent and charisma are undeniable, and this nomination is a surefire sign of even...