1 00:00:01,001 --> 00:00:04,654 Black actresses are primarily Black women. 2 00:00:05,071 --> 00:00:08,792 Behind the scenes we know that you how we fight for equality. 3 00:00:08,942 --> 00:00:13,079 They talk about your hair, your skin, your power as Black girls. 4 00:00:13,163 --> 00:00:16,282 You enter a room and we sweep get in there with you behind you. 5 00:00:16,316 --> 00:00:21,004 You make them say our names to say. Hattie, Viola, Lupita, Taraji, 6 00:00:21,087 --> 00:00:25,091 Yara, Loretta, Sanaa, Birgundi. Make her say a black woman's name 7 00:00:25,625 --> 00:00:30,764 to say with respect and Oh là là. Do we read it like Gabby Girl? 8 00:00:31,047 --> 00:00:34,718 Or do we hurt him with a hint of Zendaya? 9 00:00:34,801 --> 00:00:35,802 COLUMNIST, BOSTON GLOBE 10 00:00:35,835 --> 00:00:38,004 Black women in Hollywood, this is more than just good and evil. 11 00:00:38,188 --> 00:00:42,792 You are our Julia, our hot one Cleopatra, our Cookie, our Carmen. 12 00:00:42,909 --> 00:00:45,845 You are the light, the camera and the action. 13 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:51,367 Good evening. Today we invite you on a journey, 14 00:00:51,484 --> 00:00:55,722 through the great and sometimes painful Hollywood's past, 15 00:00:55,805 --> 00:00:58,842 as Dorothy Dandridge, Hattie McDaniel and Ethel Waters for the first time 16 00:00:58,925 --> 00:01:01,678 -were in front of the camera. -Although every journey begins, 17 00:01:01,761 --> 00:01:05,899 there is also a turning point. And without the past there would be no future. 18 00:01:06,116 --> 00:01:09,552 We honor the path which the most legendary women paved, 19 00:01:09,636 --> 00:01:13,406 that we have ever seen in moving pictures, Black women, actresses, 20 00:01:13,523 --> 00:01:18,328 Pioneers who have the big breakthrough or just wanted to be seen. 21 00:01:18,445 --> 00:01:21,564 A generation of trailblazers the next doors open, 22 00:01:21,598 --> 00:01:24,801 with experiences, both frustrating as well as enriching. 23 00:01:25,001 --> 00:01:29,122 At times outrageous and humiliating. And it's never easy. 24 00:01:29,239 --> 00:01:32,275 Even for the biggest Hollywood stars like Halle Berry. 25 00:01:32,325 --> 00:01:35,645 Just the mention of her name provokes an immediate reaction. 26 00:01:35,712 --> 00:01:39,432 You might think that they is seen and heard effortlessly, 27 00:01:39,482 --> 00:01:44,437 but she will tell you that is an uphill battle from start to finish. 28 00:01:44,637 --> 00:01:45,922 TJ Holmes reports. 29 00:01:56,516 --> 00:01:58,551 I could say the word “beautiful”. 30 00:01:58,635 --> 00:01:59,953 ACTRESS, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR 31 00:01:59,986 --> 00:02:02,322 difficult to defeat, 32 00:02:02,355 --> 00:02:06,843 because when someone calls it beautiful often resonates with me, 33 00:02:06,926 --> 00:02:10,480 that maybe they is not that smart or talented. 34 00:02:10,580 --> 00:02:14,083 How I look has nothing to do with it. I was born like this. 35 00:02:14,167 --> 00:02:17,437 I'm thrilled when someone says: "You're a great mother. 36 00:02:18,004 --> 00:02:21,791 You're a talented actress." But the physical aspect became a bit... 37 00:02:21,841 --> 00:02:25,962 "Ok. What's up still out there for me?" 38 00:02:26,596 --> 00:02:30,717 -You have an Oscar. -I know that. 39 00:02:30,850 --> 00:02:32,485 See? That's why I don't talk much about it, 40 00:02:32,519 --> 00:02:35,471 because people can imagine that, I can hardly imagine what I feel. 41 00:02:35,638 --> 00:02:39,042 And when I say like that 42 00:02:39,075 --> 00:02:42,912 influenced my directorial debut, I think I do that on some level 43 00:02:43,279 --> 00:02:45,798 this part of me played a role. 44 00:02:48,718 --> 00:02:52,238 We think we know Halle Berry. We've been seeing them for 30 years 45 00:02:52,322 --> 00:02:56,926 in the cinema and in our living room. The Girl from Ohio, 46 00:02:57,126 --> 00:03:00,363 which became a Hollywood legend. Who doesn't remember them 47 00:03:00,446 --> 00:03:03,566 as the completely different Bond girl Jinx in Die another day? 48 00:03:04,217 --> 00:03:07,153 She played in Boomerang advertiser Angela Lewis. 49 00:03:07,237 --> 00:03:10,473 I'm tired of men using love as if it were 50 00:03:10,523 --> 00:03:13,443 -an infectious disease. -She portrayed the Hollywood pioneer 51 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:17,197 Dorothy Dandridge in the film biography Rising Star. 52 00:03:17,247 --> 00:03:19,282 When my father left, she had to feed us. 53 00:03:19,399 --> 00:03:24,404 She was the one who controlled the weather Mutant Storm in X-Men. But her role 54 00:03:24,437 --> 00:03:29,192 as Leticia Musgrove in Monster's Ball was ultimately her real breakthrough. 55 00:03:29,592 --> 00:03:32,996 She won the Oscar for Best Major actress and became the first 56 00:03:33,112 --> 00:03:36,599 and still the only Black woman, who ever managed this. 57 00:03:36,683 --> 00:03:39,352 He was... He really loved me. 58 00:03:39,469 --> 00:03:42,038 When did you think: “Maybe I can do that”? 59 00:03:42,071 --> 00:03:43,756 CORRESPONDENT, ABC NEWS 60 00:03:44,157 --> 00:03:48,962 I think it was my first role. It was on a television series 61 00:03:48,995 --> 00:03:52,799 -called Living Dolls. -It was a normal photo shoot. 62 00:03:52,882 --> 00:03:56,986 Pose, change, watch yourself Caroline sucks up to the photographer. 63 00:03:58,171 --> 00:04:01,007 Then I realized that it means work you want to get paid for something 64 00:04:01,074 --> 00:04:03,760 -that you love completely. -And do you still love it? 65 00:04:03,876 --> 00:04:06,129 -Do you still like it? -Yes. 66 00:04:06,329 --> 00:04:10,383 Halle Berry now hopes here’s another breakthrough 67 00:04:10,516 --> 00:04:15,004 in front of and this time also behind the camera, as an actress, producer 68 00:04:15,221 --> 00:04:18,007 -and director of Bruised. -If that's the case, 69 00:04:18,157 --> 00:04:20,526 -Could you stop us here? -She goes all out 70 00:04:20,927 --> 00:04:24,681 as Jackie Justice, one in disgrace Fallen MMA fighter and mother. 71 00:04:24,764 --> 00:04:27,433 It was harder to get into the industry 72 00:04:27,567 --> 00:04:32,155 -or to stay in it? -The fight is comparable. 73 00:04:32,472 --> 00:04:37,760 He just changes his face. But the struggle to get into the industry 74 00:04:37,844 --> 00:04:41,447 is just as hard, how to stay in the industry, 75 00:04:41,481 --> 00:04:45,034 for 30 years, staying relevant and things to do 76 00:04:45,118 --> 00:04:48,638 -that I love, that's a fight. -You said the fight is always there, 77 00:04:48,721 --> 00:04:51,641 he just changes his face. What does this look like today? 78 00:04:51,741 --> 00:04:55,445 I'm struggling right now, Being a director and stories 79 00:04:55,511 --> 00:04:57,880 to tell from my perspective. That's as a woman, 80 00:04:57,914 --> 00:05:01,718 not the norm as a black woman. We still have to 81 00:05:01,801 --> 00:05:05,438 fight for the right to do that. 20 years ago I wouldn't even have 82 00:05:05,471 --> 00:05:08,324 dared to dream about it. I didn't think that was mine 83 00:05:08,391 --> 00:05:09,559 DIRECTOR 84 00:05:09,676 --> 00:05:15,198 -the opportunity would ever offer. -You want to as a black woman 85 00:05:15,231 --> 00:05:20,636 make a film, in a world, which is dominated by white men. 86 00:05:21,254 --> 00:05:23,323 How did that complicate things? 87 00:05:26,726 --> 00:05:30,880 That was a significant factor. Very significant. 88 00:05:34,567 --> 00:05:38,037 Like so many of us, Halle thought, that the circumstances are different for you and others 89 00:05:38,087 --> 00:05:40,156 would change when she won the Oscar. 90 00:05:40,273 --> 00:05:45,511 This moment is so much bigger than me. 91 00:05:46,496 --> 00:05:50,717 "This is for every nameless, faceless woman of color." 92 00:05:50,850 --> 00:05:54,887 Who now has the chance for this door was opened this evening. 93 00:05:55,438 --> 00:05:59,042 You said that 20 years ago. Did it come true? 94 00:05:59,242 --> 00:06:01,911 I've been asked this question so many times. 95 00:06:02,078 --> 00:06:06,716 And... I should have an answer, but... I don't have any. 96 00:06:06,766 --> 00:06:11,521 But I will say this. I'm absolutely heartbroken, 97 00:06:11,754 --> 00:06:15,391 that I after 20 years I'm still the only woman. 98 00:06:15,441 --> 00:06:18,511 Sure, like everyone else, I thought that the evening is the beginning 99 00:06:18,594 --> 00:06:21,681 of a change would be. That there would be other women. 100 00:06:21,981 --> 00:06:24,834 I thought that the scripts would just flutter in, 101 00:06:24,917 --> 00:06:29,155 that I can play any role could play. 102 00:06:29,355 --> 00:06:31,758 It wasn't like that. But I know that night 103 00:06:31,791 --> 00:06:36,162 so many people of color were inspired. 104 00:06:36,279 --> 00:06:39,882 20 years ago there were none Ava Duvernay or Lena Waithe. 105 00:06:40,133 --> 00:06:42,885 But I see how my brothers and sisters work, 106 00:06:43,002 --> 00:06:45,154 grow and their stories tell from their perspective. 107 00:06:45,238 --> 00:06:49,792 I'm proud of that. And I see the forward movement. 108 00:06:49,926 --> 00:06:54,113 And I think the evening has so many Inspires people to have these dreams 109 00:06:54,163 --> 00:06:57,483 -to dream. -Who opened these doors for you, 110 00:06:57,567 --> 00:07:00,686 that you are sitting here now? Who... was that in your case? 111 00:07:00,803 --> 00:07:04,640 It was Dorothy. It was Lena. It was Diahann Carroll. 112 00:07:04,674 --> 00:07:07,760 It was Diana Ross. Pam Grier. 113 00:07:07,944 --> 00:07:12,598 Eartha Kitt, you know? These are the women of my generation 114 00:07:12,682 --> 00:07:15,952 -have paved this path. -Sidney! 115 00:07:16,569 --> 00:07:18,321 It also refers to the legendary 116 00:07:18,354 --> 00:07:22,642 Sidney Poitier as a mentor... A man who, like her, has honor 117 00:07:22,675 --> 00:07:27,647 -and probably bore the burden of being a pioneer. -He reminded me of 118 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:34,687 my responsibility as a woman of color. He told me how difficult this trip was 119 00:07:34,754 --> 00:07:40,726 would always remain. And he told me that he was proud of me. 120 00:07:41,761 --> 00:07:45,047 -And he saw my effort. -Is there a woman in the final ten, 121 00:07:45,114 --> 00:07:48,885 twenty years ago where you thought, "Wow, 122 00:07:49,001 --> 00:07:52,839 -Why didn't she get it?" -Last year I was shocked. 123 00:07:52,872 --> 00:07:56,159 With Viola and Andra Day there were two nominated, and neither 124 00:07:56,242 --> 00:07:58,444 won the Oscar. I would have my life, 125 00:07:58,478 --> 00:08:01,164 my children and my house bet, that one of them 126 00:08:01,447 --> 00:08:04,383 would have won the Oscar last year. 127 00:08:04,800 --> 00:08:09,155 That... was quite a shock. For me since then the answer has been, 128 00:08:09,305 --> 00:08:14,126 to no longer desire him. The fact that neither of them won the award 129 00:08:14,193 --> 00:08:16,762 does not diminish their achievements in any way 130 00:08:16,796 --> 00:08:19,815 and just as little that, what defines them as artists. 131 00:08:24,437 --> 00:08:27,523 I believe we need to change our perspective, 132 00:08:27,557 --> 00:08:31,444 for it is clear that we cannot change the award process. 133 00:08:31,761 --> 00:08:33,913 That's clear. But if not her, 134 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:36,999 What can we change then? We can increase our participation 135 00:08:37,083 --> 00:08:39,235 change in the industry. We can fight even harder, 136 00:08:39,318 --> 00:08:41,003 telling our stories to write our scripts. 137 00:08:45,758 --> 00:08:47,276 I see tears in your eyes. 138 00:08:47,643 --> 00:08:50,196 Not only do you care about it, you went through it yourself. 139 00:08:50,763 --> 00:08:57,803 Yes, I have that. But the beauty is, 140 00:08:57,837 --> 00:09:00,723 I am a fighter. And I hope for the Tessa Thompsons 141 00:09:01,123 --> 00:09:05,761 and the Zendayas that, because I've been through this, 142 00:09:05,795 --> 00:09:10,166 my journey that I fought all these battles 143 00:09:10,233 --> 00:09:13,369 and keep fighting, that their fight will be easier. 144 00:09:24,196 --> 00:09:27,316 I am convinced that we are going in the right direction. 145 00:09:27,366 --> 00:09:31,203 I don't see any regression. That won't happen. 146 00:09:31,871 --> 00:09:36,525 However, how quickly we progress We'll still see that. 147 00:09:36,559 --> 00:09:39,762 But I'm sure that we move forward. 148 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:45,117 Cut! 149 00:09:48,638 --> 00:09:51,524 Tonight we'll look behind it the curtain and look at us, 150 00:09:51,607 --> 00:09:54,677 what it meant and means, a Black woman 151 00:09:54,727 --> 00:09:59,632 being in Hollywood, including that hard, rocky path that leads there. 152 00:10:00,266 --> 00:10:02,551 -A black woman... -A black woman... 153 00:10:02,668 --> 00:10:06,472 -...being in Hollywood is fulfilling. -Fantastic. 154 00:10:06,589 --> 00:10:08,324 We are in demand. 155 00:10:08,391 --> 00:10:12,428 It can also be frustrating. And it can be lucrative. 156 00:10:13,179 --> 00:10:17,283 ...such a wonderful thing. Right now. 157 00:10:19,502 --> 00:10:22,238 -Diana Ross. -Taraji P. Henson. 158 00:10:22,321 --> 00:10:24,523 -Okay, everyone out. -Cicely Tyson. 159 00:10:24,557 --> 00:10:26,559 -Ruby Dee. -Eartha Kitt. 160 00:10:28,060 --> 00:10:30,646 -There are so many! -We're talking about women, 161 00:10:30,730 --> 00:10:33,349 whose work endures over time. 162 00:10:34,767 --> 00:10:35,751 A black woman 163 00:10:35,801 --> 00:10:36,719 ACTRESS 164 00:10:36,802 --> 00:10:39,405 being in Hollywood is for me wonderful but also difficult. 165 00:10:39,438 --> 00:10:40,673 ACTRESS 166 00:10:40,756 --> 00:10:43,075 The development of women in Hollywood is complex, 167 00:10:43,125 --> 00:10:46,112 -just like our story. -Nina Mae McKinney, 168 00:10:46,162 --> 00:10:50,516 Ethel Waters, Louise Beavers, Hattie McDaniel. 169 00:10:50,599 --> 00:10:52,485 Let's talk about the golden age of Hollywood. 170 00:10:52,551 --> 00:10:53,602 AUTHOR, "SUPREME ACTRESSES" 171 00:10:53,636 --> 00:10:56,305 It wasn't the golden age of Hollywood for Black Women. 172 00:10:56,339 --> 00:10:59,675 I always told you. You can always recognize a lady by her 173 00:10:59,759 --> 00:11:01,794 that they in front of others eats like a bird. 174 00:11:02,161 --> 00:11:06,115 The meaning of Hattie McDaniel's Oscar 175 00:11:06,165 --> 00:11:09,201 for best female supporting actress is not to be underestimated. 176 00:11:09,301 --> 00:11:13,439 I really hope that I am my race and the film industry 177 00:11:13,556 --> 00:11:15,474 will always bring honor. 178 00:11:15,608 --> 00:11:19,879 We were maids. That was us. But the real problem is, 179 00:11:19,912 --> 00:11:23,516 -that we were more than that. -I think Lena Horne and 180 00:11:23,599 --> 00:11:27,086 Dorothy Dandridge have black women helped to gain more visibility. 181 00:11:27,153 --> 00:11:29,955 Dorothy Dandridge. She triumphs in Carmen Jones. 182 00:11:30,473 --> 00:11:37,513 We had fun, didn't we? And now it's over. 183 00:11:37,747 --> 00:11:42,718 She was the first black person to be nominated for an Oscar Best Actress nominee. 184 00:11:42,785 --> 00:11:45,471 -Of course she doesn't get it. -We didn't have 185 00:11:45,538 --> 00:11:47,640 the same opportunities as others. Point. 186 00:11:47,673 --> 00:11:48,991 FEATURES EDITOR 187 00:11:50,810 --> 00:11:53,362 At the beginning of the 1970s become Black women 188 00:11:53,446 --> 00:11:56,399 then ever stronger. 189 00:11:57,767 --> 00:12:03,255 Everyone knows I'm a Pam Grier fan. First of all, she's sexy. She's awesome. 190 00:12:04,039 --> 00:12:08,160 -What's that supposed to mean? Do you want to kill me? -I should, you damn bastard! 191 00:12:08,294 --> 00:12:11,680 -And someone like Diahann Carroll. -I mean, the beads, the hair, 192 00:12:11,831 --> 00:12:17,203 -the nails, the makeup, the style. -Clearly one of the most iconic TV scenes 193 00:12:17,236 --> 00:12:21,607 The slap in the face has always been in style The Denver Clan. 194 00:12:23,509 --> 00:12:25,978 This slap was heard around the world. 195 00:12:29,832 --> 00:12:33,719 When I see the Clair Huxtables... They left traces. 196 00:12:33,803 --> 00:12:35,371 FILM AWARDS EDITOR, VARIETY 197 00:12:35,671 --> 00:12:39,074 I don't serve Dr. Huxtable, okay? 198 00:12:39,108 --> 00:12:40,993 Phylicia Rashad brought it to life. 199 00:12:42,044 --> 00:12:43,279 WITH MARLA GIBBS 200 00:12:44,597 --> 00:12:47,716 One of my favorite shows the 1980s must be 227. 201 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:52,505 Marla Gibbs is there. Regina King has her first role. 202 00:12:54,123 --> 00:12:56,442 -Is everything really okay? -Yes. 203 00:12:56,792 --> 00:12:59,645 I wanted Regina. It said: "No, the station has a different one." 204 00:12:59,695 --> 00:13:00,913 ACTRESS, "227" 205 00:13:01,046 --> 00:13:01,914 "No," I said, "it has to be Regina." 206 00:13:02,364 --> 00:13:06,152 -But Jackée Harry is also there. -I did my audition 207 00:13:06,235 --> 00:13:10,506 and knew I had it. I only had two lines of text. 208 00:13:10,756 --> 00:13:15,544 "Who? What's your name? Mary?" That's it. 209 00:13:15,911 --> 00:13:20,516 -Oh, that's fabulous. -I wore the right dress. 210 00:13:20,599 --> 00:13:21,917 I wore my little red one. 211 00:13:22,001 --> 00:13:25,805 Will this make me more money now? Thanks! 212 00:13:26,205 --> 00:13:27,523 But I never thought 213 00:13:27,606 --> 00:13:29,909 that I would be the only one to this day. 214 00:13:31,327 --> 00:13:34,763 Considering how few black people Women's Awards, 215 00:13:34,847 --> 00:13:39,285 and that with compares to her white contemporaries, 216 00:13:39,351 --> 00:13:41,787 the numbers are astonishing. 217 00:13:42,388 --> 00:13:45,841 Since 1929 Approximately 3,140 Oscar statues awarded. 218 00:13:45,958 --> 00:13:50,429 17 of these went to black women. 219 00:13:52,281 --> 00:13:54,083 ACTRESS, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER 220 00:13:54,166 --> 00:13:56,085 Oh God, there are still so many hurdles. 221 00:13:56,151 --> 00:13:58,671 We'll keep singing the song. 222 00:13:58,754 --> 00:14:01,006 We will overcome it. 223 00:14:01,123 --> 00:14:02,525 COLLEGE FEVER 224 00:14:03,676 --> 00:14:07,363 College fever would do it Wouldn't exist without Debbie Allen. 225 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:09,315 PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR 226 00:14:09,365 --> 00:14:11,116 We have the registrations at black colleges tripled. 227 00:14:11,433 --> 00:14:12,551 Whitley! 228 00:14:12,668 --> 00:14:15,271 -What is that? -Mommy! 229 00:14:15,638 --> 00:14:19,725 We have my dear raven mother, Date Rape, Voter Registration filmed. 230 00:14:19,842 --> 00:14:22,328 We had the first show about AIDS. 231 00:14:24,246 --> 00:14:29,285 For me, the 1990s were the first Black Renaissance in Hollywood. 232 00:14:30,319 --> 00:14:35,391 -Molly, you're in danger. -Whoopi Goldberg's Oscar 233 00:14:35,474 --> 00:14:38,777 for Ghost – message from Sam is one of the greatest moments 234 00:14:39,078 --> 00:14:40,846 in Black Hollywood History. 235 00:14:45,801 --> 00:14:50,556 And to this day, if you ask me, who had an Oscar stolen, I say 236 00:14:50,623 --> 00:14:52,474 Angela Bassett as 237 00:14:52,558 --> 00:14:55,678 Tina Turner in Tina – What's Love Got To Do With It. 238 00:14:56,912 --> 00:15:00,232 -I'm sorry. -I get goosebumps when I 239 00:15:00,282 --> 00:15:02,651 Think of Halle Berry's Oscar speech. 240 00:15:03,435 --> 00:15:06,472 It's for the women by my side, 241 00:15:06,522 --> 00:15:12,077 Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Vivica Fox. 242 00:15:12,278 --> 00:15:15,998 We know she was saying, that it had taken too long. 243 00:15:16,098 --> 00:15:18,550 It is one of the best, greatest moments of sisterhood, 244 00:15:18,634 --> 00:15:20,803 I've ever seen in Hollywood. 245 00:15:21,270 --> 00:15:22,454 -Regina! -Regina! 246 00:15:22,821 --> 00:15:24,239 What excites me at the moment is, 247 00:15:24,473 --> 00:15:26,875 that so much happens behind the camera. 248 00:15:27,076 --> 00:15:30,079 Because here is a little known secret, America. 249 00:15:30,112 --> 00:15:34,800 The real power in Hollywood is not that. They are the money makers 250 00:15:34,833 --> 00:15:38,470 -and the creative people behind the camera. -We have so many great ones 251 00:15:38,721 --> 00:15:42,558 female directors, senior producers, 252 00:15:42,641 --> 00:15:46,395 -Shonda Rhimes, Mara Brock, Lena Waithe. -Ava Duvernay. 253 00:15:46,762 --> 00:15:50,032 Black women in Hollywood 254 00:15:50,132 --> 00:15:55,004 -the future is at your feet. -I love the idea of ​​community. 255 00:15:55,087 --> 00:16:00,876 to help each other up, also brings the realization 256 00:16:01,043 --> 00:16:04,480 -that there is enough for everyone ad. -These are simply exciting times 257 00:16:04,630 --> 00:16:06,915 for Black Women in Hollywood. 258 00:16:10,486 --> 00:16:13,005 Welcome back. For many today, the color purple is, 259 00:16:13,038 --> 00:16:16,558 over 35 years after its premiere, so relevant 260 00:16:16,642 --> 00:16:20,279 like almost four decades ago. The story of sisterhood, 261 00:16:20,362 --> 00:16:25,000 Fight, strength and survival. Two significant roles will now be 262 00:16:25,084 --> 00:16:29,405 in an impressive new production developed. Today we are showing for the first time 263 00:16:29,555 --> 00:16:32,675 the two actresses, who face this challenge. 264 00:16:33,142 --> 00:16:39,031 -There she is! -Kindred souls. 265 00:16:39,765 --> 00:16:42,801 Hi, baby. I have so long waiting to meet you. 266 00:16:43,152 --> 00:16:45,721 Danielle Brooks and Fantasia are at the beginning 267 00:16:45,754 --> 00:16:49,391 -a trip together. -I'm so excited 268 00:16:49,441 --> 00:16:50,459 this journey with you. 269 00:16:50,759 --> 00:16:53,896 Two extremely strong artists, those in different seasons 270 00:16:54,013 --> 00:16:55,114 THE COLOR PURPLE YOUTUBE 271 00:16:55,381 --> 00:16:56,765 from The Color Purple impressed on Broadway. 272 00:16:56,999 --> 00:17:01,086 Almost 40 years after we met Celie and Sofia saw it on the screen for the first time 273 00:17:01,153 --> 00:17:04,556 present themselves these two legendary figures 274 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:07,676 a whole new generation in a musical remake 275 00:17:07,810 --> 00:17:14,433 -this classic from 1985. -You have to process that first, right? 276 00:17:14,483 --> 00:17:16,919 Yes. That is in a way 277 00:17:17,002 --> 00:17:20,589 a divine blessing, that's how he comes to you. 278 00:17:20,622 --> 00:17:25,561 And to embody Sofia, this is... something... very special. 279 00:17:25,694 --> 00:17:26,912 ABC NEWS LIVE HOST 280 00:17:27,046 --> 00:17:28,514 How did you come up with The Color Purple? 281 00:17:28,597 --> 00:17:30,115 Have you seen the film, read the book? 282 00:17:30,265 --> 00:17:31,717 Oh yes, I saw the movie. 283 00:17:32,918 --> 00:17:35,204 As singers, of course... 284 00:17:35,354 --> 00:17:40,476 "Shug Avery" and "Sister". That's where I came from as a little girl 285 00:17:40,526 --> 00:17:43,779 somehow a connection to Celie. 286 00:17:44,646 --> 00:17:46,381 How is your relationship with Celie? 287 00:17:46,765 --> 00:17:49,518 My skin color... When I was younger... 288 00:17:49,635 --> 00:17:51,804 My lips were getting bigger, 289 00:17:52,237 --> 00:17:55,240 my largest body part. I was on Idol, 290 00:17:55,324 --> 00:17:58,360 we had to think of something. And I said: 291 00:17:58,444 --> 00:18:02,881 "My lips are big, but my talent is bigger." I had myself at that age 292 00:18:02,915 --> 00:18:07,086 accepted myself, but at a younger age something like that bothered me. 293 00:18:07,219 --> 00:18:13,725 To feel beautiful, in a certain way to be loved, so... 294 00:18:13,842 --> 00:18:18,046 -We... have a strong connection there. -Rejected and weakened 295 00:18:18,080 --> 00:18:24,002 is Celie, originally Whoopi Goldberg, married to a violent man. 296 00:18:24,086 --> 00:18:28,357 Celie's transformation and quiet strength could be understood by so many. 297 00:18:28,791 --> 00:18:35,047 Everything you did to me has already been done to you. 298 00:18:35,164 --> 00:18:38,517 And then Sofia, strong and energetic. 299 00:18:38,684 --> 00:18:44,072 I love Harpo. God knows, I love him. 300 00:18:44,156 --> 00:18:47,876 But I'll kill him, before I let him hit me. 301 00:18:48,010 --> 00:18:51,079 Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg shined in two roles, 302 00:18:51,163 --> 00:18:55,000 the enduring strength of the world Black women showed. 303 00:18:56,084 --> 00:18:59,238 Celie is... How would you complete the sentence? 304 00:18:59,354 --> 00:19:03,275 Strength. Celie is strong, bold and beautiful. 305 00:19:04,243 --> 00:19:11,283 -Celie is ambitious and necessary. -I'm poor, black, maybe even 306 00:19:11,366 --> 00:19:17,472 -ugly, but, by God, I'm here. -We hired Whoopi Goldberg 307 00:19:17,623 --> 00:19:20,559 the same question in her film debut 308 00:19:20,692 --> 00:19:24,296 -this celebrated achievement brought. -How do you describe Celie? 309 00:19:24,680 --> 00:19:30,369 She's kind of like a coffee bean. You have to take the time 310 00:19:30,602 --> 00:19:32,120 EMMY, GRAMMY, OSCAR, TONY AWARD WINNER 311 00:19:32,154 --> 00:19:35,040 to watch them. You have to pay attention to all the changes, 312 00:19:35,123 --> 00:19:39,044 that she goes through as she matures. 313 00:19:39,511 --> 00:19:46,201 And there we have it. This so strong, fantastic 314 00:19:46,435 --> 00:19:51,073 spice in the world. But you have to look closely. 315 00:19:51,156 --> 00:19:55,310 You have to look listen to her because she is... 316 00:19:55,360 --> 00:19:56,912 She is so many women. 317 00:19:57,062 --> 00:20:00,566 What is the color purple? in your opinion for the strength... 318 00:20:00,599 --> 00:20:03,886 Black women on screen effect? 319 00:20:04,019 --> 00:20:08,557 It reminds people that we... the backbone 320 00:20:08,674 --> 00:20:12,594 -many things are in this country. -You will often 321 00:20:12,678 --> 00:20:15,280 -asked about Celie? -They shout down Trucks' name. 322 00:20:16,281 --> 00:20:19,117 You keep your hand out. The people... Everyone... 323 00:20:19,184 --> 00:20:21,570 -Are you pointing fingers? -They show me their fingers. 324 00:20:22,154 --> 00:20:25,641 Over 30 years after the theatrical debut of the original film 325 00:20:25,974 --> 00:20:29,478 we asked the actors how they did found out they had the role. 326 00:20:29,795 --> 00:20:32,564 It said: "Danielle, you still have a meeting 327 00:20:32,631 --> 00:20:35,517 with the director, Blitz. And suddenly appears 328 00:20:35,717 --> 00:20:38,804 this beautiful black woman on the screen. 329 00:20:38,870 --> 00:20:43,926 That was Miss Oprah Winfrey. It was Mama O. 330 00:20:44,876 --> 00:20:48,563 Here's seeing Danielle for the first time the video recording of this call. 331 00:20:49,314 --> 00:20:50,165 Hey. 332 00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:58,724 -Hey. How are you? -Look at my face. 333 00:21:02,194 --> 00:21:07,599 I'm here and I stand for everything, what is purple, 334 00:21:08,233 --> 00:21:14,923 and want to tell you that you are our Sofia, Sofia. 335 00:21:15,424 --> 00:21:20,395 -Sofia, Sofia. -Such a beautiful name. 336 00:21:25,400 --> 00:21:29,037 I'm so happy to give you the proverbial to hand over the baton. 337 00:21:30,005 --> 00:21:32,641 I have a baton got it from Oprah! 338 00:21:37,596 --> 00:21:40,432 In her young career, Danielle a Shakespeare character 339 00:21:40,482 --> 00:21:44,236 Played in Much Ado About Nothing, an inmate in Orange is the New Black 340 00:21:44,603 --> 00:21:46,722 and an action heroine in Peacemaker. 341 00:21:47,873 --> 00:21:49,875 THE COLOR PURPLE 342 00:21:50,042 --> 00:21:52,361 But she says she has the color purple inspired to act. 343 00:21:52,444 --> 00:21:56,832 When I was 15, my dad won and I take a trip to New York. 344 00:21:57,165 --> 00:22:01,553 The only Broadway musical next to The Lion King full of black people 345 00:22:01,636 --> 00:22:05,874 was The Color Purple. I remember 346 00:22:05,991 --> 00:22:11,680 all the beautiful different ones skin tones and voices, 347 00:22:11,913 --> 00:22:15,701 and the plot, and I sat just sat there and cried. 348 00:22:16,318 --> 00:22:20,472 I saw that it was possible for me to do that, 349 00:22:20,522 --> 00:22:23,392 what I do in my small town had done in South Carolina. 350 00:22:23,725 --> 00:22:28,430 -This could be my job. -You were chosen for this role 351 00:22:28,513 --> 00:22:32,150 nominated for a Tony and you said that you only after 400 performances 352 00:22:32,234 --> 00:22:36,788 believed that you mastered the role of Sofia. 353 00:22:37,072 --> 00:22:39,925 -Yes. -That's great. You also said 354 00:22:40,275 --> 00:22:43,111 that at some point your ambition became bigger than your fears. 355 00:22:43,195 --> 00:22:45,197 Oh yes. In any case. 356 00:22:45,280 --> 00:22:47,482 -Because... -You can write a sermon from this. 357 00:22:47,582 --> 00:22:50,802 But how did this change come about? 358 00:22:50,902 --> 00:22:54,806 That comes with time. And with failure. 359 00:22:54,923 --> 00:22:56,591 And get up again with that. 360 00:22:56,675 --> 00:22:59,394 And to know that the role is bigger than me. 361 00:22:59,478 --> 00:23:03,832 This is bigger than me. This is for my ancestors, 362 00:23:03,915 --> 00:23:08,720 even for the ancestors in this one Industry. When I was new in the industry, 363 00:23:08,804 --> 00:23:11,923 I found it difficult to find my way around. 364 00:23:12,040 --> 00:23:13,041 I practically had to 365 00:23:13,141 --> 00:23:17,279 still learning to walk. I was worried: "Am I enough? 366 00:23:17,562 --> 00:23:20,632 Do I look right? Am I small enough? Am I big enough? Am I..." 367 00:23:20,782 --> 00:23:23,285 -Oh, man. -"I can't change the color of my skin." 368 00:23:23,385 --> 00:23:25,070 -Oh man. -"Do I straighten my hair? 369 00:23:25,153 --> 00:23:29,674 I don't know how I fit in!" Because the only template... 370 00:23:29,758 --> 00:23:33,912 The box looks like this. And my box looks like this. 371 00:23:33,995 --> 00:23:34,846 Yes! 372 00:23:34,963 --> 00:23:37,032 Come on, that was the whole sermon. 373 00:23:37,132 --> 00:23:39,151 -I... -I sit in the church pew on Sunday 374 00:23:39,234 --> 00:23:41,920 and listen to both of you. 375 00:23:42,037 --> 00:23:46,842 Who was your inspiration, role models, on screen or on stage? 376 00:23:46,925 --> 00:23:48,510 I say Aretha Franklin, of course. 377 00:23:48,593 --> 00:23:52,597 She was it for me I think it's great when people say: 378 00:23:52,714 --> 00:23:56,451 "The door closed, the door closed, the door fell to, and I never stopped." 379 00:23:56,485 --> 00:24:00,522 Because I know that the same flame burns within... me. 380 00:24:00,622 --> 00:24:05,477 All the doors closed, but there was a window. 381 00:24:05,894 --> 00:24:08,113 I'm curious, for our young viewers, 382 00:24:08,196 --> 00:24:11,566 the self and the representation see and say: 383 00:24:11,633 --> 00:24:15,403 "I can do that too." Then you see 384 00:24:15,470 --> 00:24:17,873 what you can give to the next generation? 385 00:24:18,423 --> 00:24:20,041 -That's my motivation. -Yes. 386 00:24:20,075 --> 00:24:23,912 -That's why I get up in the morning. -I think we have to be clear 387 00:24:24,079 --> 00:24:28,483 even if nothing changes, 388 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:31,603 that we continue to be strong and have to open the door wide. 389 00:24:31,636 --> 00:24:32,471 Yes. 390 00:24:36,791 --> 00:24:39,878 Welcome back. Your star is rising rapidly. 391 00:24:39,995 --> 00:24:45,000 Tessa Thompson has been playing for almost two Decades of roles in film and television. 392 00:24:45,233 --> 00:24:48,637 It is one of the most versatile become actresses of Hollywood. 393 00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:52,474 And like the Black pioneers before her she feels called, 394 00:24:52,557 --> 00:24:56,428 to open doors to all women in Hollywood. 395 00:25:00,081 --> 00:25:04,286 Every success story in Hollywood has a starting point. 396 00:25:04,419 --> 00:25:08,123 -Where it all began. -I love the theater very much, 397 00:25:08,156 --> 00:25:11,042 for me it is my home, where I come from. 398 00:25:11,593 --> 00:25:14,846 For the actress Tessa Thompson, is this here, 399 00:25:15,514 --> 00:25:19,918 Santa Monica's Barnum Hall Theater High School in Southern California. 400 00:25:20,035 --> 00:25:21,636 I did as a young girl 401 00:25:21,720 --> 00:25:25,156 Played theater as a hobby. 402 00:25:25,273 --> 00:25:28,193 In high school I took it for the first time 403 00:25:28,343 --> 00:25:30,595 really serious. I realized that it is a craft. 404 00:25:30,679 --> 00:25:31,780 ACTRESS, PRODUCER 405 00:25:33,198 --> 00:25:38,470 The craft became later a burning passion, 406 00:25:38,520 --> 00:25:41,756 who made their breakthrough in films like The tears of the rainbow, 407 00:25:41,873 --> 00:25:44,442 We. Danced. 408 00:25:44,843 --> 00:25:48,914 the action hero series Thor, the romantic drama Sylvie's Love 409 00:25:49,564 --> 00:25:51,716 and starred in the hit TV series Westworld. 410 00:25:51,883 --> 00:25:56,071 Most want not seeing the predator within. 411 00:25:56,421 --> 00:25:59,357 You are currently one of the most versatile and most visible actresses. 412 00:25:59,441 --> 00:26:01,159 CORRESPONDENT, DOMESTIC 413 00:26:01,359 --> 00:26:04,195 Not Black Actresses, of all actresses. 414 00:26:04,596 --> 00:26:08,233 Did you always see this coming? That this would happen one day? 415 00:26:09,034 --> 00:26:10,835 My goodness, no. Absolutely not. 416 00:26:11,036 --> 00:26:15,757 While we're here, in the theater hall of my high school... 417 00:26:15,924 --> 00:26:21,279 I always wanted to make a difference somehow. 418 00:26:21,363 --> 00:26:24,399 In the arrogance of my youth I thought that one 419 00:26:24,482 --> 00:26:26,318 -could contribute something. -That you could do anything. 420 00:26:26,401 --> 00:26:28,520 Exactly. I always had that in mind, 421 00:26:28,603 --> 00:26:32,123 but not necessarily through storytelling. And even as I thought about it, 422 00:26:32,157 --> 00:26:35,760 I'm more interested in acting to concentrate, I thought 423 00:26:35,844 --> 00:26:38,196 to the theater, not at all about film and television. 424 00:26:38,280 --> 00:26:40,198 I didn't necessarily see that as a career. 425 00:26:42,233 --> 00:26:45,804 Tessa's work is complex and contains memorable performances 426 00:26:45,870 --> 00:26:51,760 strong women like her The civil rights activist Diane Nash in Selma. 427 00:26:51,876 --> 00:26:53,845 -Ms. Nash. -Mr. Bevel. 428 00:26:54,479 --> 00:26:55,880 A determined hearing impaired person 429 00:26:55,947 --> 00:26:56,798 YOU CAN DO IT! 430 00:26:56,881 --> 00:26:58,233 Musician in the Creed series. 431 00:26:58,316 --> 00:27:00,752 -I'll hit him. -I advise you. 432 00:27:00,852 --> 00:27:05,006 And one who is torn back and forth mixed-race woman in alternation. 433 00:27:05,040 --> 00:27:09,194 You choose with intent such different characters? 434 00:27:09,911 --> 00:27:12,113 Now yes. Sure, at the start of your career 435 00:27:12,197 --> 00:27:15,150 one hopes just to get a role. 436 00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:18,003 But I believe at some point I started to think 437 00:27:18,036 --> 00:27:20,472 that I might not last forever would stay in the industry, 438 00:27:20,639 --> 00:27:23,041 -because it feels tight. -It seems to me that, 439 00:27:23,124 --> 00:27:26,878 what I saw that you don't fit into a drawer 440 00:27:26,995 --> 00:27:30,231 want to be stuck, be it sexual or ethnic if you 441 00:27:30,315 --> 00:27:32,600 Playing roles, because you said that you 442 00:27:32,684 --> 00:27:34,319 feel attracted to men and women. 443 00:27:34,436 --> 00:27:39,324 Is it important to you not to be packaged in clichés? 444 00:27:39,357 --> 00:27:42,510 Yes very. I would be bored if I 445 00:27:42,560 --> 00:27:46,031 couldn't play properly could get more out of me. 446 00:27:46,114 --> 00:27:51,486 The great gift of acting is that you can express yourself 447 00:27:51,686 --> 00:27:57,242 and about your own personality can go out. 448 00:27:59,444 --> 00:28:02,080 She remembers something, that one of her teachers told her: 449 00:28:02,881 --> 00:28:06,634 "Loving the art in you, not you in art." 450 00:28:08,203 --> 00:28:12,240 At 38, Tessa Thompson knows for sure about the meaning of their art 451 00:28:12,323 --> 00:28:16,161 and the power and the influence of this art. 452 00:28:17,762 --> 00:28:21,166 I still remember when I was little that I was there for the first time 453 00:28:21,566 --> 00:28:25,120 could see myself on the screen. 454 00:28:25,253 --> 00:28:27,922 Was there someone when you were younger, 455 00:28:28,390 --> 00:28:31,593 where you suddenly thought "Wow, I can do that?" 456 00:28:31,676 --> 00:28:34,112 When I first saw Eartha Kitt, 457 00:28:34,162 --> 00:28:40,318 in Anna Lucasta, I saw something in her mind. 458 00:28:40,618 --> 00:28:43,004 Your mind in general has always had me 459 00:28:43,121 --> 00:28:46,124 very attracted to the idea of invention. 460 00:28:46,241 --> 00:28:49,394 I'm sorry I'm in a hurry, but I have to leave town. 461 00:28:49,944 --> 00:28:52,680 I saw Lisa Bonet at the beginning of her career. 462 00:28:52,764 --> 00:28:54,199 "THE BILL COSBY SHOW" 463 00:28:54,282 --> 00:28:57,552 I thought, "Oh, wow." So many women... Diahann Carroll 464 00:28:57,635 --> 00:29:00,638 was huge for me... and Angela Bassett. I was still very young, 465 00:29:00,722 --> 00:29:03,525 when I put her in Tina – What's Love Got To Do With It? saw. 466 00:29:03,591 --> 00:29:08,363 -I was totally thrilled. -Tessa Thompson grew up primarily in 467 00:29:08,430 --> 00:29:12,317 California, as mixed race Daughter of free-spirited parents who love their 468 00:29:12,350 --> 00:29:18,323 Encouraged dreams. Her mother is Artist, half white, half Mexican, 469 00:29:19,190 --> 00:29:25,313 -her father Black musician from Panama. -School was hard for me as a girl. 470 00:29:25,363 --> 00:29:29,717 Absolutely. My sister is white in every way, 471 00:29:29,801 --> 00:29:33,605 and we went to the same school, 472 00:29:33,638 --> 00:29:36,524 only two years apart, so it confused people, 473 00:29:36,591 --> 00:29:38,643 that we were siblings. That was also a reason 474 00:29:38,676 --> 00:29:41,796 for our move to Santa Monica. My mother wanted us 475 00:29:41,830 --> 00:29:45,517 in a better school district, to a school where I don't 476 00:29:45,550 --> 00:29:47,569 was “one of the only ones”. 477 00:29:50,221 --> 00:29:51,439 That's pretty big. 478 00:29:51,473 --> 00:29:54,192 It's like a college campus. How long have you not been there? 479 00:29:54,275 --> 00:29:58,513 -on this campus? -I think almost since I graduated. 480 00:29:58,563 --> 00:30:02,400 I'm embarrassed at the moment maybe, at least... a decade. 481 00:30:04,552 --> 00:30:10,592 You stand on broad shoulders. Hattie McDaniel, Dorothy Dandridge, 482 00:30:10,842 --> 00:30:15,113 Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee and many more. 483 00:30:15,430 --> 00:30:19,717 -Do you think about this often? -Yes, very often. 484 00:30:20,034 --> 00:30:24,923 I had a very surreal one the other day Experience over lunch. 485 00:30:25,356 --> 00:30:29,043 Halle Berry gave a speech. I've always seen her 486 00:30:29,110 --> 00:30:33,281 all my life. She said something 487 00:30:33,314 --> 00:30:36,401 she said my name on stage, she mentioned Ruth Negga, 488 00:30:36,484 --> 00:30:40,121 with whom I play in alternation, and she called Jennifer Hudson's name, 489 00:30:40,154 --> 00:30:46,594 who sat opposite me. And then I realized 490 00:30:47,078 --> 00:30:50,231 that something connected us. 491 00:30:50,365 --> 00:30:54,485 So do many of my contemporaries have a lot of power 492 00:30:54,552 --> 00:30:57,405 and responsibility, they have their own companies, 493 00:30:57,472 --> 00:31:00,842 create the opportunities, and they do it their way. 494 00:31:00,892 --> 00:31:04,846 And Tessa too is now going her own way 495 00:31:04,913 --> 00:31:10,084 with her production company Viva Maude. Your goal is to roll 496 00:31:10,151 --> 00:31:14,889 for different women of all ethnicities and create skin colors. 497 00:31:15,323 --> 00:31:18,443 Let's talk about something for a moment, which our community doesn't like to talk about. 498 00:31:18,509 --> 00:31:21,045 Discrimination based on skin color. 499 00:31:21,195 --> 00:31:24,799 Sees a woman's journey different in Hollywood 500 00:31:24,832 --> 00:31:27,402 depending on what skin color she has? 501 00:31:27,485 --> 00:31:31,072 In any case. It can be done don't deny. You need each other 502 00:31:31,155 --> 00:31:33,641 just the Hollywood iconography to be viewed as a whole. 503 00:31:33,675 --> 00:31:36,361 It's crystal clear. And that has too 504 00:31:36,394 --> 00:31:39,914 the development my company Viva Maude. 505 00:31:40,031 --> 00:31:43,234 I want... To look at Hollywood, 506 00:31:43,284 --> 00:31:46,521 to the problem of discrimination, to say, "Sometimes I contribute to it. 507 00:31:46,604 --> 00:31:48,556 Sometimes I benefit of it, so to speak." 508 00:31:48,640 --> 00:31:49,841 Not true? What can I do? 509 00:31:49,941 --> 00:31:53,361 What is possible? And one thing is, 510 00:31:53,411 --> 00:31:58,082 there... to the best of my ability to support projects, 511 00:31:58,232 --> 00:32:01,269 the abundance of Black women brings to the screen, 512 00:32:01,302 --> 00:32:04,923 -in all colors. -Are there roles, 513 00:32:05,006 --> 00:32:08,393 that you wouldn't play? A maid or a slave? 514 00:32:10,645 --> 00:32:14,599 That's interesting. I would don't tend to say no. 515 00:32:14,916 --> 00:32:17,035 But the storytelling, that interests me 516 00:32:17,118 --> 00:32:21,723 asks: Can we talk about an old topic talk in a new way? 517 00:32:21,823 --> 00:32:24,392 You have benefited so much from those who were there before you. 518 00:32:24,442 --> 00:32:27,562 What do you want to say to them the Tessa Thompson 519 00:32:27,595 --> 00:32:32,800 -inspired today? -The freedom to be more authentic, 520 00:32:33,484 --> 00:32:37,605 the most complete expression of yourself, 521 00:32:37,639 --> 00:32:41,359 whatever that is. To feel like you belong to your community 522 00:32:41,442 --> 00:32:47,598 can also serve your race by being completely free 523 00:32:47,682 --> 00:32:49,434 you are yourself. I believe 524 00:32:51,119 --> 00:32:56,190 that's important to me. That's something what I want to bring in. 525 00:33:01,262 --> 00:33:04,198 And finally... Hollywood is so much more than that, 526 00:33:04,282 --> 00:33:08,353 -what we see on camera. -We present a new generation 527 00:33:08,436 --> 00:33:10,271 of power people, producers, 528 00:33:10,321 --> 00:33:14,759 Female directors and artists who just beginning to assert their influence. 529 00:33:15,159 --> 00:33:18,396 -Sonny Hostin is in The Kitchen. -It's my pleasure, 530 00:33:18,479 --> 00:33:25,520 Marsai, Robi, Introducing Carla and Alana. 531 00:33:26,320 --> 00:33:29,307 You are with me today at The Kitchen at the Getty Center. 532 00:33:29,724 --> 00:33:31,676 Let's talk about the elephant in the living room, 533 00:33:31,876 --> 00:33:36,030 because, I think we had no representation for a very long time. 534 00:33:36,114 --> 00:33:38,549 Especially as Black women, even though we have so much power. 535 00:33:38,800 --> 00:33:42,870 Are you now, as a black woman, Carla, 536 00:33:43,004 --> 00:33:46,591 -aware of your superpower? -Honestly, 537 00:33:46,841 --> 00:33:50,712 the way I was raised, the way the women around me were, 538 00:33:50,795 --> 00:33:53,431 I always knew I had strength. And there was never anyone in my life 539 00:33:53,514 --> 00:33:54,999 LEAD HAIR STYLIST 540 00:33:55,049 --> 00:33:56,551 HAIR AND MAKEUP AWARD THE PRINCE OF ZAMUNDA 2 541 00:33:56,601 --> 00:33:58,720 -which she didn't have. -Wow. 542 00:33:58,836 --> 00:34:01,789 So I was aware of this power. 543 00:34:01,923 --> 00:34:04,675 I've always been self-confident, because I believed 544 00:34:04,726 --> 00:34:06,277 EMMY AWARDING CASTING DIRECTOR 545 00:34:06,360 --> 00:34:08,279 to do what I was born to do. 546 00:34:08,413 --> 00:34:11,315 years later, when I was a casting director 547 00:34:11,399 --> 00:34:15,069 had established, there was a very established one 548 00:34:15,119 --> 00:34:20,358 white producers, a showrunner, on a series I was working on. 549 00:34:20,525 --> 00:34:26,197 He remarked to colleagues, that I didn't behave like that, 550 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:32,637 like I needed the job. That I exuded this attitude. 551 00:34:32,754 --> 00:34:35,323 -That you were lucky? -Something like that. 552 00:34:35,389 --> 00:34:37,442 I thought: "What does that even mean?" 553 00:34:37,542 --> 00:34:43,564 -Why is self-confidence arrogance? -My impression is... you know 554 00:34:43,598 --> 00:34:47,752 not your place. For you I should 555 00:34:48,152 --> 00:34:52,840 Show humility, whatever I do. I hold me for a humble person. 556 00:34:52,874 --> 00:34:57,111 But you should behave like this that you feel good about yourself. 557 00:34:58,713 --> 00:35:01,799 The question comes to mind... 558 00:35:01,833 --> 00:35:04,986 Eddie Murphy's directorial debut, 559 00:35:05,253 --> 00:35:09,841 I should do the casting. I had Just did a few things before that. 560 00:35:10,024 --> 00:35:12,593 School Daze, I think was my only film at the time. 561 00:35:12,760 --> 00:35:14,796 Yes, I didn't have much experience. 562 00:35:14,879 --> 00:35:18,800 -Pretty good movie. -And there were many doubters. 563 00:35:18,950 --> 00:35:23,070 But Eddie stood up for me and said: "I want her. 564 00:35:23,154 --> 00:35:26,591 -And she's totally capable." -I still want to talk about your travels, 565 00:35:26,674 --> 00:35:29,510 because they are all so impressive. 566 00:35:30,044 --> 00:35:35,633 Let's start with you, Marsai. The youngest person... too 567 00:35:36,200 --> 00:35:40,354 -African-American woman who produced. -For the most part the trip has so far 568 00:35:40,438 --> 00:35:43,524 was fun. It's exciting, surreal. I believe... 569 00:35:43,591 --> 00:35:45,910 ACTRESS, PRODUCER, ENTREPRENEURSHIP 570 00:35:46,043 --> 00:35:48,429 I am first and foremost came into this industry, 571 00:35:48,513 --> 00:35:53,885 because I didn't see anyone who looked like me. 572 00:35:54,001 --> 00:35:57,205 All Black Girls were only there in the first act. 573 00:35:57,271 --> 00:36:02,677 Or they were barely the focus 574 00:36:02,710 --> 00:36:05,880 or were not represented correctly. 575 00:36:06,063 --> 00:36:10,518 On the subject of travel, Robi Reed, what are you like? 576 00:36:10,701 --> 00:36:16,040 become the person the people like Marsai 577 00:36:16,140 --> 00:36:19,710 -a chance in front of the camera? -I always believed that I was for 578 00:36:19,794 --> 00:36:24,031 the casting was simply born. This is my destiny, 579 00:36:24,081 --> 00:36:27,885 -God gave me a sense of talent. -That's so strong. 580 00:36:28,002 --> 00:36:33,674 You help others make their dreams come true to do. In this industry was 581 00:36:33,758 --> 00:36:38,996 our beauty never so praised like the white beauty. 582 00:36:40,081 --> 00:36:43,834 I see afro puffs in your work 583 00:36:43,918 --> 00:36:48,472 and the glorification of our beauty. Was there in the industry 584 00:36:48,556 --> 00:36:50,791 -a lot of resistance? -It happened before, 585 00:36:50,875 --> 00:36:55,479 that a different look was insisted upon, in a sense: 586 00:36:55,563 --> 00:37:00,117 "No, they're poor, they have to look dirty or broke.” 587 00:37:00,401 --> 00:37:04,805 Then I said: "I can do it for you explain my culture? 588 00:37:04,989 --> 00:37:05,873 Yes. 589 00:37:05,990 --> 00:37:10,111 When someone like me is trusted, then that will help. 590 00:37:10,278 --> 00:37:14,248 It helps to illustrate that what needs to be represented. 591 00:37:15,283 --> 00:37:19,437 And, Alana, we know how important Representation is, right? 592 00:37:19,470 --> 00:37:22,590 -Yes. -How do you decide today... 593 00:37:22,673 --> 00:37:26,043 -Yes? -which projects deserve funding? 594 00:37:26,193 --> 00:37:28,713 My job is to meet talented people Giving money and resources. 595 00:37:28,763 --> 00:37:30,398 PRESIDENT OF ORION PICTURES (MGM) 596 00:37:30,431 --> 00:37:33,000 I wanted to do that for women, for people of color, 597 00:37:33,034 --> 00:37:36,003 for queer people. We can't see for a long time 598 00:37:36,070 --> 00:37:37,321 -enough stories... -No. 599 00:37:37,355 --> 00:37:39,874 ...from these fantastic communities 600 00:37:39,991 --> 00:37:43,594 or from people who have these stories embody authentically. 601 00:37:43,678 --> 00:37:48,316 How, you hope, is Hollywood supposed to be look like in the future? 602 00:37:49,133 --> 00:37:52,003 I want, and my entire team knows this, 603 00:37:52,069 --> 00:37:58,676 Spread more Black joy. More of us in different genres 604 00:37:58,709 --> 00:38:01,512 bring us in which we cannot be seen. I want to be a robot. 605 00:38:01,562 --> 00:38:03,130 Yes, and why not? 606 00:38:03,431 --> 00:38:05,599 I tell this story often. 607 00:38:05,783 --> 00:38:09,437 After the first season of Black-ish 608 00:38:09,470 --> 00:38:12,073 I asked our agency: "Okay, now what?" 609 00:38:12,223 --> 00:38:15,443 There were stacks of scripts there. We thought 610 00:38:15,509 --> 00:38:18,479 there would be something there. Next audition, let's go. 611 00:38:18,679 --> 00:38:21,565 They went through the scripts and said: 612 00:38:21,882 --> 00:38:25,152 “So, there’s no Black girl here. Not here, not here either 613 00:38:25,202 --> 00:38:27,672 and not here either." They wanted to show practically 614 00:38:27,755 --> 00:38:33,044 that I don't fit in other areas. 615 00:38:33,144 --> 00:38:38,082 But when it comes to change, yes, Alana runs studios. 616 00:38:38,115 --> 00:38:40,418 -Yes. -You're not 40? 617 00:38:41,085 --> 00:38:44,322 -My God, this is huge. -On a systemic level 618 00:38:44,472 --> 00:38:46,524 So much still needs to change. 619 00:38:46,557 --> 00:38:49,510 I want, that we pool our strengths there, 620 00:38:49,593 --> 00:38:53,764 where the decision is made at studios, television, 621 00:38:53,831 --> 00:38:56,400 Cinema, streaming services. And I want 622 00:38:56,484 --> 00:39:00,121 diverse people as decision makers. Marsai serves as producer 623 00:39:00,154 --> 00:39:02,323 people for their films. 624 00:39:02,523 --> 00:39:04,842 This freedom to decide is the best. 625 00:39:04,925 --> 00:39:07,161 A lot of people don't know that. No film is made 626 00:39:07,244 --> 00:39:13,150 -before anyone gives the green light. -Thank you all for being 627 00:39:13,334 --> 00:39:16,804 your knowledge and above all, strength with me 628 00:39:16,971 --> 00:39:20,391 and shared with the viewers. Let's continue the dialogue 629 00:39:20,574 --> 00:39:23,994 under the hashtag @inthekitchen, open to opinions 630 00:39:24,078 --> 00:39:26,580 on the topics discussed today. Thank you. 631 00:39:28,032 --> 00:39:29,884 FOR OUR SISTER REGINA KING YOUR LOSS IS OURS TOO 632 00:39:30,034 --> 00:39:33,804 Regina King always saw us. She came into our lives 633 00:39:33,938 --> 00:39:38,192 as Brenda in 227 and always instructed us, to reflect. 634 00:39:38,342 --> 00:39:41,912 She gave us protection. In a world that fills us with lies 635 00:39:41,996 --> 00:39:44,949 keeps things down about us, can provide honest representation 636 00:39:45,199 --> 00:39:48,469 be the rescue on the screen. She is the magician in 637 00:39:48,719 --> 00:39:51,605 One Night in Miami as well as Trudy. 638 00:39:51,756 --> 00:39:55,760 Oh knight sister Regina King, you are the sun and we reflect your light. 639 00:39:55,910 --> 00:39:59,397 You are ours and we are yours. We don't know you. 640 00:39:59,480 --> 00:40:03,517 But we know you. A community Black women grow with you 641 00:40:03,634 --> 00:40:06,437 Regina King, you loved us, How Black Women Love Each Other 642 00:40:06,470 --> 00:40:10,141 and hug each other, so deeply, that our souls float up. 643 00:40:10,441 --> 00:40:17,481 You are loved. You are loved. You are love. 644 00:40:45,993 --> 00:40:49,630 Subtitles by: Christian Kuhrt