6 Black actors, directors, producers expected to compete In Oscars 2016

6 Black actors, directors, producers expected to compete In Oscars 2016

By Joshua Copeland

We’ve just finished the Academy Awards and folks are already talking about Oscar season for 2016. Here are six projects that are projected to receive Oscar buzz for the 2016 season.

1.) Will Smith for his role in Concussion – A drama about Forensic Neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu who made the first discovery of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) in a pro football player which raised public awareness about the disease. The movie is based on a GQ article titled “Game Brain” written by Jeanne Marie Laskas. Gugu Mbatha-Raw will be co-starring in the film, playing Smith’s wife.

2.) Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan in Creed – The two will reunite for this boxing drama that spins off of the Rocky storyline.

Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) will be training the son of his rival and deceased friend, Apollo Creed. This film has the potential to rack up in the Oscars with a-wards ranging from Best Original Screenplay to Best Director and even Best Actor nominations.

3.) Antoine Fuqua for upcoming film “Southpaw.”

Despite his classic film “Training Day,” which resulted in Denzel Washington winning Best Actor, Director Antoine Fuqua has never been nominated.  But that might change with his upcoming film “Southpaw” another boxing drama starring Jake Gyllenhaul who fights his way to the top while his life around him is falling a-part.

4.) Chiwetel Ejiofor for role in “The Secret in Their Eyes”

Chiwetel Ejiofor could have another Best Actor nomination and possibly win in his performance in the Argentine crime thriller “The Secret in Their Eyes”.  The American remake will be the story of legal counselor (Ejiofor) who writes a novel in hopes to find closure for one of the unsolved homicidal cases and for his unreciprocated love for his superior.

5.) Samuel Jackson in Quentin Tarantino’s “Hateful Eight”

Expect a film that will have you on the edge of your seats. A battle royale erupts when 8 bounty hunters try and find shelter during a blizzard, but find themselves in a plot of betrayal and deception.   There’s a chance that Jackson could walk away with Best Supporting Actor.

6.) Rick Famuyiwa’s upcoming film, “Dope”

This upcoming film created the most buzz at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Famuyiwa’s “Dope” is set to be released on June 12, which isn’t normally considered Oscar bait season.  If anything, there’s a chance that “Dope” could be nominated or even win Best Original Screenplay.

What are your thoughts for these upcoming films?