The Academy Museum welcomes you to join them in celebrating Black History Month with a special slate of screenings and events spotlighting the many contributions of Black creators and artists in film.
Academy Museum Black History Month Programming
Echoes of Africa | Feb 1 – 9
Film series guest programmed by Mo Abudu, co-presented with NAACP.
Embarking on a voyage through time, Echoes of Africa will sweep audiences into Africa’s diverse histories at pivotal junctures. This film series weaves together the tapestry of African experiences, triumphs, dreams, and realities. From poignant narratives of unwavering love and resilience to gripping sagas of individual victory, Echoes of Africa presents a vivid mosaic of African perspectives, capturing the enduring resonance of its cinema. With spellbinding stories like The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun (1999), Le Franc (1994), and Monangambé (1968), audiences can anticipate an enthralling cinematic odyssey that leaves them stirred, enlightened, and intimately connected with Africa’s vibrant essence.
Oscar Sundays | On-going weekly screening series
This month will include MALCOLM X, DREAMGIRLS, and RAY.
In February, we honor Black History Month by showcasing milestone moments for Black creators, artists, and craftspeople across the history of the Oscars ceremony. Hattie McDaniel made history in 1940 as the first Black person to win an Academy Award, Best Supporting Actress, for her role in Gone with the Wind (1939). Since this breakthrough moment, nearly every category has seen history-defining moments for Black artists.
Remembering Harry Belafonte: Buck and the Preacher | Feb 24
Screening of Buck and the Preacher with Shari Belafonte as guest speaker in conversation with Jacqueline Stewart
Throughout the 96 years of his remarkable life, the singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte (1927–2023) broke countless barriers. Belafonte was the first solo artist to sell over a million records with his widely acclaimed album Calypso (1956). He experienced two robust periods in Hollywood: first with studio pictures like Carmen Jones (1954) and The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959); and again, in the 1970s, when he notably teamed with longtime friend Sidney Poitier to support his debut directorial effort with Buck and the Preacher (1972) and its smash-hit follow-up, Uptown Saturday Night (1974). Citing Hollywood’s disinterest in socially conscious filmmaking as the reason behind his decade-long hiatus, Belafonte spent his time away from the silver screen investing in his lifelong passion for civil rights, befriending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participating in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. To honor his life and legacy, the Academy Museum presents a screening of Buck and the Preacher, which features Belafonte’s fascinating character turn as the deceptive Preacher opposite Poitier’s forthright Buck for the duo’s first-ever onscreen collaboration.
10 Years After the Win: 12 Years a Slave | Feb 25
10-year anniversary screening of 12 Years a Slave Featuring in-person remarks by Steve McQueen and Alfre Woodard
Recipient of the Vantage Award at the Academy Museum’s 2022 Gala, Steve McQueen has built a varied career challenging dominant narratives around cinema. His third feature, the unflinching story of Solomon Northup who is kidnapped and sold into enslavement, made major history at the 86th Oscars. Lead Chiwetel Ejiofor became the first Black British man to be nominated for Best Actor, Lupita Nyong’o the first Black African to win in any category, and McQueen the first Black man to win Best Picture. We’re revisiting this stunning work with the director-producer in person to reflect on his win 10 years ago.
Black History Mini Docs | Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
In celebration of Black History Month this February, explore quick and entertaining videos built to educate viewers about the contributions of Black people in American history, created by legendary producer-director Neema Barnette and filmmaker Reed R. McCants.
Join museum educators in the Netflix Lounge on Fridays in February at 1pm for this interactive experience, where you can explore as many mini docs as you’d like. These short videos will include iconic figures such as Diana Sands, Frank Silvera, Frederick Douglas, Gordon Parks, Hazel Scott, Josephine Baker, Sammy Davis Jr., Woody Strode, Dorothy Dandridge, Jim Kelly, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis.
Oscar Gallery tours on Fridays and Sundays focusing on Black Oscar winner.
See here for full schedule and ticket information
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