STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

5 Black Moments We Hope To See At The Oscars

The award show airs Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

The Oscars are happening this Sunday and over the last couple of years it has faced criticism regarding its lack of diversity and inclusion, and this year wasn’t an exception. With talents like Danielle Deadwyler (Till) and Viola Davis (The Woman King) failing to secure nominations for their poignant roles and films, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences once again came under scrutiny.

But there were a few silver linings, such as Angela Bassett becoming the first Marvel actress to receive a “Best Supporting Actress” nom for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. And we all know, over here at BET, we’re always rooting for everyone Black!

Danielle Deadwyler Cites Racism, Misogyny On Best Actress Oscar Snub

While we watch the ceremony, let's appreciate and highlight the achievements of Black artists, as well as those from other marginalized communities. By doing so, we not only honor their hard work and talent, but we also send a message to the world that diversity and inclusivity matter.

As we wait with bated breath for Sunday’s ceremony, we’ve compiled a list of some of the potential Blackest moments we hope to see!

Angela Bassett Ends The Season Winning Best Supporting Actress

Has she not given us everything? The 64-year-old actress has always been a star and deserved “Best Actress” for What’s Love Got To Do With it, but this award season, the critics are giving the actress her just do, and maybe the Academy might follow suit this Sunday. After winning “Best Supporting Actress” at the Golden Globes Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Critics Choice Awards for portraying Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, one can only hope she’ll leave with her rightfully deserved Oscar. If she doesn’t, we need the camera to pan to Tyler James Williams and give us his iconic “breaking the fourth wall” look.

Ariana DeBose and Angela Bassett Recreating The Viral BAFTA Performance

Fashion At The Oscars 2021

Photo: ABC via Getty Images

Ariana DeBose looks radiant in an orange Versace gown with Stuart Weitzman shoes. - (Photo: ABC via Getty Images)

DeBose hosted the BAFTA Awards and went viral for her opening performance before getting to her hosting duties. The iconic line “Angela Bassett did the thing” with the dance move has taken social media by storm. Even Angela mentioned the moment during her acceptance speech at the NAACP Image Awards. It would be a win for Black Twitter if we could get these two actresses on stage to announce an award together and recreate the moment together. Talk about a possible top meme of the year!

Lenny Kravitz Performing During This Year’s ‘In Memoriam’

Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) - TWEET: "Congratulations Lionsgate, Gary Ross & the entire cast and crew of @TheHungerGames. May the odds be ever in 'our' favor" Hunger Games co-star Lenny Kravitz tweets a photo of himself signing movie posters for fans.  (Photo: Jeff Daly/FOX/PictureGroup)
Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) - TWEET: "Congratulations Lionsgate, Gary Ross & the entire cast and crew of @TheHungerGames. May the odds be ever in 'our' favor" Hunger Games co-star Lenny Kravitz tweets a photo of himself signing movie posters for fans.  (Photo: Jeff Daly/FOX/PictureGroup)

While we celebrate our stars who are still with us, we have to take a moment to remember  those who have moved on to glory. And what better person to do it than Lenny Kravitz, who will deliver a performance during the ceremony? It’s not often you get a performance from the rock musician, but I’m sure the 58-year-old is rehearsing to give us a performance we’ll discuss for weeks.

Rihanna’s Performance For ‘Lift Me Up’

Our bad gyal, and soon-to-be mother of two, just finished delivering a showstopping performance at the Super Bowl. While she didn’t win the Grammy for “Best Original Song”, she still has a chance of winning an award for the record at Sunday’s ceremony.. She will also perform the record, so we know the Anti artist is preparing to deliver an angelic performance. We’ll be watching at home like her firstborn.

Just Let Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors Stand There, We’ll Just Watch, Too

Presenters Jonathan Majors and Issa Rae

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET

Presenters Jonathan Majors and Issa Rae

These two actors have been the talk of the town, and the world is falling in love with them every time they appear onscreen. Their film, Creed, is now the highest-grossing sports film ever, bringing in over  $100 million worldwide. So, of course, we would love to see them do…anything on Sunday as long as they are onscreen. Give us a boxing bit, present an award or anything that has them on our screens for more than five minutes. Guaranteed ratings boost!

What are some Black moments you hope to see? Grab your popcorn and your squad, and make sure you’re watching the Oscars, this Sunday at  8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC.


Ty Cole is a New York-based entertainment reporter and writer for BET.com who covers pop culture, music, and lifestyle. Follow his latest musings on Twitter @IamTyCole.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.