BET Awards 2022: Meet the Films Battling it Out for ‘Best Movie’
Last year’s offerings of films did not disappoint. Questlove’s Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul, shed light on a significant part of Black music history via restored footage, while, RESPECT, covered the incredible life of our Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin told through Jennifer Hudson’s breathtaking performance. The movies of 2021 taught us, made us laugh, and even afraid to say Candyman’s name five times, and now they are nominated for “Best Movie” at the BET Awards 2022 hosted by award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson. The celebration will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 26th at 8 pm ET, but before then, here are the nominees for “Best Movie.”
Candyman
This supernatural slasher takes place nearly four decades post its 1992 predecessor of the name left off. After hearing about the legend of Helen Lyle, Chicago painter Anthony McCoy, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II,—looking for artistic inspiration—journeys into the Cabrini-Green projects. What he later discovers could only be found in the depths of one’s scariest nightmares.
The film stars a talented cast, including Yahya, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo, and more.
King Richard
Will Smith is the legendary Richard Williams, the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, and follows his journey to making his daughter two of the most prominent sports figures in modern-day history. The role earned Will his first Oscar at the 94th annual Academy Awards.
RESPECT
No one comes close to legendary Aretha Franklin as Jennifer Hudson does in her performance as the Queen of Soul in the Liesl Tommy-directed biographical musical drama, RESPECT. The film follows the first three decades of the iconic singer and songwriter’s life, including her difficult childhood growing up as a musical prodigy to her ultimate climb to international stardom.
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Summer of Soul
Oscar award-winning filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson makes his directorial debut in Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). The multi-talented musician brought to light the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place on six Sundays between June 29 and August 24 at the former Mount Morris Park—now Marcus Garvey Park—in Harlem, New York.
The cultural event was almost all but forgotten. However, Quest’s efforts earned him “Best Documentary” at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Also referred to as Space Jam 2, this live-action animated sports comedy stars a slew of A-listers, including award-winning basketball star LeBron James, Golden Globe-winning actor Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green, Zendaya, and many more.
The family-friendly film serves as the standalone sequel to the 2003 movie Space Jam starring famed athlete Michael Jordan.
The Harder They Fall
If you’re into country westerns and an ensemble cast of Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Zazi Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Regina Hall, Netflix’s They Harder They Fall may be exactly what you’re looking for. The film tells the story of what happens after outlaw Nat Love, played by Majors, discovers his enemy is being released from prison and reunites his gang to seek revenge.
Watch the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
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