Hollywood Blackout, Ben Arogundade
Hollywood Blackout, Ben Arogundade
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Hollywood Blackout
The battle for recognition in a white Hollywood

Author: Ben Arogundade

Narrator: Ben Arogundade

Unabridged: 11 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Cassell

Published: 02/13/2025

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

On 29 February 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of colour, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood's reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion.

Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them. For the first time, Hollywood Blackout reveals the untold story of their tumultuous journey from exclusion to inclusion; from segregation to celebration.

Author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, indigenous peoples and women. Throughout the decades their progression to the Oscars podium has been galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests and social media activism such as #OscarsSoWhite.

Whether you are a film fan, history lover or diversity advocate, Hollywood Blackout is the quintessential choice for all those who wish to know the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars and the talents who fought to make change.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Dee

This book was an extremely interesting & informative read. I enjoyed reading about Gone With the Wind. Hattie McDaniels is an impressive woman. She was set up to fail, but she refused to give up, keeping her chin high with pride & courage when she was attacked by both sides. There's a lot I didn't k......more

The history of Blacks in the movie industry is as old as the industry itself. A 29-second silent film entitled “Something Good—Negro Kiss” from 1898 depicts a black couple kissing and holding hands. Unfortunately, the history of racial prejudice in the film industry is almost as old. One of the most......more


Quotes

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of film or race relations in Hollywood. Bargain Sleuth Reviews