the bigger issue Mackie pointed out is that England doesn’t employ these gifted black actors in their native England so black Americans aren’t even thought about for those roles. The bigger issue is the racism within the English bbc tv and film depts. soon to be Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya has publicly stated he couldn’t get roles in England. The racism is rampant there as well.
@@TheGothicRichard who says they are not fighting? Just like in the US, black British writers, directors, producers, actors are fighting to get their stories told. It’s a gradually process but it is happening.
@@TheGothicRichard You must understand that African/carribean people don’t have the fighting power like us black Americans!! That’s why the world look towards black Americans for when it comes to liberation! (Just like how asians are asking for help now)..
@@TheGothicRichard The UK isn't like the USA where people are aware of their racism. the UK doesn't even want to admit that they're racist so every racist moment is also being gaslighted. the industry in the UK definitely isn't as big in the UK, and because of the way racism works, it's extremely hard to fight against it. it's not about "immigrant running away", that sounds super ignorant.
White Hollywood (some) directors have a agenda. The old divide and conquer. It's up to the actors to decide what they are going to handling the situation. There is strength in numbers. ♥
Not the same though. Hollywood representation was fought for by black Americans. These roles are our legacy in multiple ways. A few times is fine but its a pattern that overlooks the majority for a small subset of actors. I agree that something would be bought to the role with African playing their own countrymen.
@@user-jv8kr4im1tAmericans are very inward looking. You actually believe that to white people if you stood next to Idris it would matter to them that one is American and the other is not? Why the hell do you think BLM went global? The struggle of black subjugation is global and not unique to your town
Angela Bassett is a double bulldog. She is my example every time. I will never forget walking into the (AfAm) House and seeing her photo, then being filled with pride that I was standing where she once stood. She still hasn't gotten her due.
Yessss!! I admire Angela's presence is undeniable. Commanding attention with her sexy, strong, sensual, passionate, suave, chocolatey self. I admire her skills and she's been a role model for me growing up. Angela Basset was the Storm we never got!! 😭 (Damn you Marvel!! 😫)
I think we as black people should do like Nigerians ,Ghanaians, and Indians and start our own movie productions. They have Nollywood and support their own. They don't care about Hollywood and they make their own movies.
The issue with Cynthia Erivo is not merely about her being British and playing AA. It’s about her spewed hatred towards AA’s and then portraying AA heroes. It’s a slap in the face of AA’s.
Well said. In fact, that's the concern with all Black foreigners portraying African Americans. Several of them have made disparaging remarks about African Americans yet they stay in our spaces portraying our heroes, in our politics, HBCUs, etc.
Agreed... But the best black American actor of all time is Don Cheadle. I think LaKeith has a chance of reaching there someday but Mahershala is really good too.
🙏🏾 Love this .. honest and open conversation about things that are current in today’s society. Anthony Mackie is polished and have a solid career and i love his persona and how he is comfortable in his own scene. he is one of the best working actors today. 🙌🏾🌹
I'm from the UK and old enough to remember Forest Whitaker (The Crying Game), Don Cheadle (Ocean's), Malik Yoba (Cool Runnings), and Denzel (Queen & Country, The Mighty Queen.) Worst accents ever, lol! But we were VERY impressed cause to us, even though their careers had just begun, they were STARS! More mixed race/Black British women were in American TV and movies then; Thandie Newton, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Carmen Ejogo, Phina Oruche, Indra Ové, Sophie Okonedo, Adjoa Andoh. Being the devil's advocate, it seems to be a topic more now with Black British men tbh.
Yeah, there’s definitely more of an unrelenting resentment now for mixed race (light skinned) Blk women being chosen to play the bulk of Blk roles seeing as how they’re a never ending topic amongst monoracial BW on social media
Pointing out a long-standing, legitimate issue - colorism, featurism - is actually a duty to counteract colonial patterns that erase Black women without European features. Your implication that it’s some sort of fun obsession is disappointing.
Were any of those American actors talking trash about the nationality they were playing?🤔🤔🤔 Were the roles about historical figures? The problem is not just the actors, but discrimination against Black Americans who have roots dating back to the formation of America. Why the h*ll can't a Black American be cast in a role about the racial struggle of Black Americans?🤔🤔🤔
It's about 4 Black British actors and they are all men. I cannot think of any black British actresses having the same success. Michaela Coel had to write her own material.
@@omzy8700 I hate when people say this. She isn't Black... She's Nigerian. Yes, she is of the Black Race specifically, but she's not ethnically Black, and since Nigerians have their own power structure she is indeed capable of racism. I wouldn't consider her a xenophobe because she's immigrated to our country. I reserve this term for people who has a disdain for immigrants entering their own country of origin, or that in which they take own as their own through he process of naturalization. Yes, she made disparaging comments about Black women via Twitter. Really nasty stuff.
@@kelsieellis2414 Black Americans have literally changed the entire world and the course of human history, thanks to the human/civil rights work you did. We have more civil rights all over the world thanks to you. Your cultural influence spans across all continents and people who don’t even speak your language can relate and consume your culture. If it weren’t for you, so many minorities living in oppressive countries around the world would not be where they are today. Everytime you fought and improved your conditions you set the tone for the rest of the world. No other group in human history have managed to persevere from being an enslaved group to one of the most dominant and well recognized in the group WITHOUT ability to just blend in with their oppressors. The only way oppressed groups can improve their conditions was for them to eventually blend in with their oppressors. Be proud of your heritage and your people today. Don’t try to reach for people in a different continent who haven’t achieved a fraction of what you have and are still engaged in tribal wars, they should be the once trying to pass for Black American .... Black American have their own unique language, culture and history. You are something unique different from where you ancestors came from 500 years ago. Just like the English are no longer Germans, humans always moved around involuntarily or voluntarily, and it’s normal for us to become a new ethnicity over time. That’s why we have so many ethnicities in the world, we branch off & merge with something new, a new context, a new place and from that we develop a unique new peoples.
@DS no it’s not ,why do u think all these British black people are acting outside the Uk?There is little opportunities for black British actors in the UK,they literally have to work extremely hard just to get recognised by Hollywood so they have the opportunity to get hired .
@DS then why are u not complaining about white British people as well?there are more white British actors in Hollywood then black British actors ,also Hollywood is a worldwide movie industry that’s why actors in Hollywood can make a lot of money ,with England and many other countries outside America , Hollywood would not have been an international movie industry and would have release alot of less movies which means less chances for black Americans actors.
@DS Hollywood is more like white American then anything,most producer are white American including black movies ,most actors and actress are white American ,Hollywood was invented by white American .
The reason why you don't see many British dramas/programmes in the US is that they are usually made into American versions. When I lived in Canada I couldn't believe how many American versions there were. 🤣🤣🤣
You are correct. When I was younger, very few British programs (drama or comedy) were shown on network television. You had to watch PBS to find them. That is slowly changing, but the perception is that Americans will not watch something that is "too British". There is also the issue of Americans having a problem understanding the deeper accents that you will find in the UK. The rest of the world doesn't seem to have this problem...just Americans. haha. I can remember seeing an interview with the English band Oasis on American TV and they included subtitles. lol. Anyway, the end result is that instead of seeing a great show like Broadchurch, we get an inferior American version, although, I do maintain that the American Office is better than the UK version and will fight anyone who disagrees. ;)
@@clash5j I agree with what you said but they also have subtitles for other Americans in different parts of the US. If I spoke in the Northeastern US like I speak in NOLA, they would need a translator lol. I agree with you about the office. I've watched both and the US version is much better. There are a few other shows that are better in the US too but not the dramas. The British doooo drama well
@@NODE1975 I have actually experienced what you wrote about. I'm from the Northeast (NYC) and we can have very strong accents AND speak very rapidly. I lived in the South for just under 10 years and at the beginning I would go out to a restaurant and place my order and the waiters mouth would just hang open because he couldn't figure out what in the hell I was saying. I had to learn to slow down my speech. hehe
People do not realise how little the opportunities there are for black actors in the UK. It’s so bad that Idris Elba had to be Stringer Bell before he became cast in Luther, Damson Idris and Daniel Kaluyaa where barely known in the vine era, very underlooked within the UK scene themselves before they went to the US.
@@selormamuzu9860 all the more reason for black brits to fight for the representation in film that our ancestors fought for here To come here and piggyback off that fight while at the same time disrespecting our lineage with racist tropes.... we not about to allow that anymore
@@deepee4323 Who's really coming with the racist troupes though... until recently Americans (Black Americans especially) though of Britain as tea, biscuits and royal families, meanwhile this phenomenon has been happening for centuries even beyond black people, a lot of significant American characters where played by British actors as well. Remember the United Kingdom is an a small island with a black population of 3%.. what is that compared to the US ? lol so for a very small group of Black British actors playing American roles rattling Black Americans shows that the American Exceptionalism that Black Americans have been benefiting from is starting to crack. All you guys are just finding out that the world has been really watching you lol
Sounds like Sam Jackson has that MJ hustle on the golf course. I knew Anthony was going to say something about "discipline" in regards to American actors. Tbh I think they like the British interviews as well. I hear Mr Mackie on the self-doubt talk. It's like "what makes you ashamed of being Black?". Keep up the good work Jemele. Black Girl freckles rock
I completely understand the frustration. Especially where your heroes and sacred ancestors are concerned. As a Jamaican I was annoyed that Small Axe was for the most part replete with really poor imitations of accents from the West Indies by actors of African descent. However, it's a shame that people are attacking the actors, and not attacking the system that employs these actors. We cannot allow structural decisions to divide and conquer us as a Black People no matter where we are from. For the record, there's virtually no industry in the UK for Black actors. At all! It's appalling over here. And unless you're a grime artist no one is checking for Black music here either. People venture to America to dream the American Dream. We should work together - globally - to fight the power, not the performers with no access to that power. Last point: the idea that Bridgerton is representative of Black Britain in any shape of form is way off.
Denzel Washington did a English accent in Queen and Country a really good film but there are definitely not enough black roles in UK or roles behind the camera but it's getting better.We need to invest in ourselves more and make movies by ourselves.
As a South African, I most definitely feel a ways about the continued casting of Americans as our historical figures. The accent is ALWAYS HORRENDOUS and very little research is done on the specific country, the people of the hero, and their specific dialect in order to get this right. I get that the studios need the big names to make their money so go on then but for as long as these movies are made with the main cast being Americans, that’s not a movie for us (Africans) but rather for the Americans. Hopefully one day out film industry can be big enough to make our own international films starring our own actors.
@@dwaineleso5127 these clowns are entitled to the bone😂😂. Hollywood wasn't even created by niggas but the way they act is like it's theirs.yeesh....they want every thing handed to them
I am happy that you brought up the fact that Africans might have felt a way with all the American actors playing African characters(Hôtel Rwanda etc). I just shows that this conversation should not happen among us because it just another small way of dividing us black people within us.We are all black who ever gets the role is just opening doors for other black people
Tbf we've had Spiderman, Superman and Batman played by Brits. I think that casting directors are impressed by an accent being done flawlessly so they take it that those actors can adapt to the character as well as they adapt to the accent. Just putting on a pitch perfect accent impresses out the gate.
Good point. There are many American actors who have tried British accents which have been quite poor. There are few Americans that do a good British accent.
NOPE. The problem isn't actors ability. The problem is lack of roles for certain types of people. E.g. CAN Scarlet Johansen play a trans man. Sure. But trans males actors aren't getting asked to play black widow are they?! So if an trans actor CAN'T EVEN get a role play a trans person, then they're completely excluded. THAT is the problem.
It's a fair - and worthy - point. I would like to point out that for decades we've had Afro American Actors playing Caribbean parts when there were quite qualified options out there as well. Denzel, Robert Townsend, & Sheryl Lee Ralph in "The Mighty Quinn" comes to mind. So even if we "fix" this problem - which we should - I hope that the AA actors can make sure that the rest of their people across the diaspora get their chances to rep as well.
I'm black american and always mention that. Denzel played Steve Biko too. As to us fighting for y'all, we did and do. Black Panther. Wakanda Forever. Jordan Peele hired a Jamaican woman to direct the new Candyman. John Singleton looked out for Damson Idris. So, it's not black american folks. It's the studios causing the drama. We need the black british and diasporic communities abroad to fight harder for representation in their own countries. Seems many don't want to kick up dust like we do, preferring to reason with racists, instead of fighting for your rights. So, it goes both ways. By the way...Sheryl Lee Ralph is Jamaican...
Anthony is such a gifted actor. Not just wearing the Shield, but his dedication to his craft and honest personality will inspire a new generation of actors. Also, he described old lady golf to a tee.
Denzel played steve Biko, Morgan Freeman played Mandela, Forrest W played Amin and so forth. Africans never complained. We are all black, we are already marginalized. We need to unite and support whatever we do rather than divide.
What Jaren said plus we're American and they are Africans. The one with the gold makes the rules. Some Nigerian actor may be a big shot where he's from but until he's stamped and marketed by the American media he's still a nobody that won't draw big on a movie release. American actors get the job because they are more globally known. I'm not saying it's right but it's just how things are. Also what makes you think they didn't complain about Americans playing Africans? They did and have. We just didn't care to print it in US media. How often do you read African print or comment sections in your spare time? How often did you do it back, say, in the 1990s? Exactly. It's cultural appropriation and the various African ethnicities have a right to be upset about an American black replacing their leaders with whites funding the projects. But if that's the case you don't then get to turn around an take "american jobs" because that's where the best pay is. Don't get it twisted because every single one of those complainers will take your spot in a heartbeat. Nationalism is a two-way street. You will never get a consensus on unification. Tribalism and self-interest is what drives most people. While you're preaching about One Love somebody is contemplating using your stepstool that you offer them to boost themselves and cut you out. White supremacy isn't united under one banner either. They damn near destroyed humanity twice trying to kill each other and almost successfully eradicated one of their sub-groups (the Ashkenazi). I have no hate towards my African brothers and sisters. I only ask that when they get here wipe your feet on the doormat (i.e. don't come here taking advantage of the hospitality and advancement our ancestors died for to talk shit on us when you get comfortable).
Thank you! There was never talk of those roles going to continent Africans! Who would do the roles real justice and actual do the accent properly. Africans in the continent never complained . There are sooo many Black Americans actors ,and they are complaining about a small minority of Black British actors. The math isn’t mathing.
I think this is the same for white actors as well every time I look up a certain actor I’m always surprised there British or Australian I think American black and white actors have a problem in Hollywood but the difference is even if your a bad white American actor you tend to get more work.
I totally agree! I am Canadian but there is great American actors and actresses. Don’t understand why Hollywood can’t just give evenly jobs to British , Australian and American. They are all talented.
I read an interview with a Hollywood producer years ago and he gave the reason that. Hollywood likes to cast UK and British actors for roles, because they come across as more confident, more mature and as if they can stand on their own two feet and look after themselves. Whereas too often Americans and Canadians as well ( I live in Canada BTW) come across as if they are mentally stuck at 16 years old. And not only teenagers, but bratty ones who need to be told what to do and need to be liked. Brits and Aussies come across as strong and powerful and in control of themselves. Whereas the North Americans come across as weak and childish and impulsive.
Yeah I like how Jemele doesn't have to get dolled up ( no make up or cover up) and Ant Mack just act like he's talking to his sister- cousin.Love to see this.
In America? This is our Country, we not going to Africa to cast for roles in movies on a regular basis...Black Americans built a space for Black Americans in the American film industry...Build your own space.
@@blaccseedthechildoflife431 Ok before we go down this road, lets be clear, no one is stealing roles from you. If you want to mad at anyone, go pick a fight with the studios that employ us. I'm not even disagreeing with you, but point your anger in the right direction. Don't start this "There taking our jobs" bs. And don't forget, it's happening to white actors too. It's not like you're being targeted.
@@eon001 Why would Black Americans care about what happens in White communities? So because White people jump off a bridge, should Black people follow them to see what the hype is about. Secondly, you didn't answer the overall point the commenter made. Black Americans play Africans in AMERICAN films. They are not going to Africa to compete again Nigerian actors to play in NOLLYWOOD produced films. You would fight it hard pressed to even find Black Americans routinely going to Britain to play in British films or TV. There isn't a sharing of uplift; the fight is very one sided. Black Americans are fighting for representation in the AMERICAN film industry and Black immigrants are leeching off that fight.
A reason why British actors go to USA is because we was not getting the roles it was looked down upon. I thought Idris was American, Idris was not getting roles in UK, Now British producers come to him. There is a reason why Anthony Mackie didn't watch a British Black movie growing up because there was none so all we had growing up was the black American movies to see black stories.
As an African, who has lived in Africa my whole life, I don't have a problem with Americans playing African icons. Those projects are not made for us as Africans anyway. My issue is the way Africans are portrayed in these projects. The same way Anthony said about the southern accent, get the "African" accent right!!! There are 52 countries in Africa with over 1000 different accents BUT every time a project about Africa is made there's a generic African accent that is not even African. Even the movie Black Panther was a little disturbing. But like I said that movie was not made for us or have us in mind.
yeah shiro, I totally agree... while I enjoyed black panther, the accents were unbearable... you'd think with lupita being on there she'd weigh in on the authenticity of the accent(s)
My problem is, my entire life growing up blacks from the diaspora have been trying to separate themselves from BA and BA culture. Waving their homeland flags while telling BA we have no culture. Saying they are not black, "insert nationality". But now that ADOS/FBA has created our own separation, and we are taking claim of our culture and our centuries old history as American. And BA culture is being adopted by the world regardless of race or nationality. All of a sudden the diaspora are trying to claim ownership of the BA fight and claiming that we are all the same people. How Sway? We didn't create the division, the immigrant diaspora separated themselves and many were willing participants in WS. Now that ADOS/FBA have made a distinction, now the diaspora wants everyone to be kumbaya?
Look up The Harlem Rennaissance. It was literally the result of BA and Caribbean people uniting. And BA used to call Carib people Banana Boat folks. We used to call Africans ABCs, African Booty Scratchers. So it goes both ways. It's frustrating but being ADOS aka Black MAGA isn't the answer either.
Nothing against African actors, but I am glad someone is bringing this issue up. It is not just in films and tv, but in commercials. One African actress actually had the unmitigated gall to infer that they, Africans, study their craft more than Black American actors and actresses. Nothing against African (British or otherwise) actors and actresses, but Hollywood is not a welcoming place for American actors and actresses of color. On the other hand, Hollywood seems to also cast a lot of Australian, English and Canadian actors and actresses also, especially on the small screen.
Everything he is saying is so true. Even with the topic of Black Panther and recasting, The King needs to be represented as the King. Chadwick Boseman was an absolute inspiration to millions of people in so many ways. Myself included. He brought to life a character that so many around the world needed to see and need to continue to see. He would want the mantle to be passed down to another king. Someone who is deserving understanding and who can represent the character 100% proudly. When Christopher reeves passed, Superman didn’t die. I know it’s strange coming from an actor that no one knows. But if you knew me you would stand 100% behind me and my efforts to bring this character back for the sake of Chadwick Boseman for the sake of the black panther and for the sake of millions around the world who were inspired by the film by the comics and by the concept. I won’t give up. Wakanda Forever!!!
The big issue should be, why after 120 years of the movie industry, Black actors are still being pitted against other Black actors, for only a handful of roles, most of which are awful, usually created by people who have no idea how to write Black characters? The oft used Superman/Christopher Reeves argument doesnt work, IMHO - Reeves was one of a long line of Superman actors/comic books a character well embedded in the cultural psyche, long before Reeves took up the cape. Once you've seen one Superman, you've seen them all. Most superheroes since have been based from that model - look at Ironman, Batman, Flash, Spider-man, they all have almost carbon copy backgrounds and rehashed stories. stereotypical Please bring T'Challa's stories to the masses, but don't strive to be another MCU/Disney T'Challa - that role has been taken, instead strive to be even better.
I watched "Queen Charlotte" (I was curious about the actress). As a screenwriter, I was just amazed at Shonda Rhimes dexterity at making a story. Her approach is so nuanced yet powerful. I like Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Classic Horror, Martial Arts and Superhero movies. Those are my main genres. I can watch a mystery. But, the way Ms. Rhimes wove mystery into a romance, fine acting and beautiful principals, the fantastic sets, the stellar cinematography... I have to give her props. I took her Master Class in writing a few years ago. I'm just amazed by her hand in the writing and producing game. And the concept of "The Great Experiment", where fictionally blacks were integrated (albeit with some bumps in the road) into British society, was very novel and interesting. So interesting, it prompted me to watch the two seasons of Bridgerton. If you haven't watched it, you need to give it a watch. And the sex... it not gratuitous so much as it is timely and appropriate. It all fits.
Speaking as a black british person, I think there needs to be peace amongst the diaspora on this. I think people are upset because if the lack of opportunity and if we are all united in making the table bigger so we can all get a seat, I think that's better. And casting directors and certain producers fan the flames so they dont have to make the process fairer. Because trust me the uk film scene is non existent and without american studios or hollywood a lot of black people in the uk wouldnt get an opportunity to shine.
So what does that have to do with blk americans? U think the roles over here were just OOZING with opportunity for us? We only used to be maids and butlers in movies, but we FOUGHT for bigger roles till blk americans like Will Smith and Denzel Washington became the biggest names in the industry. Instead of you ppl crying about the UK and fleeing over here to take jobs from us, why don't you stay and fight to make it better? You know, like WE HAD TO DO? 🤔🤔🤔
Jemele definitely gets it when it comes to British UK actors. We grew up watching American tv, we hardly had anyone on tv that looked like us in the UK so all the American sitcoms and movies is what we had, so it’s always been easier for us to do the accent. There is barely jobs in the UK for black actors, there is a ceiling and what once you reach it, it’s tough to go beyond it. We understood Hollywood to be everybody’s game and I definitely think Black brits didn’t think that they were taking jobs from black Americans, it’s more so I’m going over there to succeed as there’s only so much for me in the UK. When Eddie Murphy or will smith play Africans, there is no further conversation on this because it’s fine, but as soon as Black brits come on the scene, they’re taking jobs, where’s the energy when jobs are being taken from Africans? There’s definitely a wider conversation to be had amongst black people period. I think there needs to be a cultural exchange and understanding, the black experience is the same but different and we need to be more understanding of each other so we can come from an understanding place when giving our views and opinions
I don’t think Black people as a whole take issue with Black Brits portraying Black Americans. However, it is telling that in recent years, nearly ALL of the prominent African-American roles have gone to our Black brothers and sisters across the ocean. That is not a coincidence and if y’all can’t see that, then you are indeed part of the problem.
@@SingKiaMuze I hear what you’re saying but that’s definitely not how Hollywood is portrayed, for actors globally, it’s more portrayed that Hollywood is the goal for everyone in that field I think Black Brits come from a place where we feel like we are all black people, colonialism and racism has effected all of us so we understand, see and feel the struggle due to our own experiences. Granted, the black American experience is something no one should take lightly, growing up, some of the same hero’s you had is the same hero’s we had. When studying history, we didn’t study about great UK black hero’s, we studied Martin, Rosa, Malcolm etc (if anything about black history was even taught) From a young age we have seen ourselves in Black Americans, we aspire to be like our brothers and sisters across the pond because that’s who we’ve seen on our tv, 80% of what we digest from the media is American, so going over to Hollywood to “make it” is the goal. The UK has clearly made it clear, they don’t want us but America SEEMS more excepting of Black people on tv, it seems like there’s more opportunity. I also think Black Brits feel like we have all suffered at the hands of white terrorism and supremacy, we are with you in this fight we are not trying to add to the suffering I guess as Black brits, we need to be more conscious of what black Americans are saying in terms of the erasure of black Americans in the industry the same way black Americans should educate themselves on black British history and their experiences
@@atlien1988 fair enough. I hear you on this point. I guess Black Brits are being swept away by the somewhat acceptance of being black and being in the industry. I think black brits think they’re adding to the numbers of more exposure for black people as a whole and not in any way aware of this idea that they’re taking roles that belong to someone else.
Why can't black Brits fight for more roles in their country? Black Americans have more roles in the US because they fought for it on all levels. Black brit actors are benefitting from another people's fight that took 70 odd years of suffering.
As an African who knows other Africans and is related to other Africans, is married to an African who is related to more Africans I can truly say I have never heard *ONE* African I know express anger over a black American playing an historical African role chiefly because we absolutely love the great black American actors. I still remember Don Cheadle's incredible performance in Hotel Rwanda and the last thing on my mind was that he wasn't African. This whole argument just comes from idiots who have nothing better to do.
When will smith did that terrible Nigerian accent. I know so many Nigerians complained about that movie. Saying why didn’t he get a better accent coach. We ain’t worried about who plays it just do it well
Rege-Jean Page shouldn't really be included because he only recently got super famous for actually playing a very British character in a period drama. I do hope he gets to be the next James Bond, which is another very British character..
I knew of Regé before Bridgerton, and he has still played American characters. I really don't care either way since I think he's a good actor, but just because he got bigger and everyone hopped on the Regé train recently because of a Netflix show is semantics and besides the point.
Black people don’t have the luxury of being this divisive, especially over something so trivial. For the record white British actors have been playing American for decades.
NOT the same thing. There has been exactly one movie made about heroes like Fred Hampton and Harriet Tubman. There have been numerous movies made about figures like Winston Churchill. Why should a British actor play an African American hero in the ONLY movie to ever be made about that historical figure?
What White people do is there business. Black Americans, especially with their current wealth position, have every right to say that they want to be represented in a high earning field, especially when it is their advocacy that opened the field to Black representation in the first place. It is not divisive to say Black Americans want to b e respected for their justice struggle. Black Brits can do the same in Britain.
@@robertreed9818 That wasn't the point. If you say because America - A Hollywood studio, that only cares about money - funded the movies then that makes it different it doesn't. This is basically just another form of gate keeping. Except you're doing it to your own. As black people we sit too low on the economic/opportunity ladder to be kicking and shoving. Our stories are more important than the birth place of the black actor who plays the role. IMO I just think black should black.
@@ambriaashley3383 Yep, I used to watch Sleepy Hollow and was so mad at what they were doing to her behind the scenes. I stopped watching when they killed her off.
@@jaren2159 Are her parents not from the U.S.? I know she was born in Florida and grew up in different countries because her father was in the Foreign Service. She's still a good trained Black actress.
Thank you Jemele, you don’t know how much this interview means to me , I love us, I think we’re all so talented and I hate that we have to fight for roles in this industry. Black Brits need to be respectful and grateful to what Black Americans have built (I’m British) . BB and BA need to come together to create all opportunities that benefit us. I’d love to see more collaboration.
Thank you Jemele for your counter argument about US Black actors vs British. It was thoughtful, considered and on point. Let’s not Pit black actors against each other. The only people who benefit are the racists who think giving any black actor a mainstream role is being ‘woke’
It’s actually sad that we get a few handful of Black British actors in Hollywood the pinnacle of cinema to be told by people that look like us that we aren’t good enough to tell black stories.
It's not about telling black stories, it's about telling black U.S stories. As a British person, Malcom X or Huey doesn't mean the same thing as it would to a person from the U.S. It really can't, in the same way that Nelson Mandela won't mean to me what he means to a south african . The question is why aren't the black american actors/actresses being chosen? You also have to understand that there is a difference and somewhat of a divide between african and black communities in the U.S.
@@issyiceberg4865 Hollywood is an American institution with a global reach. Bollywood is an Indian institution with a global reach. Nollywood is a Nigerian institution with a global reach. These institutions ( studios) pay taxes to their respective countries. They don't owe foreign actors anything. So I have no problem with AA playing African characters in a Hollywood movie. Hollywood doesn't owe Africans anything. I would have a Big problem though as a Nigerian, with AA playing historical/ big cultural African figures in a Nollywood movie though. I have no problem with AA playing a regular African in a Nollywood movie though. It's the historical and cultural figures that I feel should be reserved for the natives of the land. I know Brits would would have a fit if an American played Bond. Brits have a privilege in Hollywood because Americans are enamoured with the Brit accents. They see any historical or fantasy character as always having a British accent which is weird. Jesus stories= British accent. French stories=British accents ( I mean Les Miserables is a French story, the actors should either have a French accent or any accent). Fantasy worlds= British accent. It lacks imagination. I love black Brits so this is not a post against them, but I feel that this idea that actors are good just because they have a British accent and can do a passable American accent is wrong and closes the door to good American actors just based on having an accent. This applies to white Brits as well. But I wish the best for black Brits in Hollywood. But some wisdom in auditioning for certain roles. And AA give a lot of love to black brit actors. They really do : Idris Elba, John Boyega
@@Sarah-cj8rm I never said that Hollywood owed Africans anything the person who the question was directed at said ‘it’s about telling black U.S stories’ so I asked about African stories being told by African Americans, I think we can both agree that anytime Africas are played the accents most of time aren’t good or accurate but we still watch them. The person who the question was directed to also emphasized that the black U.S stories be played by African Americans so my point was if that is the case if black stories should be told by the people from the countries the figures are from then is it so out of reach to suggest that African stories be told by Africans going by the point the person was trying to make. Secondly saying that black brits get the parts just because of their accents is unfair and takes away from their talent they usually kill whatever roles they get and all the black brits that have played African American historical figures have all given outstanding performances in their roles and gotten academy award nominations(the ones I know) I was so pissed when Samuel L. Jackson suggested oyelowo got ‘Selma’ because black brits are cheaper to get nothing about the fact that he is talented. I personally never understand why these conversations are had maybe it’s cos I’m not from these places and I’m used to seeing African figures played by Hollywood stars and all I see are black people killing it in these roles no matter where they are from I just think these conversations cause a divide among the black communities, I mean there are auditions, and people are chosen based on their talent also to the best of my knowledge the directors of these movies are African Americans/ Americans. And expecting black brits to be careful which roles they go for is counterproductive they should be able to go for whatever roles they want and if they get it they do and if they don’t onto the next one.
@@issyiceberg4865 I would say that is problematic as well. Why not just hire African actors? People deserve to tell the stories they lived, or the ones passed down from their ancestors. If people from outside of the particular sect within the culture are to tell the story, there needs to be a level of attention and cultural immersion (ie. dialect coaches, living experience). Ooh for example, I watched an interview for Queen & Slim that Daniel KaIuuya did, and he talked about how he went to Cleveland and walked around Costco and just listened to people speak. It really shows, idk people from Cleveland have a really specific way of talking lol. Off track, but I thought that was really cool. I do wanna explain my thinking in this I guess. I really only have pause as to when black U.S historical figures are played by non-U.S blacks. It comes off as being the erasure of U.S blacks from their own story, which U.S history textbooks have done for years. My U.S history class labeled african slaves as migrants and claimed the Civil War was not about slavery. I think to a lot of black U.S actors view these stories are a way to rewrite the narrative, and it probably stings to be left out or be assigned to play second in command. "Black" U.S movies are not mainstream and don't make it to award shows no matter how good. These historical movies are really the only way to get recongnition for your work. Recongnition then translates to influence in what movies are chosen for nomination next time around. Sorry this was kind of rambly, I was thinking this through as I typed.
If the actor can play the role and make the audience believe that he/she embodies that character regardless of where they come from shouldn't matter. If the actor does their homework and execute the performance than great. We need to stop dividing ourselves even further.
Reason why "all the girls are watching Bridgerton?" The main character read a bedtime story on the BBC for children and many grown up women watched it - AFTER putting their children to bed (not fact but makes it more interesting :-). So yeah, that's how much we would watch Rege.
I'm a black Brit. I'm nota fan of British actors playing iconic civil rights/historical African American figures like Harriet Tubman, MLK, etc. BUT people in the US need to know that up until very recently it was the other way round. From the 1930s (eg Paul Robeson, 'Sanders of the River') through to the 2000s, (eg Don Cheadle, 'Hotel Rwanda') British and US films set in the UK or Africa which had black leading roles (few and far between) ALL those roles went to black Americans. whether the character was supposed to be British, Caribbean, or African. The racism regarding casting blacks in lead roles in films over here is strong. Even a director who has cast blacks regularly such as Guy Ritchie was on record saying black actors were not very versatile. So, people came to the US. When people like Chewetel Ejiofor, Elba, Oyelowo, Lennie James, Naomie Harris, Thandie Newton, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, came to the US and got big, THEN tv companies here started wanting to give them lead roles. But the film industry here...? Excludes them from period/historical films. Despite blacks having a presence in the UK for hundreds of years. Despite actors such as Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury in Bridgerton) having been on stage with the Royal Shakespeare company. Hence the casting in Bridgerton being a big deal. This problem of foreign blacks taking roles which should go to African Americans needs to be taken up with the producers, directors, casting directors of the films people are complaining cast black Brits/Africans in US roles. And these people will usually be white, working for white owned studios. Just a thought.
Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington etc... are examples of Black American actors over the past 100 years who found success working in Britain in "BRITISH PRODUCTIONS." As Black Americans do not live in Britain they are unaware of this fact... Black American actors have been on British stages since the 1800s and were chosen OVER Black Brits. Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love... Denzel in For Queen and Country... Forest Whitaker in The Crying Game... I could go on! All a Google away... It's all about unity though... we love Forest and Denzel and Don and all the Black Americans that FILL our West End Theatre Stages.
@Fuck Youbitch its a london accent. Best example is, Michael Caine. In movies the cockey accent is seen as a tough guy accents. Most in gangster movies. Its like their ‘New york accent’.
I have in laws that are not born in America and one of them told me that white Americans treat them differently than black Americans saying “you’re not like them”. Maybe that’s where this is coming from. They feel black people from England are not us. They have created a stereotype of black Americans making us all the same, they choose black people from other countries.
+Chantell Frazier Great point! I also take them saying that in meaning that Black Americans are not going to bow down to them for we truly know them as opposed to so-called foreign Blacks. Native Black Americans who families goes back centuries in America, have a deep understanding of American racism and it's White racists.
@@edeck889 Because you think other Black people don’t know about racism. Read a book about colonization and stuffs please. Sometimes Black Americans act like there are the only real Black on Earth. Please
It's exactly this, and it works the same in all countries. Black Americans are given more time of day in the UK and elsewhere in Europe than local black population, usually because the ones that emigrate there have money and aren't as quote unquote ghetto
I agree with Mackie that the Industry Today there needs to be an even playing field, but do you really think Don Cheadle deserved the Oceans 11 role over say a Vaz Blackwood (of Lock Stock and Smoking Barrels fame) in the early 2000s? Or was Denzel Washington the right black actor to play a veteran Black UK Falkan Soldier in the movie: For Queen and Country in the early 1990s? Both with below-par Black British accents!
Singing “our” songs? Last time I checked Caribbean people contributed to hip hop and other styles of so called “African America” music . Plus many of “your” songs are written and many cases even sung by Caribbean Black people, who you don’t even realize aren’t American until a video like this pops up. But go on with the hate.
@@hellow4130 If you don't quit. The blues, gospel, and jazz all came from Black Americans. Yes. Caribbeans made their contributions. But to say all Black American music came from them is a gross exaggeration.
As blacks people we keep blocking each other’s opportunities,the world is big enough for everyone. When one black person makes it we all make it but when we go against each other we lose. We are all from the same ancestors ,we are all Africans wether we live in the U.K. or USA.
Making it at somone else's expense. So when no black actor can get a major role and its dominated by foreign born who do not understand racism here in America and they are taking part in conversations about race saying stuff like well "I dont see race" what then? Actors are also expected to speak on social issues and their mindset will be outside of America. Africans see themselves as Africans not really as black whether they are British or not their parents raised them to be African. Nigerians are big on that if you notice most black british actors are NIgerians very few are even caribbbean or any other African besides Kaluuya. Even the biracial actors are half Nigerian. Black Americans see the world as black but other groups Somalis, Ethiopians, Nigerians, Jamaicans, Bajans, see the world as Caribbean, African and Latino. We have only just now started seeing ourself as a specific ethnic group.
@@jasminepearls1047 From what I've seen other people say. Black UK actors don't get access to a lot of acting opportunities in the UK. So I don't think you can actually expect them to turn down auditioning for a role. I also don't see how this is their fault. Frankly, I didnt even know this was an issue since African Americans play non African American characters all the time. I mean, when African Americans play African characters or figures do they know all about the political climate in different parts of Africa too? At least for me, as long as long as you're black as the role requires, I couldn't care less where you are from if you have the qualifications.
@@jasminepearls1047 Maybe the problem is the producers really ,what exactly are they looking for ,if a Black British actor fits a role as a producer I’m not going to be thinking are they American or not and if they take lesser pay even better. To say black British people don’t understand racism is a really ignorant statement to make ,as a black person living in the U.K. I can tell you racism is rampart here. All I can hear is actors outsourcing their success instead of pushing harder to get roles.Black British actors have gone to search for opportunities and found them.
I think there are 65 million Brits and nearly 400 million Americans. There are simply more roles for American characters than British characters. It makes sense that British actors are going to specialize American accents to get more roles. I was born here from a huge multigenerational family that traces history on this Continent for over 400 years and I have still used at least 4 different accents in my life. American accents are easy to speak in.
Exactly!!!! Most people regardless of career go to where the jobs are. That’s been happening since the dawn of time. I don’t know why providing for oneself and family by going after work opportunities is now considered “stealing.”
@@MRAAng-on2jg Honestly! I don't understand why this is such a hard concept to grasp. And it's not an issue with our white counterparts. Its a shame really
@@iamvaleriee11 To be fair, white people in both the UK and the US are both the majority and the default, and therefore, don't struggle representation in either countries. So I can their point on that level.
Yessss, Anthony Mackie!! Would love to see Drew under the bridge at Claiborne and Orleans on Mardi Gras Day even more than Kings Zulu and Rex! Grateful to Drew for all of the winning seasons with the Saints! ⚜️💛🖤
I think black actors should just support black actors getting roles. Black actors should come together and create roles and projects so they can work together. And she makes a very good point about African Americans playing African parts. This is just another way of the white film industry putting black against black. Work together ❤
That doesn’t even make sense, now anybody who has the same skin color we should support. Dude you need to mature and get out of the fantasy that black is a race it’s a color
some people are missing the point entirely. No one should be saying "beggars can't be choosers" because black people already have such few roles to compete for, or "this is a trivial matter, we should be happy that black british actors are even getting cast". We should RATHER be saying "the industry should create more roles for black people and stop upholding white supremacy, precisely so that this toxic competition is eliminated".
I've heard many different things on this topic. The accent thing is interesting because I saw Outside the Wire first before I ever saw Snowfall and I knew right away that Damson Idris was British, his accent was just weird in that movie. When I looked him up and saw he was from the UK, I was like "finally I could spot them before I read anything" lol Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah, his accent was giving me a headache... he was trying to go too southern with it and being from Chicago, a lot of black midwesterners keep portions of that southern accent but it's not so southern that you think they we are from a southern state. I've heard everything from black brits is less expensive....I am ok with black brits having jobs but down black American culture in the process of getting that job. Jemele, I am unsure what is going with her audio. Zoom calls sound better than what she is using for audio. It sounds like she is on AM radio.
I think that is so interesting! I feel like the bar is so low for black brits especially when it comes to playing Black American roles. To white Americans we all look and sound the same but within our ethnic group we can always spot the inauthenticity right away. When I was watching the movie moonlight I had that same funny feeling about Naomi Harris. Her accent and mannerisms was weird. The problem is they paint Black American culture with a broad stroke not realizing even within our community we are just as diverse and nuanced.
How many black American actors are auditioning for British films and TV shows? These actors are leaving their comfort zone to audition for these roles.
African American actors don't have to go to the U.K. to have a successful career. Black Brits are not "leaving their comfort zone", they are coming to the center of the global entertainment industry--Hollywood, CA. The U.K. is a tiny market compared to the U.S. Well-established British actors and musicians always desire to enter the American market. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Adele were not globally legit until they broke into the American market.
@@christophersmith3005 then if that’s the case, What’s the complaint? Why would somebody bark back with, “well I don’t see UK film producers hiring Black US actors”?
@@christophersmith3005 You are absolutely correct and I’ve heard many very famous British musicians and actors state this themselves. The American industry (music and films) is the holy grail.
@@christophersmith3005 Understandable, but at what point do you build in your own country? British actors need to work to build and create opportunity in their own country. This goes for Africans everywhere. By doing this we can create global wealth amongst Africans versus operating within the current situation where everyone comes to America and they're stepping on one another for opportunities.
its just like people going to ivy league schools in comparison to people going to a community college.... getting the job over someone with the same qualification and experiences..... same vibe with actors.. "perception"
As a South Afrikan I tell you we do have an issue with American actors playing South Afrikan legends. One the language barrier is a problem and we can tell that it isn't authentic. All the Mandela movies suck because of that.
I like Anthony Mackie but I think its bull with the issue with British and American black actors.Those British brothers can act.And if they are good they earned their jobs
@@brianpryor3132 and how do you think they become hot? Daniel Kaluuya is a prime example. His first leading role was Get Out...hit movie Oscar nomination Was he hot before that movie? Talent got him the job...talent will keep him employed for years and he has second Oscar nomination. Not bad for a Black Brit.
I see people saying Black Actors in England can't get work. So Black Actors in America suppose to fall on the sword for foreign Black Actors? I don't think so.
This topic is another divide and conquer situation.We are all Black.Lets support each other as Black ppl and stop separating ourselves....Black- American- Black British- African British.Maybe we need more Black writers/ directors/ producers/ casting agents so that way we can tell our stories and hire who we want to hire.We should embrace that black actor/ actress who gets a job, because it's tough for all of you.Unless you're a Samuel L., a Denzel, an Idris or a Halle etc.
Stop being stupid; ethnicity exist for a reason. Black is not flattened across the globe. Even in Africa, the most Black place on earth, they don't view themselves as flat Black. The divide and conquer strategy is the cutting out of Black Americans from sectors of their own home country's economy using Black immigrants to do it. As for more Black writers, producers, and directors, I won't protest.
I agree with Mr. Reed. Give us films in Nollywood and Make Britain cast black people. We can't fight for rights just so that we can be flooded when the marching is over. There should be fights they wage at home to fix the B.S over there and open doors as well. I'm most context I am fine but when they have to play our great ancestors and ppl from the hood it feels a lil disrespectful. And talking to many African immigrants they will enjoy the rights we fight for but disrespect us sometimes and that makes it worse.
One theory I have why Hollywood continues to hire British actors over American actors is probably because Brits are seen to be more appreciative for the opportunity and maybe less confrontational ie easier to work with - and this applies to both white and black actors.
Preach I am from Georgia and the accents on tv are so overdone and exaggerated it's ridiculous!! Everyone in the south do not have a drawl but we will chop up some words - LOL and thank you for shouting out my Soror Angela Bassett!!
Anthony Mackie is a really talented and super-smart guy. He speaks a lot of sense. More people should listen and learn from what he has to say. Stay cool, Anthony.
If you ban British actors from playing American characters, Black or White, then fine, but no American can do British parts, ever again. That's Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Sam Beckett etc etc etc out of bounds. It works both ways.
I still think this argument is missing the critical aspect of UK needling to step up in having those tones for black British actors. I don’t want to loose out on the brilliance of Daniel Kaluuya because of nationalism and racism.
I agree with anyone who says this conversation is devisive in that, like you said, AA actors have played Ugandan, South African, Kenya, Rwandan , Jamaican, even british etc charactors to the frustration of actors who are natives in those countries. Under the umbrella of American (note Amreicans not necessarily African Americans) should not tell stories either than their own. They should tell their MLK stories etc. Now the conversation seems to have shifted to disapprove of Non AA actors portraying American figures based on authenticity of accents and opportunities? I thought as a community we were about Black Excellence - Period.
Thank you Mackie! The opportunities are unbalanced. You say Americans can't do an English accent? Give them a dialect coach and let's see. The fastest rising job in Hollywood has to be a dialect coach, and best believe if one is required a portion is coming out of your pay. I wanna see as many stories about what's happening outside the U.S. Who's the UK equivalent of Ava, Coogler, Issae, Waite, Tyler, Peele, etc?
What Jamele said was true that black British actors grew up watching black American actors in black American movies so they learn their American accent through watching those movies the same as African actors and like she said the reason why black American actors can't do an English accent is because black people in general from America don't watch British television because I love their shows don't have that British actors or stories that we can relate to
White people in England had a problem with Idris Elba possibly playing James Bond even though the first James Bond was played by American and American white man that is
@@antoinerideaux-porche6036 Let's face tons of White Americans didn't like the idea of Idris as Jame Bond aswell. Hell, look at the uproar at the rumours of Michael B Jordan being the new Superman.
@@darthwatson8274 of course and how they were in their piss about mbj playing the human torch and having mara girl playing his sister sue storm like she couldn't have been adopted by johnny's dad
In American made retellings of African history. The equivalent would be if Nigeria's Nollywood wanted to hire Nigerian actors to do a movie about Martin Luther King Jr. That is a NIGERIAN film at that point, even though it is based on American events.
@@jerseydevils9686 absolutely they do. so on point. they not only have entitlement, but they are envious of what black Americans have. jealousy and envy are different things. They not only feel entitled for things black Americans have, but they also think we don’t deserve them, because we are so-called “lazy” and depend so much on the “white man”.
You can't get caught up in this. Sometimes actors are chosen because of their relationships with a studio, filmmaker, or a deal they have in place for future projects. Also, a level of fame plays a role. Daniel Kaluuya made a name for himself after Get Out and he's very talented. Many people were surprised to find out he was British. Take a look at the film Concussion, Will Smith played a pathologist who was from Nigeria. I felt David Oyewolo would have been a better choice because he actually reassembles the actual doctor more closely. But Will Smith was more famous and had more clout at the time. To me, any actor should be able to play any character, if they're performance is the best. Getting caught up in the nationality and race is not helpful. I think one day, we'll get to that point. We can see a Black James Bond or Superman and they won't be referred to as "black" or we can see a President of the United States played by women, Asian, Latino, Black, White, whatever and it won't matter. Some day, right?
This is a good debate, but I feel directors are choosing British and African actors as I feel they seem to have a more passive approach to the roles. While African American actors always bring a swag another dimension to the role, which I always loved and admired. I think Idis Elba is in this realm he does have that African American edge in his acting. While some of the other actors from the Uk to be honest, can be quite flat almost text book! So I miss the African American edge so much, Denzel in glory and Samuel Jackson I can watch all of his films, as he takes you on another dimension. African American actors, you need to produce your own films now, as you are doing. on the other hand, Also African American male actors had stop bringing African American female actors into the films, so I suppose they are feeling the same.
Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington etc... are examples of Black American actors over the past 100 years who found success working in Britain in "BRITISH PRODUCTIONS." As Black Americans do not live in Britain they are unaware of this fact... Black American actors have been on British stages since the 1800s and were chosen over Black Brits. Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love... Denzel in For Queen and Country... Forest Whitaker in The Crying Game... I could go on! Not to mention Forest Whitiker as Idi Amin... Denzel as Steve Biko... Terrence Howard as Nelson Mandela... Danny Glover as Nelson Mandela... Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela... Don Cheadle in Ocean's 11. It's all about unity though... we love Forest and Denzel and Don and all the Black Americans that FILL our West End Theatre Stages.
Prominent African-American actors in portraying Afro-English men, Denzel Washington as Reuben James 'For Queen and Country' (1988). Forest Whittaker as 'Jody' in The Crying Game (1992).
@@alfonsogayman9699 Cynthia Erivo is not that good of an actor.. I don't know what folks see in that woman that makes them think that she can accurately portray every famous Black American woman that ever lived.
I agree with Anthony Mackie that it should be a balancing act. We have talented people of color who put their effort and time into their roles. Yes, Racism is an issue on both sides of the Atlantic.
Firstly, British actors and actresses have been dominant in Hollywood across the board for decades. For example, White British actors/actresses have been playing roles that normally would go to white Americans too. And, it's simply because British actors are generally better since they are trained in theater first before transitioning to cinema. It's no surprise really. The very best American actors and actresses are those like Denzel and Viola who started in theater. That being said, I did a simple analysis in which I tallied American and British/other nominees at the Oscars between 2017-21. 58 of the nominees we're American and 42 were British/other. Sure, this is too small a sample size but it suggests this isn't the complete British takeover of Hollywood that folks are suggesting. Another thing folks are missing is that many of these Black British actors performing in Hollywood are of Caribbean descent. Caribbean and African American experience regarding slavery and its ugly after effects is basically the same. Are you suggesting that Caribbean Black British actors can't relate? Do we apply the same standard to Caribbean Americans? Are Caribbean Americans not allowed to perform African American roles either? This is nonsense. Lastly, I suggest folks travel to and spend some time in the UK because many seem to have a twisted sense of what life is like for Blacks there. It's no paradise for them either that's for sure. They have to deal with systemic racism, police brutality, stop and frisk, extreme poverty, rundown neighborhoods, rubbish schools, high unemployment, and just about every vice that an African American deals with in the US. So who are we to say that Black British actors can't relate to the African American experience? Folks pretend as though the African American experience is so unique compared to other black African experiences. It isn't. Truth is we have a lot more in common. And, instead of fighting over who gets casted for a tiny pool of black roles, we ought to be fighting to increase the number of black film directors, producers and studios. This way, more black films get made and the pool of acting roles gets bigger and our actors don't struggle. NB: I'm passionate about this topic because my cousin is a talented Black British actor who trained with one of the best theater troupes in the UK yet struggled for 10+ years to break into film in London. Eventually, he moved to the US and now he's getting casted. I cried when I watched his first Hollywood performance because I understood how hard he worked and how much racism he dealt with before making it. So, let's not be so quick to judge our Black British brothers and sisters just trying to make a living. For decades, Hollywood casting directors would only recruit white British actors even though their Black British peers were just as talented. It wasn't until recently that black British actors started getting casted in Hollywood. Let's not turn them away.
This thesis would be worth something IF an exchange was taking place. For instance, IF black Brits were pursing and gaining roles in America AND Black Americans AFTER FIGHTING FOR YEARS FOR RIGHTS IN AMERICA, were then to go and have opportunities in other countries, as well. Then, yeah....maybe. But if this is a one way street, then we're simply seeing colonizing behavior and they'll fit right in, in America. Go to another country, dominate a group considered to be on a lower rung on the ladder, and then insist you deserve it...well, because you're better. Somehow your access to resources has placed you in a better place to gain you access. That's basically a colonizer. It's a grift, as well. But, primarily, just a colonizer with good diction.
@@musicalbenches But African American actors are often cast in non-AA black roles including those that would normally go to Black British actors. Think of Forest Whitaker in Crying Game. And African American actors often play classic African roles that one could argue should only go to Africans. Think of Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda, Forest Whitaker in Last King of Scotland, Will Smith in Concussion, Morgan Freeman in Invictus and of course, Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther, the first and only major African superhero. Don't recall any Black British or African actors whinging about African Americans stealing roles that should go to them. And rightfully so as African Americans have the cred to take them on. I wasn't any less drawn to the story of Mandela because Freeman played him in Invictus. Why doesn't this work the other way around?
Cynthia Erivo has played TWO Black American icons. I find that a bit unsettling. However, this issue isn't even limited to Blacks. Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln?! Well damn. They British invasion is so stealthy in TV and film. You don't even know these folks are Brits until they open their mouths on a talk show. I'm continually surprised. It may be harder to find shows and movies not having Brits playing Americans than not.
Exactly!! We grew up watching american tv shows and listen to hip hop because musically, Jamaica and America were the only black representation we had in the uk and black american movies was all we had for representation unfortunately. We had the odd tv shows for ourselves in the late 80’s and early 90’s but not much. Afro Americans was not paying attention to black british culture till recently so you dont have much to go on when portraying us in films or shows. If you can do it well, get that job because black is black.
Black people on planet earth. I don't have a problem with it. I love Black actors, wherever they are from, unless someone is a total DH, it does not matter. We are ALL black on planet earth. Actors are "acting". Everyone is Black. Be happy that Black people are working.
There’s is under current of wanting more authenticity, having the actor & actress come from/be from the character origin. It’s a balance when dealing with characters that have been made up vs historical figures and being creative.
That makes sense but for me if a foreign born actor can play for instance an play an African historical figure better than the Africans that auditioned I would have no problem with them.
Black brits get hired here because they get more formal training in England but they're cheaper to employ (than equally educated american actors) here. It's outsourcing. I'm interested to see what else is created as they fight for the representation they deserve in England. Small Axe (Amazon Prime) was PHENOMENAL. And is a great example of what happens when black Brits are able to tell their own stories.
Anthony’s points does not even make sense. If you ask someone to do a down south accent then when they do it and then make out its not specific to a particular city or town, thats unfair. Damson is in snowfall doing an LA accent and before anyone knew he was british, everyone assumed he was from LA. So yes if you are afro american and want to play a black british role, you will need to be good with british accents like black brits are with american accents. Stop being silly. I’ve seen movies with an all afro american cast and everyone in one family has a different accent. They ain’t even trying.
It actually makes perfect sense because while Yes Damnson has copied Kendrick’s Lamar accent. That’s one example of many like Irdis Elba in the wire that wasn’t a Baltimore accent, Daniel Ezra isn’t doing a “LA accent” in All American. So yes Black Americans should be good at doing a BASIC British accent just like most black British actors are only good at doing a BASIC American accent. NOW his point was while they’ll get a role doing a BASIC American accent a black American actor will do a BASIC British accent & get told you don’t sound like you’re from the “specific” place.. well Idris doesn’t either but he got the role.
@@quandadon5882 Damson sound nothing like Kendrick. Kendrick's accent isn't even that thick. And while i agree with Idris as he seems to only do one type of american accent, you forget about all the other actors i named. The argument Anthony made is flawed because i have watched many films with and in one town everyone has a different accent.
@@mikkys5374 I didn’t see where u named any other actors but they all have that 1 standard American accent. Damson sounded the same in “outside the wire”.. the argument isn’t flawed because again it’s explaining how British actors can have a standard American accent & be casted but Americans can’t have a standard British accent & be casted. I’ve heard British ppl be able to tell where someone is from so I’m sure that Basic British accent American actors do fit in somewhere and can be casted. But they aren’t
Here we go again, tearing at each other over petty nonsense. Its just not a good look. Not only does Mackie not make sense, his points are easily dismissed. If black british actors shouldn't play black american characters, then none of the black american actors he claims to love so much have any business playing African, Middle Eastern etc. characters. That includes your boy, Chadwick. Hypocrite. 07:28 By the way, why not tell us who this director is that you claim says black american actors dont work as hard as brits? I dont doubt that some jerk said this, but why be silent about who their identity? Did you hear him say this, was it in some interview, what? One more thing, I've seen plenty of british actors play american parts so well we didnt know they were brits. The same cant be said on the reverse.
@@quandadon5882 damson was not in the wire. You mean idris and in the last few years he has done well to get different accents on point. If you never knew he was british you wouldnt even mention him. If an aa new yorker cannot do an LA accent and a london born actor can for a specific role (damson in snowfall), how does this argument stand? What the diaspora should be doing is looking to take over hollywood and the film industry as a whole instead of silly arguments.
the bigger issue Mackie pointed out is that England doesn’t employ these gifted black actors in their native England so black Americans aren’t even thought about for those roles. The bigger issue is the racism within the English bbc tv and film depts. soon to be Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya has publicly stated he couldn’t get roles in England. The racism is rampant there as well.
@@TheGothicRichard who says they are not fighting? Just like in the US, black British writers, directors, producers, actors are fighting to get their stories told. It’s a gradually process but it is happening.
@@TheGothicRichard
You must understand that African/carribean people don’t have the fighting power like us black Americans!! That’s why the world look towards black Americans for when it comes to liberation! (Just like how asians are asking for help now)..
@@TheGothicRichard The UK isn't like the USA where people are aware of their racism. the UK doesn't even want to admit that they're racist so every racist moment is also being gaslighted. the industry in the UK definitely isn't as big in the UK, and because of the way racism works, it's extremely hard to fight against it. it's not about "immigrant running away", that sounds super ignorant.
@@dxjennae Excuses abound. Sounds cowardly.
@@TheGothicRichard ok
Lawrence Fishburne is a phenomenal actor with great range as well. From Shakespeare’s Othello to Morpheus to Ike Turner and so many other roles.
Did you like the Othello 2001
Say that ish!
Laurence should have won an oscar.
@@neonrays28 agree 100x
White Hollywood (some) directors have a agenda. The old divide and conquer. It's up to the actors to decide what they are going to handling the situation. There is strength in numbers. ♥
She makes a good point.. If it's a real issue then they should let Africans play African rolls. The double standards are real
I have said this as well I said that I want to see Daniel Kaluuya to do a remake of the movie about PATRICE LUMUMBA!!!!
No problem!
Not the same though. Hollywood representation was fought for by black Americans. These roles are our legacy in multiple ways. A few times is fine but its a pattern that overlooks the majority for a small subset of actors.
I agree that something would be bought to the role with African playing their own countrymen.
@Lu Labelbut sold worldwide? White producers could also argue that it is our money, our movie so why should black America tell us who to cast?
@@user-jv8kr4im1tAmericans are very inward looking. You actually believe that to white people if you stood next to Idris it would matter to them that one is American and the other is not? Why the hell do you think BLM went global? The struggle of black subjugation is global and not unique to your town
Angela Bassett is a double bulldog. She is my example every time. I will never forget walking into the (AfAm) House and seeing her photo, then being filled with pride that I was standing where she once stood. She still hasn't gotten her due.
Yessss!! I admire Angela's presence is undeniable. Commanding attention with her sexy, strong, sensual, passionate, suave, chocolatey self. I admire her skills and she's been a role model for me growing up. Angela Basset was the Storm we never got!! 😭 (Damn you Marvel!! 😫)
She should have won the Oscar for playing Tina Turner.
I think we as black people should do like Nigerians ,Ghanaians, and Indians and start our own movie productions. They have Nollywood and support their own. They don't care about Hollywood and they make their own movies.
We have Tyler Perry and Kevin Hart. Small, slow steps, but the action is happening.
Nobody but them watch that stuff, though. Meanwhile everyone is watching Hollywood.
Why call it (N)ollywood if you say create your own. It is all about money and racism
I used to Rock with African movies Hard! Until it started going too Voodo
Yessssssssssssss
The only thing that frustrate me about Hollywood casting is whites playing Egyptians.
💯💯💯
Exactly
No lies 💯
And people never complain about it. Whenever a Black actor is cast as a fictional white character everyone has a problem with it.
Priorities right?
The issue with Cynthia Erivo is not merely about her being British and playing AA. It’s about her spewed hatred towards AA’s and then portraying AA heroes. It’s a slap in the face of AA’s.
She only gets that privilege because she is dark skinned. If it had been Thandie Newton talking about AAs, they would have came for her neck
Well said. In fact, that's the concern with all Black foreigners portraying African Americans. Several of them have made disparaging remarks about African Americans yet they stay in our spaces portraying our heroes, in our politics, HBCUs, etc.
Please post the link of her spewing hatred towards AAs.
@@ByteMwen yeah. What did Cynitha Evrio say?!
I am a Black British born. What did she spew?
You know, I gotta give it up to Anthony Mackie, everytime we see him; his mustache is on point
Chadwick had a cool mustache to NO HOMO
Daniel Kaluuya as King Taharqa?
Mahershala and Chad are definitely in Catagories by themselves !
no
@@Jcrow21 you're so blunt lmao
@Immortus Eternal Chadwick Boseman aka Black panther Rip
@SuperPunch76 True, Shuri kinda stole his thunder with the intelligence.
Agreed... But the best black American actor of all time is Don Cheadle. I think LaKeith has a chance of reaching there someday but Mahershala is really good too.
🙏🏾 Love this .. honest and open conversation about things that are current in today’s society. Anthony Mackie is polished and have a solid career and i love his persona and how he is comfortable in his own scene. he is one of the best working actors today. 🙌🏾🌹
I'm from the UK and old enough to remember Forest Whitaker (The Crying Game), Don Cheadle (Ocean's), Malik Yoba (Cool Runnings), and Denzel (Queen & Country, The Mighty Queen.) Worst accents ever, lol! But we were VERY impressed cause to us, even though their careers had just begun, they were STARS! More mixed race/Black British women were in American TV and movies then; Thandie Newton, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Carmen Ejogo, Phina Oruche, Indra Ové, Sophie Okonedo, Adjoa Andoh. Being the devil's advocate, it seems to be a topic more now with Black British men tbh.
Yeah, there’s definitely more of an unrelenting resentment now for mixed race (light skinned) Blk women being chosen to play the bulk of Blk roles seeing as how they’re a never ending topic amongst monoracial BW on social media
Pointing out a long-standing, legitimate issue - colorism, featurism - is actually a duty to counteract colonial patterns that erase Black women without European features. Your implication that it’s some sort of fun obsession is disappointing.
@@candicem9651 well said sis👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@@candicem9651 European features is questionable as hell.
Were any of those American actors talking trash about the nationality they were playing?🤔🤔🤔
Were the roles about historical figures?
The problem is not just the actors, but discrimination against Black Americans who have roots dating back to the formation of America.
Why the h*ll can't a Black American be cast in a role about the racial struggle of Black Americans?🤔🤔🤔
It's about 4 Black British actors and they are all men. I cannot think of any black British actresses having the same success. Michaela Coel had to write her own material.
Who cares if they’re from Britain? The problem is that AA should be casted in AA roles.
@@KennyCutz funny because there are many more white British actors in Hollywood then black British but people only target black British actors
@@omzy8700 Good for them. Harriet Tubman shouldn’t have been played by a racist Nigerian with a record of slander against AA women…
@@KennyCutz that’s not racism tho since she is black too , u means xenophobic? Discrimination? And if she was then you right about that .
@@omzy8700 I hate when people say this. She isn't Black... She's Nigerian. Yes, she is of the Black Race specifically, but she's not ethnically Black, and since Nigerians have their own power structure she is indeed capable of racism. I wouldn't consider her a xenophobe because she's immigrated to our country. I reserve this term for people who has a disdain for immigrants entering their own country of origin, or that in which they take own as their own through he process of naturalization.
Yes, she made disparaging comments about Black women via Twitter. Really nasty stuff.
I'm African, and Denzel is the greatest, Mr Forest is a legend.
We all African bruh
@@kelsieellis2414 true, but I was born in Africa and I speak the language, which isn't english.
@@kelsieellis2414 Exactly. But I think what he probably means to say is 'continental African'
@@kelsieellis2414 There is a difference between africans of the diaspora and africans of the continent.
@@kelsieellis2414 Black Americans have literally changed the entire world and the course of human history, thanks to the human/civil rights work you did. We have more civil rights all over the world thanks to you. Your cultural influence spans across all continents and people who don’t even speak your language can relate and consume your culture. If it weren’t for you, so many minorities living in oppressive countries around the world would not be where they are today. Everytime you fought and improved your conditions you set the tone for the rest of the world. No other group in human history have managed to persevere from being an enslaved group to one of the most dominant and well recognized in the group WITHOUT ability to just blend in with their oppressors. The only way oppressed groups can improve their conditions was for them to eventually blend in with their oppressors. Be proud of your heritage and your people today. Don’t try to reach for people in a different continent who haven’t achieved a fraction of what you have and are still engaged in tribal wars, they should be the once trying to pass for Black American .... Black American have their own unique language, culture and history. You are something unique different from where you ancestors came from 500 years ago. Just like the English are no longer Germans, humans always moved around involuntarily or voluntarily, and it’s normal for us to become a new ethnicity over time. That’s why we have so many ethnicities in the world, we branch off & merge with something new, a new context, a new place and from that we develop a unique new peoples.
As a Black Brit, you usually have to start doing well in America before the Brits even start paying attention to you.
as a Black American - that's usually true here as well; however, I rarely pay attention to British TV ...Sooooooo
@@cheekycaramel2423 no it is not
@DS no it’s not ,why do u think all these British black people are acting outside the Uk?There is little opportunities for black British actors in the UK,they literally have to work extremely hard just to get recognised by Hollywood so they have the opportunity to get hired .
@DS then why are u not complaining about white British people as well?there are more white British actors in Hollywood then black British actors ,also Hollywood is a worldwide movie industry that’s why actors in Hollywood can make a lot of money ,with England and many other countries outside America , Hollywood would not have been an international movie industry and would have release alot of less movies which means less chances for black Americans actors.
@DS Hollywood is more like white American then anything,most producer are white American including black movies ,most actors and actress are white American ,Hollywood was invented by white American .
The reason why you don't see many British dramas/programmes in the US is that they are usually made into American versions. When I lived in Canada I couldn't believe how many American versions there were. 🤣🤣🤣
You are correct. When I was younger, very few British programs (drama or comedy) were shown on network television. You had to watch PBS to find them. That is slowly changing, but the perception is that Americans will not watch something that is "too British". There is also the issue of Americans having a problem understanding the deeper accents that you will find in the UK. The rest of the world doesn't seem to have this problem...just Americans. haha. I can remember seeing an interview with the English band Oasis on American TV and they included subtitles. lol. Anyway, the end result is that instead of seeing a great show like Broadchurch, we get an inferior American version, although, I do maintain that the American Office is better than the UK version and will fight anyone who disagrees. ;)
@@clash5j I agree with what you said but they also have subtitles for other Americans in different parts of the US. If I spoke in the Northeastern US like I speak in NOLA, they would need a translator lol. I agree with you about the office. I've watched both and the US version is much better. There are a few other shows that are better in the US too but not the dramas. The British doooo drama well
@@NODE1975 I have actually experienced what you wrote about. I'm from the Northeast (NYC) and we can have very strong accents AND speak very rapidly. I lived in the South for just under 10 years and at the beginning I would go out to a restaurant and place my order and the waiters mouth would just hang open because he couldn't figure out what in the hell I was saying. I had to learn to slow down my speech. hehe
@@clash5j it's the same with people in NOLA. We speak very fast especially when we get excited lol
@@clash5j I mean as an American of course you're going to prefer the US version. It was made to suit your type of 'comedy'
Shout out to the panel for remembering Paul Winfield as MLK!! 😍😍😍😍. That was the best version!!! Yes we are dating ourselves but who cares??
Agreed. He played that role!
People do not realise how little the opportunities there are for black actors in the UK. It’s so bad that Idris Elba had to be Stringer Bell before he became cast in Luther, Damson Idris and Daniel Kaluyaa where barely known in the vine era, very underlooked within the UK scene themselves before they went to the US.
So if you are a US actor looking to level the playing field in the UK, good luck lol
Agreed
So true
@@selormamuzu9860 all the more reason for black brits to fight for the representation in film that our ancestors fought for here
To come here and piggyback off that fight while at the same time disrespecting our lineage with racist tropes.... we not about to allow that anymore
@@deepee4323 Who's really coming with the racist troupes though... until recently Americans (Black Americans especially) though of Britain as tea, biscuits and royal families, meanwhile this phenomenon has been happening for centuries even beyond black people, a lot of significant American characters where played by British actors as well. Remember the United Kingdom is an a small island with a black population of 3%.. what is that compared to the US ? lol so for a very small group of Black British actors playing American roles rattling Black Americans shows that the American Exceptionalism that Black Americans have been benefiting from is starting to crack. All you guys are just finding out that the world has been really watching you lol
Sounds like Sam Jackson has that MJ hustle on the golf course. I knew Anthony was going to say something about "discipline" in regards to American actors. Tbh I think they like the British interviews as well. I hear Mr Mackie on the self-doubt talk. It's like "what makes you ashamed of being Black?". Keep up the good work Jemele. Black Girl freckles rock
I completely understand the frustration. Especially where your heroes and sacred ancestors are concerned.
As a Jamaican I was annoyed that Small Axe was for the most part replete with really poor imitations of accents from the West Indies by actors of African descent. However, it's a shame that people are attacking the actors, and not attacking the system that employs these actors. We cannot allow structural decisions to divide and conquer us as a Black People no matter where we are from.
For the record, there's virtually no industry in the UK for Black actors. At all! It's appalling over here. And unless you're a grime artist no one is checking for Black music here either. People venture to America to dream the American Dream.
We should work together - globally - to fight the power, not the performers with no access to that power.
Last point: the idea that Bridgerton is representative of Black Britain in any shape of form is way off.
Y'all had Jungle and Drum and Bass but the blackness got stripped out pretty quick. You're right. It's the divide and conquer game, still.
Denzel Washington did a English accent in Queen and Country a really good film but there are definitely not enough black roles in UK or roles behind the camera but it's getting better.We need to invest in ourselves more and make movies by ourselves.
His English accent was trash. What are you talk about
Oi I said he did a English accent I didn't say it was good I said the film was !Learn to read first
@@donovanplummer8207 my bad. You’re right tho. Blm for all it’s faults has helped with representation
@@So1asola It was atrocious but we supported him regardless.
@@rawbluecheese I bet Denzel's accent wasn't as bad as Daniel Kaluuya's was in Judas. Couldn't understand a damn word out of his mouth.
As a South African, I most definitely feel a ways about the continued casting of Americans as our historical figures. The accent is ALWAYS HORRENDOUS and very little research is done on the specific country, the people of the hero, and their specific dialect in order to get this right. I get that the studios need the big names to make their money so go on then but for as long as these movies are made with the main cast being Americans, that’s not a movie for us (Africans) but rather for the Americans. Hopefully one day out film industry can be big enough to make our own international films starring our own actors.
Well, then make your movies in South Africa and employ South Africans.
@@jaybush6111You don't own no movie studios, so hush up and get in line. Go compete for roles like everybody else.
@@dwaineleso5127 these clowns are entitled to the bone😂😂. Hollywood wasn't even created by niggas but the way they act is like it's theirs.yeesh....they want every thing handed to them
Good point.... We're getting there with our music though. In due time, it will happen.
These are American movies and that's the point- everyone need to make their own space for what want to see I personally want to here some new stories
I am happy that you brought up the fact that Africans might have felt a way with all the American actors playing African characters(Hôtel Rwanda etc). I just shows that this conversation should not happen among us because it just another small way of dividing us black people within us.We are all black who ever gets the role is just opening doors for other black people
Amen
@@monalisacharamanda4571 I want to see Cynthia Ervio play Cleopatra!!!!!!!!
@@dwightlove3704 I would love to see that 👌
Aminata Seye I want to see Daniel Kaluuya play in a remake of the 🎥 about Patrice Lumumba
@@monalisacharamanda4571 Black America has been saying this for decades!!!!
Tbf we've had Spiderman, Superman and Batman played by Brits. I think that casting directors are impressed by an accent being done flawlessly so they take it that those actors can adapt to the character as well as they adapt to the accent. Just putting on a pitch perfect accent impresses out the gate.
The worst for me is Tom
Good point.
There are many American actors who have tried British accents which have been quite poor. There are few Americans that do a good British accent.
@@AndyT81 I only know one and that's Michael C Hall. Any others have been absolute shit.
I'll never get on this train of thought. I believe actors should play whatever role they feel like doing, as long as it's done with respect.
NOPE. The problem isn't actors ability. The problem is lack of roles for certain types of people. E.g. CAN Scarlet Johansen play a trans man. Sure. But trans males actors aren't getting asked to play black widow are they?! So if an trans actor CAN'T EVEN get a role play a trans person, then they're completely excluded. THAT is the problem.
@@DanBrown96 so people should just play themselves in movie roles?
@@DanBrown96 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
Good for you. But it's clearly not that simple.
It's a fair - and worthy - point. I would like to point out that for decades we've had Afro American Actors playing Caribbean parts when there were quite qualified options out there as well. Denzel, Robert Townsend, & Sheryl Lee Ralph in "The Mighty Quinn" comes to mind. So even if we "fix" this problem - which we should - I hope that the AA actors can make sure that the rest of their people across the diaspora get their chances to rep as well.
I'm black american and always mention that. Denzel played Steve Biko too. As to us fighting for y'all, we did and do. Black Panther. Wakanda Forever. Jordan Peele hired a Jamaican woman to direct the new Candyman. John Singleton looked out for Damson Idris. So, it's not black american folks. It's the studios causing the drama. We need the black british and diasporic communities abroad to fight harder for representation in their own countries. Seems many don't want to kick up dust like we do, preferring to reason with racists, instead of fighting for your rights. So, it goes both ways. By the way...Sheryl Lee Ralph is Jamaican...
@@77Creation Thanks for the correction...
To this day The Mighty Quinn stands out in my mind as having the worst accents in history 😂
Anthony is such a gifted actor. Not just wearing the Shield, but his dedication to his craft and honest personality will inspire a new generation of actors.
Also, he described old lady golf to a tee.
Denzel played steve Biko, Morgan Freeman played Mandela, Forrest W played Amin and so forth. Africans never complained. We are all black, we are already marginalized. We need to unite and support whatever we do rather than divide.
Those roles were before social media was big
What Jaren said plus we're American and they are Africans. The one with the gold makes the rules. Some Nigerian actor may be a big shot where he's from but until he's stamped and marketed by the American media he's still a nobody that won't draw big on a movie release. American actors get the job because they are more globally known. I'm not saying it's right but it's just how things are. Also what makes you think they didn't complain about Americans playing Africans? They did and have. We just didn't care to print it in US media. How often do you read African print or comment sections in your spare time? How often did you do it back, say, in the 1990s? Exactly.
It's cultural appropriation and the various African ethnicities have a right to be upset about an American black replacing their leaders with whites funding the projects. But if that's the case you don't then get to turn around an take "american jobs" because that's where the best pay is. Don't get it twisted because every single one of those complainers will take your spot in a heartbeat. Nationalism is a two-way street. You will never get a consensus on unification. Tribalism and self-interest is what drives most people. While you're preaching about One Love somebody is contemplating using your stepstool that you offer them to boost themselves and cut you out. White supremacy isn't united under one banner either. They damn near destroyed humanity twice trying to kill each other and almost successfully eradicated one of their sub-groups (the Ashkenazi).
I have no hate towards my African brothers and sisters. I only ask that when they get here wipe your feet on the doormat (i.e. don't come here taking advantage of the hospitality and advancement our ancestors died for to talk shit on us when you get comfortable).
My step father from Ghana often made a similar point,
They did...this wasn’t a point researched properly. There was a lot of backlash over this in South Africa
Thank you! There was never talk of those roles going to continent Africans! Who would do the roles real justice and actual do the accent properly. Africans in the continent never complained . There are sooo many Black Americans actors ,and they are complaining about a small minority of Black British actors. The math isn’t mathing.
I think this is the same for white actors as well every time I look up a certain actor I’m always surprised there British or Australian I think American black and white actors have a problem in Hollywood but the difference is even if your a bad white American actor you tend to get more work.
So true
I just made a similar post, but you beat me to it 2 days earlier.
America is built to be a foreigners paradise it’s about buisness
I totally agree! I am Canadian but there is great American actors and actresses. Don’t understand why Hollywood can’t just give evenly jobs to British , Australian and American. They are all talented.
I read an interview with a Hollywood producer years ago and he gave the reason that. Hollywood likes to cast UK and British actors for roles, because they come across as more confident, more mature and as if they can stand on their own two feet and look after themselves. Whereas too often Americans and Canadians as well ( I live in Canada BTW) come across as if they are mentally stuck at 16 years old. And not only teenagers, but bratty ones who need to be told what to do and need to be liked.
Brits and Aussies come across as strong and powerful and in control of themselves. Whereas the North Americans come across as weak and childish and impulsive.
What a chill interview! Loved it! 👌🏾
Yeah I like how Jemele doesn't have to get dolled up ( no make up or cover up) and Ant Mack just act like he's talking to his sister- cousin.Love to see this.
Appreciate Jemeles honest take on Americans taking African roles. It's not a one way street.
EXACTLY.
facts
In America? This is our Country, we not going to Africa to cast for roles in movies on a regular basis...Black Americans built a space for Black Americans in the American film industry...Build your own space.
@@blaccseedthechildoflife431 Ok before we go down this road, lets be clear, no one is stealing roles from you. If you want to mad at anyone, go pick a fight with the studios that employ us. I'm not even disagreeing with you, but point your anger in the right direction. Don't start this "There taking our jobs" bs. And don't forget, it's happening to white actors too. It's not like you're being targeted.
@@eon001 Why would Black Americans care about what happens in White communities? So because White people jump off a bridge, should Black people follow them to see what the hype is about.
Secondly, you didn't answer the overall point the commenter made. Black Americans play Africans in AMERICAN films. They are not going to Africa to compete again Nigerian actors to play in NOLLYWOOD produced films. You would fight it hard pressed to even find Black Americans routinely going to Britain to play in British films or TV. There isn't a sharing of uplift; the fight is very one sided. Black Americans are fighting for representation in the AMERICAN film industry and Black immigrants are leeching off that fight.
A reason why British actors go to USA is because we was not getting the roles it was looked down upon. I thought Idris was American, Idris was not getting roles in UK, Now British producers come to him. There is a reason why Anthony Mackie didn't watch a British Black movie growing up because there was none so all we had growing up was the black American movies to see black stories.
False
So technically Sam L was correct. Betting motivated Anthony to get good 😂
As an African, who has lived in Africa my whole life, I don't have a problem with Americans playing African icons. Those projects are not made for us as Africans anyway. My issue is the way Africans are portrayed in these projects. The same way Anthony said about the southern accent, get the "African" accent right!!! There are 52 countries in Africa with over 1000 different accents BUT every time a project about Africa is made there's a generic African accent that is not even African. Even the movie Black Panther was a little disturbing. But like I said that movie was not made for us or have us in mind.
True. I think the problem is the production team not hiring those accent/dialect coaches for their actors.
@@shalom5978 When it comes to anything Africa(n), there's a level of laziness or they just don't care to get it right.
yeah shiro, I totally agree... while I enjoyed black panther, the accents were unbearable... you'd think with lupita being on there she'd weigh in on the authenticity of the accent(s)
@@cestjoyous her own accent was suspect....I don't think she could have weight in on any of them.
My problem is, my entire life growing up blacks from the diaspora have been trying to separate themselves from BA and BA culture. Waving their homeland flags while telling BA we have no culture. Saying they are not black, "insert nationality". But now that ADOS/FBA has created our own separation, and we are taking claim of our culture and our centuries old history as American. And BA culture is being adopted by the world regardless of race or nationality. All of a sudden the diaspora are trying to claim ownership of the BA fight and claiming that we are all the same people.
How Sway? We didn't create the division, the immigrant diaspora separated themselves and many were willing participants in WS. Now that ADOS/FBA have made a distinction, now the diaspora wants everyone to be kumbaya?
Lmao the ironic thing about this comment is that is can literally be made in reverse. It all comes down to experience.
Look up The Harlem Rennaissance. It was literally the result of BA and Caribbean people uniting. And BA used to call Carib people Banana Boat folks. We used to call Africans ABCs, African Booty Scratchers. So it goes both ways. It's frustrating but being ADOS aka Black MAGA isn't the answer either.
Nothing to do with you carribean tethers@77Creation
Nothing against African actors, but I am glad someone is bringing this issue up. It is not just in films and tv, but in commercials. One African actress actually had the unmitigated gall to infer that they, Africans, study their craft more than Black American actors and actresses.
Nothing against African (British or otherwise) actors and actresses, but Hollywood is not a welcoming place for American actors and actresses of color. On the other hand, Hollywood seems to also cast a lot of Australian, English and Canadian actors and actresses also, especially on the small screen.
Everything he is saying is so true. Even with the topic of Black Panther and recasting,
The King needs to be represented as the King. Chadwick Boseman was an absolute inspiration to millions of people in so many ways. Myself included. He brought to life a character that so many around the world needed to see and need to continue to see. He would want the mantle to be passed down to another king. Someone who is deserving understanding and who can represent the character 100% proudly. When Christopher reeves passed, Superman didn’t die. I know it’s strange coming from an actor that no one knows. But if you knew me you would stand 100% behind me and my efforts to bring this character back for the sake of Chadwick Boseman for the sake of the black panther and for the sake of millions around the world who were inspired by the film by the comics and by the concept. I won’t give up. Wakanda Forever!!!
The big issue should be, why after 120 years of the movie industry, Black actors are still being pitted against other Black actors, for only a handful of roles, most of which are awful, usually created by people who have no idea how to write Black characters?
The oft used Superman/Christopher Reeves argument doesnt work, IMHO - Reeves was one of a long line of Superman actors/comic books a character well embedded in the cultural psyche, long before Reeves took up the cape. Once you've seen one Superman, you've seen them all. Most superheroes since have been based from that model - look at Ironman, Batman, Flash, Spider-man, they all have almost carbon copy backgrounds and rehashed stories.
stereotypical
Please bring T'Challa's stories to the masses, but don't strive to be another MCU/Disney T'Challa - that role has been taken, instead strive to be even better.
@@AlphaEarth i agree
I watched "Queen Charlotte" (I was curious about the actress). As a screenwriter, I was just amazed at Shonda Rhimes dexterity at making a story. Her approach is so nuanced yet powerful. I like Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Classic Horror, Martial Arts and Superhero movies. Those are my main genres. I can watch a mystery.
But, the way Ms. Rhimes wove mystery into a romance, fine acting and beautiful principals, the fantastic sets, the stellar cinematography... I have to give her props. I took her Master Class in writing a few years ago. I'm just amazed by her hand in the writing and producing game. And the concept of "The Great Experiment", where fictionally blacks were integrated (albeit with some bumps in the road) into British society, was very novel and interesting. So interesting, it prompted me to watch the two seasons of Bridgerton.
If you haven't watched it, you need to give it a watch. And the sex... it not gratuitous so much as it is timely and appropriate. It all fits.
Queen Charlotte shouldnt have been an American or British black person
Speaking as a black british person, I think there needs to be peace amongst the diaspora on this. I think people are upset because if the lack of opportunity and if we are all united in making the table bigger so we can all get a seat, I think that's better. And casting directors and certain producers fan the flames so they dont have to make the process fairer. Because trust me the uk film scene is non existent and without american studios or hollywood a lot of black people in the uk wouldnt get an opportunity to shine.
I didn't know that the movie scene in Britain was that small for Black actors. I always thought the opposite.
@@diedresmith6061 pretty much no roles in the UK for black people it's getting slightly better but still poor
So what does that have to do with blk americans? U think the roles over here were just OOZING with opportunity for us? We only used to be maids and butlers in movies, but we FOUGHT for bigger roles till blk americans like Will Smith and Denzel Washington became the biggest names in the industry. Instead of you ppl crying about the UK and fleeing over here to take jobs from us, why don't you stay and fight to make it better? You know, like WE HAD TO DO? 🤔🤔🤔
@@KoolKeithProductions Exactly!
And this is why we need to create our own. This would all be solved
Jemele definitely gets it when it comes to British UK actors. We grew up watching American tv, we hardly had anyone on tv that looked like us in the UK so all the American sitcoms and movies is what we had, so it’s always been easier for us to do the accent. There is barely jobs in the UK for black actors, there is a ceiling and what once you reach it, it’s tough to go beyond it. We understood Hollywood to be everybody’s game and I definitely think Black brits didn’t think that they were taking jobs from black Americans, it’s more so I’m going over there to succeed as there’s only so much for me in the UK. When Eddie Murphy or will smith play Africans, there is no further conversation on this because it’s fine, but as soon as Black brits come on the scene, they’re taking jobs, where’s the energy when jobs are being taken from Africans? There’s definitely a wider conversation to be had amongst black people period. I think there needs to be a cultural exchange and understanding, the black experience is the same but different and we need to be more understanding of each other so we can come from an understanding place when giving our views and opinions
I don’t think Black people as a whole take issue with Black Brits portraying Black Americans. However, it is telling that in recent years, nearly ALL of the prominent African-American roles have gone to our Black brothers and sisters across the ocean. That is not a coincidence and if y’all can’t see that, then you are indeed part of the problem.
@@SingKiaMuze I hear what you’re saying but that’s definitely not how Hollywood is portrayed, for actors globally, it’s more portrayed that Hollywood is the goal for everyone in that field
I think Black Brits come from a place where we feel like we are all black people, colonialism and racism has effected all of us so we understand, see and feel the struggle due to our own experiences. Granted, the black American experience is something no one should take lightly, growing up, some of the same hero’s you had is the same hero’s we had. When studying history, we didn’t study about great UK black hero’s, we studied Martin, Rosa, Malcolm etc (if anything about black history was even taught) From a young age we have seen ourselves in Black Americans, we aspire to be like our brothers and sisters across the pond because that’s who we’ve seen on our tv, 80% of what we digest from the media is American, so going over to Hollywood to “make it” is the goal. The UK has clearly made it clear, they don’t want us but America SEEMS more excepting of Black people on tv, it seems like there’s more opportunity. I also think Black Brits feel like we have all suffered at the hands of white terrorism and supremacy, we are with you in this fight we are not trying to add to the suffering
I guess as Black brits, we need to be more conscious of what black Americans are saying in terms of the erasure of black Americans in the industry the same way black Americans should educate themselves on black British history and their experiences
@@atlien1988 fair enough. I hear you on this point. I guess Black Brits are being swept away by the somewhat acceptance of being black and being in the industry. I think black brits think they’re adding to the numbers of more exposure for black people as a whole and not in any way aware of this idea that they’re taking roles that belong to someone else.
Why can't black Brits fight for more roles in their country? Black Americans have more roles in the US because they fought for it on all levels. Black brit actors are benefitting from another people's fight that took 70 odd years of suffering.
@@Debbieme29
Well said 💯🤝🏽
I like how his New Orleans accent came out when speaking about the Saints🤣😂🙂
Yeah ya right !
As an African who knows other Africans and is related to other Africans, is married to an African who is related to more Africans I can truly say I have never heard *ONE* African I know express anger over a black American playing an historical African role chiefly because we absolutely love the great black American actors. I still remember Don Cheadle's incredible performance in Hotel Rwanda and the last thing on my mind was that he wasn't African. This whole argument just comes from idiots who have nothing better to do.
Exactlyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Westerners, I'm a westerner, are obsessed with race (the upgraded class system).
When will smith did that terrible Nigerian accent. I know so many Nigerians complained about that movie. Saying why didn’t he get a better accent coach. We ain’t worried about who plays it just do it well
@@kikidee101 Complaining about his accent isn't what we are talking about
Agreed
Rege-Jean Page shouldn't really be included because he only recently got super famous for actually playing a very British character in a period drama. I do hope he gets to be the next James Bond, which is another very British character..
I knew of Regé before Bridgerton, and he has still played American characters. I really don't care either way since I think he's a good actor, but just because he got bigger and everyone hopped on the Regé train recently because of a Netflix show is semantics and besides the point.
Black people don’t have the luxury of being this divisive, especially over something so trivial. For the record white British actors have been playing American for decades.
NOT the same thing. There has been exactly one movie made about heroes like Fred Hampton and Harriet Tubman. There have been numerous movies made about figures like Winston Churchill. Why should a British actor play an African American hero in the ONLY movie to ever be made about that historical figure?
What White people do is there business. Black Americans, especially with their current wealth position, have every right to say that they want to be represented in a high earning field, especially when it is their advocacy that opened the field to Black representation in the first place. It is not divisive to say Black Americans want to b e respected for their justice struggle. Black Brits can do the same in Britain.
Just gonna say Morgan freeman played Nelson Mandela. In my opinion black is black.
@@mwenyachikwa4685 Did Africa fund and produce a movie about Nelson Mandela and then hire a Black American to play the role?
@@robertreed9818 That wasn't the point. If you say because America - A Hollywood studio, that only cares about money - funded the movies then that makes it different it doesn't. This is basically just another form of gate keeping. Except you're doing it to your own. As black people we sit too low on the economic/opportunity ladder to be kicking and shoving. Our stories are more important than the birth place of the black actor who plays the role. IMO I just think black should black.
Nicole Beharie went to freaking Juilliard.
So did Anthony
& white showrunners blackballed her from the industry smh 😒😒
@@ambriaashley3383 Yep, I used to watch Sleepy Hollow and was so mad at what they were doing to her behind the scenes. I stopped watching when they killed her off.
Nicole Beharie is not a Black American but I get what your saying
@@jaren2159 Are her parents not from the U.S.? I know she was born in Florida and grew up in different countries because her father was in the Foreign Service. She's still a good trained Black actress.
Thank you Jemele, you don’t know how much this interview means to me , I love us, I think we’re all so talented and I hate that we have to fight for roles in this industry. Black Brits need to be respectful and grateful to what Black Americans have built (I’m British) . BB and BA need to come together to create all opportunities that benefit us. I’d love to see more collaboration.
Absolutely. The closest collab I’ve seen was ASAP Rocky and skepa on that hip hop song!
Thank you Jemele for your counter argument about US Black actors vs British. It was thoughtful, considered and on point. Let’s not Pit black actors against each other. The only people who benefit are the racists who think giving any black actor a mainstream role is being ‘woke’
It’s actually sad that we get a few handful of Black British actors in Hollywood the pinnacle of cinema to be told by people that look like us that we aren’t good enough to tell black stories.
It's not about telling black stories, it's about telling black U.S stories. As a British person, Malcom X or Huey doesn't mean the same thing as it would to a person from the U.S. It really can't, in the same way that Nelson Mandela won't mean to me what he means to a south african . The question is why aren't the black american actors/actresses being chosen? You also have to understand that there is a difference and somewhat of a divide between african and black communities in the U.S.
@@ryenne8919 so what is your take on African Americans that play africans and tell black African stories ?
@@issyiceberg4865 Hollywood is an American institution with a global reach. Bollywood is an Indian institution with a global reach. Nollywood is a Nigerian institution with a global reach. These institutions ( studios) pay taxes to their respective countries. They don't owe foreign actors anything. So I have no problem with AA playing African characters in a Hollywood movie. Hollywood doesn't owe Africans anything. I would have a Big problem though as a Nigerian, with AA playing historical/ big cultural African figures in a Nollywood movie though. I have no problem with AA playing a regular African in a Nollywood movie though. It's the historical and cultural figures that I feel should be reserved for the natives of the land. I know Brits would would have a fit if an American played Bond.
Brits have a privilege in Hollywood because Americans are enamoured with the Brit accents. They see any historical or fantasy character as always having a British accent which is weird. Jesus stories= British accent. French stories=British accents ( I mean Les Miserables is a French story, the actors should either have a French accent or any accent). Fantasy worlds= British accent. It lacks imagination.
I love black Brits so this is not a post against them, but I feel that this idea that actors are good just because they have a British accent and can do a passable American accent is wrong and closes the door to good American actors just based on having an accent. This applies to white Brits as well.
But I wish the best for black Brits in Hollywood. But some wisdom in auditioning for certain roles. And AA give a lot of love to black brit actors. They really do : Idris Elba, John Boyega
@@Sarah-cj8rm I never said that Hollywood owed Africans anything the person who the question was directed at said ‘it’s about telling black U.S stories’ so I asked about African stories being told by African Americans, I think we can both agree that anytime Africas are played the accents most of time aren’t good or accurate but we still watch them. The person who the question was directed to also emphasized that the black U.S stories be played by African Americans so my point was if that is the case if black stories should be told by the people from the countries the figures are from then is it so out of reach to suggest that African stories be told by Africans going by the point the person was trying to make.
Secondly saying that black brits get the parts just because of their accents is unfair and takes away from their talent they usually kill whatever roles they get and all the black brits that have played African American historical figures have all given outstanding performances in their roles and gotten academy award nominations(the ones I know) I was so pissed when Samuel L. Jackson suggested oyelowo got ‘Selma’ because black brits are cheaper to get nothing about the fact that he is talented. I personally never understand why these conversations are had maybe it’s cos I’m not from these places and I’m used to seeing African figures played by Hollywood stars and all I see are black people killing it in these roles no matter where they are from I just think these conversations cause a divide among the black communities, I mean there are auditions, and people are chosen based on their talent also to the best of my knowledge the directors of these movies are African Americans/ Americans. And expecting black brits to be careful which roles they go for is counterproductive they should be able to go for whatever roles they want and if they get it they do and if they don’t onto the next one.
@@issyiceberg4865 I would say that is problematic as well. Why not just hire African actors? People deserve to tell the stories they lived, or the ones passed down from their ancestors. If people from outside of the particular sect within the culture are to tell the story, there needs to be a level of attention and cultural immersion (ie. dialect coaches, living experience). Ooh for example, I watched an interview for Queen & Slim that Daniel KaIuuya did, and he talked about how he went to Cleveland and walked around Costco and just listened to people speak. It really shows, idk people from Cleveland have a really specific way of talking lol. Off track, but I thought that was really cool. I do wanna explain my thinking in this I guess. I really only have pause as to when black U.S historical figures are played by non-U.S blacks. It comes off as being the erasure of U.S blacks from their own story, which U.S history textbooks have done for years. My U.S history class labeled african slaves as migrants and claimed the Civil War was not about slavery. I think to a lot of black U.S actors view these stories are a way to rewrite the narrative, and it probably stings to be left out or be assigned to play second in command. "Black" U.S movies are not mainstream and don't make it to award shows no matter how good. These historical movies are really the only way to get recongnition for your work. Recongnition then translates to influence in what movies are chosen for nomination next time around. Sorry this was kind of rambly, I was thinking this through as I typed.
This was such a great interview of Anthony Mackie vernacular to the point so eloquent
If the actor can play the role and make the audience believe that he/she embodies that character regardless of where they come from shouldn't matter. If the actor does their homework and execute the performance than great. We need to stop dividing ourselves even further.
Reason why "all the girls are watching Bridgerton?" The main character read a bedtime story on the BBC for children and many grown up women watched it - AFTER putting their children to bed (not fact but makes it more interesting :-). So yeah, that's how much we would watch Rege.
Yea. I was one of those women. And my children are over 18. 😂🤦🏽♀️
I'm a black Brit. I'm nota fan of British actors playing iconic civil rights/historical African American figures like Harriet Tubman, MLK, etc. BUT people in the US need to know that up until very recently it was the other way round.
From the 1930s (eg Paul Robeson, 'Sanders of the River') through to the 2000s, (eg Don Cheadle, 'Hotel Rwanda') British and US films set in the UK or Africa which had black leading roles (few and far between) ALL those roles went to black Americans. whether the character was supposed to be British, Caribbean, or African. The racism regarding casting blacks in lead roles in films over here is strong.
Even a director who has cast blacks regularly such as Guy Ritchie was on record saying black actors were not very versatile. So, people came to the US. When people like Chewetel Ejiofor, Elba, Oyelowo, Lennie James, Naomie Harris, Thandie Newton, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, came to the US and got big, THEN tv companies here started wanting to give them lead roles. But the film industry here...? Excludes them from period/historical films. Despite blacks having a presence in the UK for hundreds of years. Despite actors such as Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury in Bridgerton) having been on stage with the Royal Shakespeare company.
Hence the casting in Bridgerton being a big deal.
This problem of foreign blacks taking roles which should go to African Americans needs to be taken up with the producers, directors, casting directors of the films people are complaining cast black Brits/Africans in US roles. And these people will usually be white, working for white owned studios. Just a thought.
For what it's worth, Forrest Whittaker played a Brit in the crying game.
Oh and Don Cheadle's horrible cockney attempt in Oceans 11. lol he tried.
Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington etc... are examples of Black American actors over the past 100 years who found success working in Britain in "BRITISH PRODUCTIONS."
As Black Americans do not live in Britain they are unaware of this fact... Black American actors have been on British stages since the 1800s and were chosen OVER Black Brits. Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love... Denzel in For Queen and Country... Forest Whitaker in The Crying Game... I could go on! All a Google away...
It's all about unity though... we love Forest and Denzel and Don and all the Black Americans that FILL our West End Theatre Stages.
@Fuck Youbitch its a london accent. Best example is, Michael Caine. In movies the cockey accent is seen as a tough guy accents. Most in gangster movies. Its like their ‘New york accent’.
Very badly too
He also played an African in the last King of Scotland.
I have in laws that are not born in America and one of them told me that white Americans treat them differently than black Americans saying “you’re not like them”. Maybe that’s where this is coming from. They feel black people from England are not us. They have created a stereotype of black Americans making us all the same, they choose black people from other countries.
💯💯🔥🔥🔥
+Chantell Frazier Great point! I also take them saying that in meaning that Black Americans are not going to bow down to them for we truly know them as opposed to so-called foreign Blacks. Native Black Americans who families goes back centuries in America, have a deep understanding of American racism and it's White racists.
@@edeck889 Because you think other Black people don’t know about racism. Read a book about colonization and stuffs please. Sometimes Black Americans act like there are the only real Black on Earth. Please
It's exactly this, and it works the same in all countries. Black Americans are given more time of day in the UK and elsewhere in Europe than local black population, usually because the ones that emigrate there have money and aren't as quote unquote ghetto
@@esthyewody947...🤦🏾♀️
I agree with Mackie that the Industry Today there needs to be an even playing field, but do you really think Don Cheadle deserved the Oceans 11 role over say a Vaz Blackwood (of Lock Stock and Smoking Barrels fame) in the early 2000s? Or was Denzel Washington the right black actor to play a veteran Black UK Falkan Soldier in the movie: For Queen and Country in the early 1990s? Both with below-par Black British accents!
Loved this convo!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿💯
Don't forget our music is another heavy influence as well. Singing our songs will help in getting that accent down.
Singing “our” songs? Last time I checked Caribbean people contributed to hip hop and other styles of so called “African America” music . Plus many of “your” songs are written and many cases even sung by Caribbean Black people, who you don’t even realize aren’t American until a video like this pops up. But go on with the hate.
@@hellow4130 If you don't quit. The blues, gospel, and jazz all came from Black Americans. Yes. Caribbeans made their contributions. But to say all Black American music came from them is a gross exaggeration.
As blacks people we keep blocking each other’s opportunities,the world is big enough for everyone. When one black person makes it we all make it but when we go against each other we lose. We are all from the same ancestors ,we are all Africans wether we live in the U.K. or USA.
SAYYYY ITTTTT AGAINNNNNNN
Making it at somone else's expense. So when no black actor can get a major role and its dominated by foreign born who do not understand racism here in America and they are taking part in conversations about race saying stuff like well "I dont see race" what then? Actors are also expected to speak on social issues and their mindset will be outside of America. Africans see themselves as Africans not really as black whether they are British or not their parents raised them to be African. Nigerians are big on that if you notice most black british actors are NIgerians very few are even caribbbean or any other African besides Kaluuya. Even the biracial actors are half Nigerian. Black Americans see the world as black but other groups Somalis, Ethiopians, Nigerians, Jamaicans, Bajans, see the world as Caribbean, African and Latino. We have only just now started seeing ourself as a specific ethnic group.
@@jasminepearls1047 From what I've seen other people say. Black UK actors don't get access to a lot of acting opportunities in the UK. So I don't think you can actually expect them to turn down auditioning for a role. I also don't see how this is their fault. Frankly, I didnt even know this was an issue since African Americans play non African American characters all the time. I mean, when African Americans play African characters or figures do they know all about the political climate in different parts of Africa too? At least for me, as long as long as you're black as the role requires, I couldn't care less where you are from if you have the qualifications.
@@shalom5978 I totally agree with you ,after all we are all Africans!!! Why the divide?
@@jasminepearls1047 Maybe the problem is the producers really ,what exactly are they looking for ,if a Black British actor fits a role as a producer I’m not going to be thinking are they American or not and if they take lesser pay even better. To say black British people don’t understand racism is a really ignorant statement to make ,as a black person living in the U.K. I can tell you racism is rampart here. All I can hear is actors outsourcing their success instead of pushing harder to get roles.Black British actors have gone to search for opportunities and found them.
I think there are 65 million Brits and nearly 400 million Americans. There are simply more roles for American characters than British characters. It makes sense that British actors are going to specialize American accents to get more roles. I was born here from a huge multigenerational family that traces history on this Continent for over 400 years and I have still used at least 4 different accents in my life. American accents are easy to speak in.
You have to remember the U.K. is much smaller and that’s why British actors go over seas for opportunities. It’s not about stealing
Exactly!!!! Most people regardless of career go to where the jobs are. That’s been happening since the dawn of time. I don’t know why providing for oneself and family by going after work opportunities is now considered “stealing.”
@@MRAAng-on2jg Honestly! I don't understand why this is such a hard concept to grasp. And it's not an issue with our white counterparts. Its a shame really
@@iamvaleriee11
To be fair, white people in both the UK and the US are both the majority and the default, and therefore, don't struggle representation in either countries. So I can their point on that level.
Yessss, Anthony Mackie!! Would love to see Drew under the bridge at Claiborne and Orleans on Mardi Gras Day even more than Kings Zulu and Rex! Grateful to Drew for all of the winning seasons with the Saints! ⚜️💛🖤
I think black actors should just support black actors getting roles. Black actors should come together and create roles and projects so they can work together. And she makes a very good point about African Americans playing African parts. This is just another way of the white film industry putting black against black. Work together ❤
That doesn’t even make sense, now anybody who has the same skin color we should support.
Dude you need to mature and get out of the fantasy that black is a race it’s a color
some people are missing the point entirely. No one should be saying "beggars can't be choosers" because black people already have such few roles to compete for, or "this is a trivial matter, we should be happy that black british actors are even getting cast". We should RATHER be saying "the industry should create more roles for black people and stop upholding white supremacy, precisely so that this toxic competition is eliminated".
I've heard many different things on this topic. The accent thing is interesting because I saw Outside the Wire first before I ever saw Snowfall and I knew right away that Damson Idris was British, his accent was just weird in that movie. When I looked him up and saw he was from the UK, I was like "finally I could spot them before I read anything" lol Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah, his accent was giving me a headache... he was trying to go too southern with it and being from Chicago, a lot of black midwesterners keep portions of that southern accent but it's not so southern that you think they we are from a southern state. I've heard everything from black brits is less expensive....I am ok with black brits having jobs but down black American culture in the process of getting that job. Jemele, I am unsure what is going with her audio. Zoom calls sound better than what she is using for audio. It sounds like she is on AM radio.
I think that is so interesting! I feel like the bar is so low for black brits especially when it comes to playing Black American roles. To white Americans we all look and sound the same but within our ethnic group we can always spot the inauthenticity right away. When I was watching the movie moonlight I had that same funny feeling about Naomi Harris. Her accent and mannerisms was weird. The problem is they paint Black American culture with a broad stroke not realizing even within our community we are just as diverse and nuanced.
I love Anthony Mackie. I knew he was the man for me when I heard he wanted to play Panther.
How many black American actors are auditioning for British films and TV shows? These actors are leaving their comfort zone to audition for these roles.
African American actors don't have to go to the U.K. to have a successful career.
Black Brits are not "leaving their comfort zone", they are coming to the center of the global entertainment industry--Hollywood, CA.
The U.K. is a tiny market compared to the U.S. Well-established British actors and musicians always desire to enter the American market.
The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Adele were not globally legit until they broke into the American market.
@@christophersmith3005 then if that’s the case, What’s the complaint? Why would somebody bark back with, “well I don’t see UK film producers hiring Black US actors”?
@@christophersmith3005 You are absolutely correct and I’ve heard many very famous British musicians and actors state this themselves. The American industry (music and films) is the holy grail.
@@christophersmith3005 Understandable, but at what point do you build in your own country? British actors need to work to build and create opportunity in their own country. This goes for Africans everywhere. By doing this we can create global wealth amongst Africans versus operating within the current situation where everyone comes to America and they're stepping on one another for opportunities.
its just like people going to ivy league schools in comparison to people going to a community college.... getting the job over someone with the same qualification and experiences..... same vibe with actors.. "perception"
He's talking about doing "bad American accents", but a lot of British actors are pretty convincing
True.
Eh there are lots of bad ones including John Boyega whom I love. 😬
That accent came out when he said Claiborne! 😂😂🤣
@ThaBoss25 I lived in New Orleans for nearly 2 years. I love it!! Makes me nostalgic every time I hear it.
We need more Black American actors in good roles.
Enjoying this pod but why is Jemele's voice all muffled even though she's using an external microphone while Mackie's voice is loud and clear?
She still uses Dial-up AOL
Her microphone is a prop
Probably has something to do w her headphones interferring w the audio or maybe something happened to her mic and she just need a new one?
As a South Afrikan I tell you we do have an issue with American actors playing South Afrikan legends. One the language barrier is a problem and we can tell that it isn't authentic. All the Mandela movies suck because of that.
I like Anthony Mackie but I think its bull with the issue with British and American black actors.Those British brothers can act.And if they are good they earned their jobs
What if the American actors are equally good?
@@nwananka read my last sentence...then you have my answer
It's about more which actor is hot at the time and has the bigger draw. Yes, talent is a factor but so is likeability and trendiness.
@@brianpryor3132 and how do you think they become hot? Daniel Kaluuya is a prime example. His first leading role was Get Out...hit movie Oscar nomination
Was he hot before that movie? Talent got him the job...talent will keep him employed for years and he has second Oscar nomination. Not bad for a Black Brit.
@@nwananka but they really aren't. Anthony Mackie is an average actor and should be more than satisfied with his roles he's luck to have them.
I see people saying Black Actors in England can't get work. So Black Actors in America suppose to fall on the sword for foreign Black Actors? I don't think so.
This topic is another divide and conquer situation.We are all Black.Lets support each other as Black ppl and stop separating ourselves....Black- American- Black British- African British.Maybe we need more Black writers/ directors/ producers/ casting agents so that way we can tell our stories and hire who we want to hire.We should embrace that black actor/ actress who gets a job, because it's tough for all of you.Unless you're a Samuel L., a Denzel, an Idris or a Halle etc.
Stop being stupid; ethnicity exist for a reason. Black is not flattened across the globe. Even in Africa, the most Black place on earth, they don't view themselves as flat Black. The divide and conquer strategy is the cutting out of Black Americans from sectors of their own home country's economy using Black immigrants to do it. As for more Black writers, producers, and directors, I won't protest.
I agree with Mr. Reed.
Give us films in Nollywood and Make Britain cast black people. We can't fight for rights just so that we can be flooded when the marching is over. There should be fights they wage at home to fix the B.S over there and open doors as well.
I'm most context I am fine but when they have to play our great ancestors and ppl from the hood it feels a lil disrespectful. And talking to many African immigrants they will enjoy the rights we fight for but disrespect us sometimes and that makes it worse.
he's always a great interview.
One theory I have why Hollywood continues to hire British actors over American actors is probably because Brits are seen to be more appreciative for the opportunity and maybe less confrontational ie easier to work with - and this applies to both white and black actors.
Preach I am from Georgia and the accents on tv are so overdone and exaggerated it's ridiculous!! Everyone in the south do not have a drawl but we will chop up some words - LOL and thank you for shouting out my Soror Angela Bassett!!
Anthony Mackie is a really talented and super-smart guy. He speaks a lot of sense. More people should listen and learn from what he has to say. Stay cool, Anthony.
If you ban British actors from playing American characters, Black or White, then fine, but no American can do British parts, ever again.
That's Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Sam Beckett etc etc etc out of bounds. It works both ways.
I still think this argument is missing the critical aspect of UK needling to step up in having those tones for black British actors. I don’t want to loose out on the brilliance of Daniel Kaluuya because of nationalism and racism.
I agree with anyone who says this conversation is devisive in that, like you said, AA actors have played Ugandan, South African, Kenya, Rwandan , Jamaican, even british etc charactors to the frustration of actors who are natives in those countries. Under the umbrella of American (note Amreicans not necessarily African Americans) should not tell stories either than their own. They should tell their MLK stories etc. Now the conversation seems to have shifted to disapprove of Non AA actors portraying American figures based on authenticity of accents and opportunities? I thought as a community we were about Black Excellence - Period.
Thank you Mackie! The opportunities are unbalanced. You say Americans can't do an English accent? Give them a dialect coach and let's see. The fastest rising job in Hollywood has to be a dialect coach, and best believe if one is required a portion is coming out of your pay. I wanna see as many stories about what's happening outside the U.S. Who's the UK equivalent of Ava, Coogler, Issae, Waite, Tyler, Peele, etc?
Name a British movie with a black lead? That such a stupidly difficult question. UK needs to step up.
What Jamele said was true that black British actors grew up watching black American actors in black American movies so they learn their American accent through watching those movies the same as African actors and like she said the reason why black American actors can't do an English accent is because black people in general from America don't watch British television because I love their shows don't have that British actors or stories that we can relate to
White people in England had a problem with Idris Elba possibly playing James Bond even though the first James Bond was played by American and American white man that is
@@antoinerideaux-porche6036 Let's face tons of White Americans didn't like the idea of Idris as Jame Bond aswell. Hell, look at the uproar at the rumours of Michael B Jordan being the new Superman.
@@darthwatson8274 of course and how they were in their piss about mbj playing the human torch and having mara girl playing his sister sue storm like she couldn't have been adopted by johnny's dad
Funny to see how the remark about AA actors playing African figures (with awful accents) got completely ignored by Mackie... 🤨😬
In American made retellings of African history. The equivalent would be if Nigeria's Nollywood wanted to hire Nigerian actors to do a movie about Martin Luther King Jr. That is a NIGERIAN film at that point, even though it is based on American events.
@@robertreed9818 The only reason they dont get this, or are actively ignoring it, is bcus they have a sense of entitlement toward America and the west
@@jerseydevils9686 absolutely they do. so on point. they not only have entitlement, but they are envious of what black Americans have. jealousy and envy are different things. They not only feel entitled for things black Americans have, but they also think we don’t deserve them, because we are so-called “lazy” and depend so much on the “white man”.
You can't get caught up in this. Sometimes actors are chosen because of their relationships with a studio, filmmaker, or a deal they have in place for future projects. Also, a level of fame plays a role. Daniel Kaluuya made a name for himself after Get Out and he's very talented. Many people were surprised to find out he was British.
Take a look at the film Concussion, Will Smith played a pathologist who was from Nigeria. I felt David Oyewolo would have been a better choice because he actually reassembles the actual doctor more closely. But Will Smith was more famous and had more clout at the time.
To me, any actor should be able to play any character, if they're performance is the best. Getting caught up in the nationality and race is not helpful. I think one day, we'll get to that point. We can see a Black James Bond or Superman and they won't be referred to as "black" or we can see a President of the United States played by women, Asian, Latino, Black, White, whatever and it won't matter. Some day, right?
This is a good debate, but I feel directors are choosing British and African actors as I feel they seem to have a more passive approach to the roles. While African American actors always bring a swag another dimension to the role, which I always loved and admired. I think Idis Elba is in this realm he does have that African American edge in his acting. While some of the other actors from the Uk to be honest, can be quite flat almost text book! So I miss the African American edge so much, Denzel in glory and Samuel Jackson I can watch all of his films, as he takes you on another dimension. African American actors, you need to produce your own films now, as you are doing. on the other hand, Also African American male actors had stop bringing African American female actors into the films, so I suppose they are feeling the same.
Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington etc... are examples of Black American actors over the past 100 years who found success working in Britain in "BRITISH PRODUCTIONS."
As Black Americans do not live in Britain they are unaware of this fact... Black American actors have been on British stages since the 1800s and were chosen over Black Brits. Sidney Poitier in To Sir With Love... Denzel in For Queen and Country... Forest Whitaker in The Crying Game... I could go on! Not to mention Forest Whitiker as Idi Amin... Denzel as Steve Biko... Terrence Howard as Nelson Mandela... Danny Glover as Nelson Mandela... Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela... Don Cheadle in Ocean's 11.
It's all about unity though... we love Forest and Denzel and Don and all the Black Americans that FILL our West End Theatre Stages.
Thank you !
Prominent African-American actors in portraying Afro-English men, Denzel Washington as Reuben James 'For Queen and Country' (1988). Forest Whittaker as 'Jody' in The Crying Game (1992).
He's a class act and I didn't know of his Juliard background. This show has the best guests but her microphone sounds muffled every time.
Am I the only one that can't unsee his episode of Black Mirror??! 😣😱😭🤣🤣🤣
I was looking for this comment 😩 that episode chileeeeeeeeee
@@ariesthoughts riiiiight!! I'm like BROOOO, you're typecast after that one!!! I can't unsee that twisted mess!!! 😣😣😩
I believe 'Genius: Aretha' comes to mind when discussing Black British actors playing African Americans in Hollywood movies.
Jennifer Hudson is playing Aretha in a film biopic and Cynthia is playing her in the mini series
Cynthia is KILLING it, too.
@@MindTrickedX24 She is! Courtney B. Vance (playing Aretha's father) is putting his back into it, too! :)
@@beedwarf Man! Courtney B. Vance ALWAYS brings the heat!
@@alfonsogayman9699 Cynthia Erivo is not that good of an actor.. I don't know what folks see in that woman that makes them think that she can accurately portray every famous Black American woman that ever lived.
I agree with Anthony Mackie that it should be a balancing act. We have talented people of color who put their effort and time into their roles. Yes, Racism is an issue on both sides of the Atlantic.
Firstly, British actors and actresses have been dominant in Hollywood across the board for decades. For example, White British actors/actresses have been playing roles that normally would go to white Americans too. And, it's simply because British actors are generally better since they are trained in theater first before transitioning to cinema. It's no surprise really. The very best American actors and actresses are those like Denzel and Viola who started in theater.
That being said, I did a simple analysis in which I tallied American and British/other nominees at the Oscars between 2017-21. 58 of the nominees we're American and 42 were British/other. Sure, this is too small a sample size but it suggests this isn't the complete British takeover of Hollywood that folks are suggesting.
Another thing folks are missing is that many of these Black British actors performing in Hollywood are of Caribbean descent. Caribbean and African American experience regarding slavery and its ugly after effects is basically the same. Are you suggesting that Caribbean Black British actors can't relate? Do we apply the same standard to Caribbean Americans? Are Caribbean Americans not allowed to perform African American roles either? This is nonsense.
Lastly, I suggest folks travel to and spend some time in the UK because many seem to have a twisted sense of what life is like for Blacks there. It's no paradise for them either that's for sure. They have to deal with systemic racism, police brutality, stop and frisk, extreme poverty, rundown neighborhoods, rubbish schools, high unemployment, and just about every vice that an African American deals with in the US. So who are we to say that Black British actors can't relate to the African American experience?
Folks pretend as though the African American experience is so unique compared to other black African experiences. It isn't. Truth is we have a lot more in common. And, instead of fighting over who gets casted for a tiny pool of black roles, we ought to be fighting to increase the number of black film directors, producers and studios. This way, more black films get made and the pool of acting roles gets bigger and our actors don't struggle.
NB: I'm passionate about this topic because my cousin is a talented Black British actor who trained with one of the best theater troupes in the UK yet struggled for 10+ years to break into film in London. Eventually, he moved to the US and now he's getting casted. I cried when I watched his first Hollywood performance because I understood how hard he worked and how much racism he dealt with before making it.
So, let's not be so quick to judge our Black British brothers and sisters just trying to make a living. For decades, Hollywood casting directors would only recruit white British actors even though their Black British peers were just as talented. It wasn't until recently that black British actors started getting casted in Hollywood. Let's not turn them away.
This thesis would be worth something IF an exchange was taking place. For instance, IF black Brits were pursing and gaining roles in America AND Black Americans AFTER FIGHTING FOR YEARS FOR RIGHTS IN AMERICA, were then to go and have opportunities in other countries, as well. Then, yeah....maybe. But if this is a one way street, then we're simply seeing colonizing behavior and they'll fit right in, in America. Go to another country, dominate a group considered to be on a lower rung on the ladder, and then insist you deserve it...well, because you're better. Somehow your access to resources has placed you in a better place to gain you access. That's basically a colonizer. It's a grift, as well. But, primarily, just a colonizer with good diction.
@@musicalbenches But African American actors are often cast in non-AA black roles including those that would normally go to Black British actors. Think of Forest Whitaker in Crying Game.
And African American actors often play classic African roles that one could argue should only go to Africans. Think of Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda, Forest Whitaker in Last King of Scotland, Will Smith in Concussion, Morgan Freeman in Invictus and of course, Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther, the first and only major African superhero.
Don't recall any Black British or African actors whinging about African Americans stealing roles that should go to them. And rightfully so as African Americans have the cred to take them on. I wasn't any less drawn to the story of Mandela because Freeman played him in Invictus. Why doesn't this work the other way around?
@@oluwaremilekunbell6159 TBF black brits did whinge at the time about The Crying Game and Oceans 11.
Cynthia Erivo has played TWO Black American icons. I find that a bit unsettling. However, this issue isn't even limited to Blacks. Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln?! Well damn. They British invasion is so stealthy in TV and film. You don't even know these folks are Brits until they open their mouths on a talk show. I'm continually surprised. It may be harder to find shows and movies not having Brits playing Americans than not.
Exactly!! We grew up watching american tv shows and listen to hip hop because musically, Jamaica and America were the only black representation we had in the uk and black american movies was all we had for representation unfortunately. We had the odd tv shows for ourselves in the late 80’s and early 90’s but not much. Afro Americans was not paying attention to black british culture till recently so you dont have much to go on when portraying us in films or shows. If you can do it well, get that job because black is black.
@Fuck Youbitch This is the dumbest shit i've read this week.
@@mikkys5374 where was y'all advocacy what happen
@@Cleopatra12ification advocacy for what exactly? AA actors or BB actors?
Black people on planet earth. I don't have a problem with it. I love Black actors, wherever they are from, unless someone is a total DH, it does not matter. We are ALL black on planet earth. Actors are "acting". Everyone is Black. Be happy that Black people are working.
Excellent comment.
Who is the director/producer that said black American actors aren’t trained and don’t work hard enough????????? We need to know names at this point...
Spike Lee made a comment similar to this one, that I know of right off hand.
Ava Duvernay has said this as well. I think he's talking about her.
I agree ☝🏽 and that for some reason Rappers have replaced Actors
There’s is under current of wanting more authenticity, having the actor & actress come from/be from the character origin.
It’s a balance when dealing with characters that have been made up vs historical figures and being creative.
That makes sense but for me if a foreign born actor can play for instance an play an African historical figure better than the Africans that auditioned I would have no problem with them.
Black brits get hired here because they get more formal training in England but they're cheaper to employ (than equally educated american actors) here. It's outsourcing.
I'm interested to see what else is created as they fight for the representation they deserve in England. Small Axe (Amazon Prime) was PHENOMENAL. And is a great example of what happens when black Brits are able to tell their own stories.
Anthony’s points does not even make sense. If you ask someone to do a down south accent then when they do it and then make out its not specific to a particular city or town, thats unfair. Damson is in snowfall doing an LA accent and before anyone knew he was british, everyone assumed he was from LA. So yes if you are afro american and want to play a black british role, you will need to be good with british accents like black brits are with american accents. Stop being silly. I’ve seen movies with an all afro american cast and everyone in one family has a different accent. They ain’t even trying.
It actually makes perfect sense because while Yes Damnson has copied Kendrick’s Lamar accent. That’s one example of many like Irdis Elba in the wire that wasn’t a Baltimore accent, Daniel Ezra isn’t doing a “LA accent” in All American. So yes Black Americans should be good at doing a BASIC British accent just like most black British actors are only good at doing a BASIC American accent.
NOW his point was while they’ll get a role doing a BASIC American accent a black American actor will do a BASIC British accent & get told you don’t sound like you’re from the “specific” place.. well Idris doesn’t either but he got the role.
@@quandadon5882 Damson sound nothing like Kendrick. Kendrick's accent isn't even that thick. And while i agree with Idris as he seems to only do one type of american accent, you forget about all the other actors i named. The argument Anthony made is flawed because i have watched many films with and in one town everyone has a different accent.
@@mikkys5374 I didn’t see where u named any other actors but they all have that 1 standard American accent. Damson sounded the same in “outside the wire”.. the argument isn’t flawed because again it’s explaining how British actors can have a standard American accent & be casted but Americans can’t have a standard British accent & be casted. I’ve heard British ppl be able to tell where someone is from so I’m sure that Basic British accent American actors do fit in somewhere and can be casted. But they aren’t
Here we go again, tearing at each other over petty nonsense. Its just not a good look. Not only does Mackie not make sense, his points are easily dismissed. If black british actors shouldn't play black american characters, then none of the black american actors he claims to love so much have any business playing African, Middle Eastern etc. characters. That includes your boy, Chadwick. Hypocrite. 07:28 By the way, why not tell us who this director is that you claim says black american actors dont work as hard as brits? I dont doubt that some jerk said this, but why be silent about who their identity? Did you hear him say this, was it in some interview, what? One more thing, I've seen plenty of british actors play american parts so well we didnt know they were brits. The same cant be said on the reverse.
@@quandadon5882 damson was not in the wire. You mean idris and in the last few years he has done well to get different accents on point. If you never knew he was british you wouldnt even mention him. If an aa new yorker cannot do an LA accent and a london born actor can for a specific role (damson in snowfall), how does this argument stand? What the diaspora should be doing is looking to take over hollywood and the film industry as a whole instead of silly arguments.