What to watch this Black History Month
Date: 20/10/23
Author: Shia Mitchell
Black History Month series
If you’re wondering what to watch throughout Black History Month, look no further. Here are our award-winning flicks and binge-worthy top picks.
Jamie Foxx in 'Ray'
Starring: Jamie Foxx · Regina King · Kerry Washington | Runtime: 2hrs 32mins
As far as biopics go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another performance as compelling and authentic as Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in 'Ray' (2004). Foxx plays the iconic crooner responsible for great hits such as ‘Hit the Road Jack’, ‘Mess Around’, and ‘I Got a Woman’. Not only Is Foxx spectacular in hitting all of Ray's well-known mannerisms, but his vocal performance is also outstanding. It’s not hard to see how he scooped up an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Issa Rae’s 'Insecure'
Starring: Issa Rae · Yvonne Orji · Jay Ellis · Natasha Rothwell · Amanda Seals | Seasons: Five
There aren’t too many people left that haven’t heard of Issa Rae or her comedy-drama series that catapulted her into the mainstream limelight. Based on Rae's acclaimed web series Awkward, 'Insecure' (2016) centres around the friendship of two modern-day African American women as they navigate dating, love, professional success, and navigating black identity stereotypes.
Ray scoops up NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy. The show is also well known for its legendary soundtrack, picking up Black Reel’s Outstanding Music Supervision Award for its fantastic range of black artists from various genres that blends perfectly with the scenic backdrop of South Los Angeles.
Viola Davis and Denzel Washington in ‘Fences’
Starring: Denzel Washington · Viola Davis · Javon Adepo · Stephen McKinley Henderson · Mykelti Williamson · Russel Hornsby | Runtime: 2hrs 19mins
There are no words left unsaid or emotions left unfelt at the closing credits of 'Fences' (2016). The 1950s period drama based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play of the same name is brought to life with Denzel Washington in the director's seat.
It follows a working-class African American family as they struggle to keep their household together. The film delves deep into how our environment shapes us; how unfulfilled talent can cause us to become bitter; and how, in turn, parents can become the destructive force in a child’s life, further continuing the cycle.
Denzel was not left unchallenged. Viola Davis also collected multiple awards for her brilliant performance, including an Academy Award, Critics Choice Award and Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actress.
Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) in 'Atlanta'
Starring: Donald Glover · Brian Tyree Henry · LaKeith Lee Standfield · Zazie Beetz | Seasons: Four
Dry humour, real struggles and a strangely surreal take on casual racism, existentialism and modern African American culture come together in 'Atlanta' (2016). The award-winning series follows college dropout and father of one, Earnest “Earn” Marks (Donald Glover) and his struggling rapper pal, Paper Boi. Not only does Donald take home a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor, but the show in total has collected over 29 nominations and 13 wins to date.
Michaela Coel in ‘I May Destroy You’
Starring: Michaela Coel · Paapa Essiedu· Weruche Opia· Aml Ameen | Seasons: One | Episodes: Twelve
It takes a lot of courage to tackle the sensitive topic that ‘I May Destroy You’ navigates so fiercely and yet elegantly at times. Centred around Arabella, a young writer who tries to rebuild her life after a tragic event. The series also tackles issues surrounding sexuality, gender and British blackness.
This show is a clear contrast to Michaela Coel’s award-winning comedy ‘Chewing Gum’ (2015). However, it is by no means any less well-received, grabbing multiple nominations while also winning Coel the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Key Cast: Kani Buruss · Kenya Moore · Marlo Hampton · NeNe Leakes · Porsha Williams · Cynthia Bailey · Phaedra Parks · Eva Marille· Shereé Whitfield | Seasons: Fourteen
Drama, drama, drama, and so much tea to sip. We know not all entertainment falls under high-production films and internally focused series, but we cannot deny that the ladies of ‘Real house of Atlanta’ have made it big! The show has won several People’s Choice Awards and other entertainment and reality TV accolades. Tune in to see how the fabulously wealthy spend their time.
Watch our top pics on Community Fibre TV
Whether you’re looking for your next Friday night film or a series to sink your teeth into this month, you can take your pick from one of our suggestions above or discover something new with Community Fibre TV. Enjoy over 230+ live channels, 100+ apps, 30 games and over 100,000 hours of on-demand content — all from just £10/month*.
Want to learn a little more about Black History Month? Check out our latest article covering what Black History Month is and why it matters.
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