‘Sinners’ and ‘Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America’ Awarded by SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA recently announced that the film Sinners and the podcast Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America are among the honorees for its seventh biennial American Scene Awards. These prestigious awards recognize productions that serve as exemplary models of diversity and inclusivity within the realms of entertainment, music, and news.
The Significance of the American Scene Awards
The American Scene Awards serve a vital role in highlighting the importance of diverse representation in media. Honorees are selected based on their ability to authentically represent and tell the stories of underrepresented or misrepresented groups. This approach ensures that narratives reflect the full spectrum of human experience, contributing to a more inclusive industry. The criteria for recognition include authenticity, excellence, and the overall impact of the work.
Notable Hosts and Accessible Presentation
The award ceremony was hosted by What We Do in the Shadows co-stars Harvey Guillén and Kristen Schaal, adding a touch of humor and relatability to the event. For those unable to attend, the presentation is accessible online via SAG-AFTRA’s YouTube channel, where it features American Sign Language interpretation, closed captions, and audio descriptions, making it accessible to a diverse audience.
Celebrating Pioneers in Media
This year’s American Scene Awards were particularly poignant, as they included a tribute to the late Belva Davis, a pioneering broadcast journalist and the first African American woman television reporter on the U.S. West Coast. Davis, who passed away at 92, played a significant role in paving the way for future journalists and broadcasters. The award for broadcasters was named in her honor, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire.
Categories and Award Recipients
The honorees were recognized across several categories, reflecting the broad array of creative endeavors within the industry:
Entertainment
- Recipient: Sinners – Warner Bros. Pictures / Domain Entertainment / Proximity Media
- Nominees: Reservation Dogs (FX on Hulu) and Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Music & Sound Recordings
- Recipient: I Lied to You (from the Sinners soundtrack) – Warner Bros. Pictures / Domain Entertainment / Proximity Media
- Nominees: Abracadabra (Lady Gaga, Universal Music Group) and Anxiety (Doechii, Universal Music Group)
Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award
- Recipient: Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America (podcast) – JJ Green & WTOP
- Nominees: Chasing the Watermelon Man (KCRW) and New in Class: The Migrant Experience (WGN News)
Voices of Gratitude
The recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. Producers of Sinners, Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, highlighted their hope to create something unique that pushes genre boundaries while conveying themes of beauty, love, and community. Music composer Ludwig Göransson emphasized the collective effort of all artists involved in the film.
JJ Green, representing the Colors podcast, reflected on the project as a response to the tragic murder of George Floyd, aiming to transform grief into purpose by voicing the experiences and feelings of many.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin articulated the importance of recognizing storytellers from all backgrounds. He noted that embracing diversity improves the quality of stories told and builds a better future for the industry. Jason George, Chair of the National Diversity Advisory Committee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that authentic representation strengthens the industry.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director, highlighted the essential nature of fair representation and the need to honor those who prioritize diversity and authenticity in their work.
An Ongoing Journey of Representation
The American Scene Awards are presented as part of SAG-AFTRA’s biennial convention and are overseen by its National Diversity Advisory and National Honors & Tributes committees. With a commitment to continue championing diversity in entertainment, these awards not only honor significant contributions but also inspire future projects that accurately reflect a diverse and multifaceted society.
About SAG-AFTRA
With a membership of around 160,000 professionals in various fields, SAG-AFTRA stands as a monumental organization within the entertainment industry. It advocates for the rights and interests of actors, journalists, dancers, and various creative talents, ensuring strong protections for artists in a rapidly changing media landscape. For more information, visit SAGAFTRA.org.