Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Oscars Have Chances With Chadwick Boseman

One of the most anticipated films of this awards season, “My Rainey’s Black Bottom” appears as one of the first Oscar vehicles for Netflix. Basically, the farewell performance of the late Chadwick Boseman is as invigorating as expected. Her work as Levee may very well be her best and most spiritual gift to the movies. Boseman has a real opportunity to join a short list that includes Peter Finch and Heath Ledger, two posthumous Oscar nominees who have won their respective categories.

Based on August Wilson’s play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” tells the story of the tension that builds between Ma Rainey, nicknamed the “Mother of Blues” (played by Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player Levee, and the conductor. Blanche determined to control her music in 1927 in Chicago.

After it was reported that Boseman would be featured as lead actor by Netflix, one of the questions that bubbled up was, “Is this the right call?” In fact, I think so. If there’s one lead in the film, it’s undoubtedly Levee, and in a net running time of 94 minutes, Boseman has the greatest moments with the most narrative weight. Along with her work on Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” in June, this year could be shaken up to be a crowning glory and tribute to the inspiring talent. He could very well become the first double acting posthumously nominated in the same year. James Dean won two consecutive nominations after his death for “East of Eden” and “Giant”.

In the shadow of the actor’s untimely death in August, his work as Levee as Boseman showcases everything in his artistic arsenal. Maybe he knew it would probably be his last movie, or maybe not, but there is a poignant and spiritual elevation in what he communicates and he will be a formidable contender with Anthony Hopkins in “The Father”.

Co-star Davis, who truly ignites her eloquent and transformative work, is likely to secure her place in the race for Best Actress. She is currently tied with Octavia Spencer as the most nominated black actress in Oscar history, and may even break that record on March 15, 2021, when the Oscar nominations are announced. She will also be just the second black actress to be re-nominated after winning her Oscar, after Spencer. Davis won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “Fences” of 2016 from director Denzel Washington, who is also a producer of “Ma Rainey”. It has been debated whether her role as “Fences” was main or supporting, and we can hear similar rumbles regarding her work as an out of control singer. She sings herself on one of the numbers in the movie, which is impressive.

Directed by Tony Award-winning George C. Wolfe (“Angels in America”), the veteran director understands the soul of the story but keeps the film well framed in its stage settings. The director’s branch would need to look beyond that to invite him to a very competitive Oscar race in the category. The same goes for first feature screenwriter Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who could be bubbling over with a suitable screenplay nomination.

The whole thing is really punchy, all with individual light points that set them apart in their own way. Toledo by Glynn Turman is one of the emotional pillars and a performance that resonates. In a year that appears to be merging around veteran actors like Bill Murray and David Strathairn, the 73-year-old may have enough voters to tick off his name for his first Oscar nomination. The classic “Cooley High” star won an Emmy in 2008 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama for “In Treatment.”

Colman Domingo, Michael Potts and Taylour Paige round out the cast remarkably, which could be an easy check for a SAG ensemble nomination. A mention at the SAG Awards will likely bring a coveted nomination for Best Picture. If this nomination goes through, Washington would be the first black producer to be nominated twice. He was nominated for “Fences”, along with his co-producer Todd Black. Dany Wolf is also a credited producer.

The artisanal races will be essential to its support with the Academy. Ann Roth’s costumes should take this into account, which, at 89, would make her the oldest contender of any category, surpassing James Ivory when he was nominated and won Best Fit Screenplay for “Call Me by Your Name” from 2017.

Set designer Mark Ricker, along with set designers Diana Stoughton and Oscar winner Karen O’Hara (“Alice in Wonderland”), has more than enough strengths to impress the industry. The sound category, which now includes both mixing and editing, could be on the rise with plenty of musicals and big blockbusters vying for it.

“My Rainey’s Black Bottom” will be released on Netflix on December 18th.

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