Actress and producer Issa Rae said it best at the 2017 Emmy Awards: “I’m rooting for everybody Black.” A simple but very real answer to a typical question posed at award shows. But, let’s be honest, “rooting for everybody Black” is what we always do as a community!

For now, let’s give every Black 2025 Oscar Nominee their flowers before the world looks ahead to 2026.

It may have taken some time for fans of Denzel Washington to get over his Oscars snub for his role as a villain raising an army of fighters in the film Gladiator II, but let’s not overlook the work of other Black actors and creators who are the faces of the most critically-acclaimed work this film awards season. Denzel, you’ll get them next time!

Cynthia Erivo is still one Oscar win away from the coveted EGOT sweep.

We begin with Erivo’s electrifying performance in Wicked. Erivo has been mastering the stage and music for years. She has an Emmy, Grammy and Tony on her resume to show for it. Finally, it was her portrayal as the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West that grabbed the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ultimately won her (alongside Ariana Grande) an invitation to perform “Defying Gravity” at the Oscars. I mean, really! How many of us can hold those notes as Erivo does? This stunning performance highlighted why Erivo’s place in Hollywood is well-deserved. All the flowers for you, Cynthia!

Go Paul, Go!

You may not have known, but a Black man was behind the costumes in Wicked. Many of us have heard of costume designer Ruth Carter (Black Panther and Wakanda Forever), but do you know Paul Tazewell? He is a legend in costume design and earned a 2025 Oscar nomination for creating more than one thousand costumes for Wicked. His legacy is now cemented in history with his Oscars win. Tazewell said it best in his acceptance speech: “I’m the first Black man with a Costume Design Award and this is everything.” Flowers to you, Paul!

A Fashion Favorite.

A familiar face on the awards and fashion scene is Colman Domingo. If you haven’t seen Sing Sing, trust me, it’s a must-watch. Based on a true story, Domingo plays a wrongfully convicted inmate who joins a prison theater program. The other actors surrounding him are real former inmates. Domingo is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood and I’m always here for his red carpet looks — I haven’t seen him miss yet!

Cinematography at Its Best. An Adapted Screenplay Worth Its Flowers.

Behind the scenes, director RaMell Ross is turning heads for his visual mastery in Nickel Boys. The story follows an abusive reform school in Florida in the 1960s. The film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Absolutely a must watch. We give you flowers, RaMell!

A Wild Choice We Love

And have you seen the heartwarming tale Wild Robot, which centers a robot who, stranded in nature, learns to care for the wildlife around her? If you’ve shed a tear or cracked a smile while watching this movie, it may be thanks to composer and pianist Kris Bowers who scored the film, solidifying his place in the world of movie music with a 2025 Oscar nomination. Flowers for you, too, Kris!

I’ve been following Hollywood for many years now, and it’s true that the Academy rarely gets it right.

I can say, this year, they didn’t get it completely wrong. Yet, there is still more work to do on getting more diverse projects made so when award season rolls around again there is work by Black actors, directors and other artists that can actually be recognized. The 97th Academy Awards didn’t solve the problem of diversity in Hollywood but it certainly introduced us to some amazing Black talent that the general viewer may not have known before.

This isn’t just about celebrating good work.

Representation matters because it breaks stereotypes in filmmaking, showcases a broad range of talent, and demonstrates the ability of Black talent to take on a variety of roles. Visibility inspires a new generation of talent and paves the way for all to keep pushing the envelope in the entertainment industry.

Tell us — from the fashion, to the music, to the winners, what was your favorite moment of the 97th Academy Awards ceremony?