Hollywood Blackout

On 29 February 1940, African American actor Hattie McDaniel became the first person of colour, and the first Black woman, to win an Academy Award. The moment marked the beginning of Hollywood’s reluctant move toward diversity and inclusion.

Since then, minorities and women have struggled to attain Academy Awards recognition within a system designed to discriminate against them. For the first time, Hollywood Blackout reveals the untold story of their tumultuous journey from exclusion to inclusion; from segregation to celebration. Author Ben Arogundade interweaves the experiences of Black actors and filmmakers with those of Asians, Latinos, South Asians, indigenous peoples and women. Throughout the decades their progression to the Oscars podium has been galvanized by defiant boycotts, civil rights protests and social media activism such as #OscarsSoWhite.

Whether you are a film fan, history lover or diversity advocate, Hollywood Blackout is the quintessential choice for all those who wish to know the real story of Hollywood, the Oscars and the talents who fought to make change.

Author Biography

Ben Arogundade is an award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster from London. His writing has featured in The Times, The Guardian, The Evening Standard, Elle and GQ, among others. He has authored and edited 12 works of fiction and non-fiction, including Black Beauty: A History and a Celebration, which was honoured by the New York Public Library and adapted into a three-part BBC documentary. He also writes and presents radio shows for the BBC World Service.

arogundade.com