01
Ryan Coogler – Best Director
Black Panther racked up three Golden Globe nominations, making it the first superhero flick to be recognized among the best films of the year. Still, the film wouldn’t have been such a beautiful ode to the Diaspora without Coogler’s direction, which definitely should have been acknowledged by the HFPA.
02
Barry Jenkins – Best Director
I know what you’re thinking, Jenkins wasn’t snubbed, he was nominated for Best Screenplay. True, but he should have also made it into the Best Director category for his absolutely beautiful work on If Beale Street Could Talk, which adeptly brought James Baldwin’s gorgeous novel to life.
03
Viola Davis – Best Actress, Drama
Like her good friend Meryl Streep, every time Davis breathes on camera it’s an award-winning moment. But this year the Oscar winner should have gotten a nod for her commanding performance in Steve McQueen’s heist film, Widows.
04
Regina Hall – Best Actress, Comedy
It’s time for critics to start putting some respect on Regina Hall’s name. Fresh off her Best Actress win at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards for her performance in the indie gem, Support the Girls, it would have been nice if the HFPA recognized Hall’s immense talent, too.
05
Insecure – Best TV series, Comedy
Critics finally seem to be coming around to Rae’s on camera brilliance, with the writer and actor earning an Emmy nod earlier this year for Best Acting in a comedy. Still, the popular HBO show remains one of the best comedies on TV and deserves its due.
06
Queen Sugar – Best TV Series, Drama
Ava DuVernay’s powerful family drama continues to be overlooked by mainstream (read: white) award ceremonies. Though Queen Sugar features some of the best writing and acting on TV, it has yet to be nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe.
07
Brian Tyree Henry – Best Actor in a TV series, Comedy
Donald Glover picked up a nomination for Atlanta, but let’s keep it 100. During season two, Henry’s Paperboi was the best thing about the critically acclaimed show. This year alone the actor has turned in memorable performances in Widows and If Beale Street Could Talk, but he definitely shines on FX’s Atlanta.
