The year Halle Berry and Denzel Washington won Oscars for best actor and actress has proven to be the exception. Since then no African American actor has even been nominated for best actor. African American films and actors long been discriminated and denied opportunities beyond the stereotypical roles have again been burned by the Academy.

Djimon Hounsou is the only person of African descent nominated for an Oscar this year for his work in a supporting actor role in the film In America. Last year Queen Latifah was the only person of African descent nominated for her work in Chicago. But received no consideration by the Golden Globes for her work in Bringing Down the House one of the most profitable comedies of the year.

Cuba Gooding Jr. winner of a best supporting actor Oscar for Jerry Maguire received no consideration for his role in Radio or The Fighting Temptations a delightful movie also starring Beyonce. The Fighting Temptations should have at least been considered for a Golden Globe for best musical or comedy. If the cast had been white only as the Golden Globe Awards appeared I guess it might have received some consideration. (But See Love Actually) Cuba also got burned when he did not receive recognition for his great work in the film Men of Honor. more at www.blackstate.com