Blacks in Film Time Line

1915- Birth of a Nation- The film portrayed blacks as sex craving savages and showed the Klu Klux Klan was a savior in the South. Due to the popularity of the film, many African Americans work hard to change the stereotyped image portrayed in this film.

1920- Within our Gates- Oscar Micheaux wrote, produced, and directed this film which was largely about race. Micheaux's films are now labeled as Race Films and were made to rejuvenate African American's public image which was damaged by Birth of a Nation.

1929- Hallelujah!- The first Hollywood produced all-black cast film. Written and directed by white filmmaker King Vidor, the film was filled with stereotypical black characters which would never be allowed in today's cinema.

1930-mid 1950's- Race films are shown in over 1,200 segregated theaters across the country. These films are written by blacks and for the black audience. These films are not Hollywood produced, yet they still make money while portraying blacks in that time period in a dignified and respectable manner.

1950- No Way Out- This Hollywood produced film starring Sidney Poitier was one of the first films confronting the issue of race in Hollywood portrayed Sidney Poitier's character as a respectable doctor. Although the film is not completely rid of black stereotypes(Mammy character), the film is a step for blacks in Hollywood.

1964- Sidney Poitier wins the Best Actor Oscar for his acting in Lilies of the Field.

1970's- Blaxploitation era- Films such as Shaft and Superfly, just to name a few, show the inner city lifestyle of the black community. These films are a huge commercial success in Hollywood. Click here for my essay on Blaxploitation.

1980's- Race is not that big of an issue in films during this time period. The blaxploitation era is over and blacks are portrayed more evenly as whites in films.

1989- Do the Right Thing- The film that confronts race as a major issue not just in Brooklyn, but throughout the United States. Read more about the film later in the blog.

2002- Halle Berry becomes the first African American to win the Best Actress Oscar and Denzel Washington wins in the Best Actor category. The first time African Americans win both of the major acting awards.


Time line summary- African Americans have come a long way in Hollywood, and all of the United States, since the release of Birth of a Nation in 1915. Race is still an issue in America and Hollywood today, but everyone has made great strides to diminish the importance of race and instead put more emphasis on people for who they are on the inside.