“It’s so good to see you, someone I can relate to!” Those words, said to me in jest at a fancy Hollywood Hills dinner party in January 2022, came from none other than award-winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell. This gathering was filled with famous people whose names I won’t mention, but let’s just say they rhyme with Heff Scoldblum, Mud Applecow, and Carey Mulligan. I apologize for the absurdity of that sentence, but it only gets more bizarre from here.
Now, you might be wondering how a Black man from Compton and a white woman from Hammersmith, London, could possibly relate to each other. Well, despite our different backgrounds, Emerald and I had one important thing in common: we were both recent recipients of Academy Awards. She won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for her film “Promising Young Woman,” while I took home the award for Best Live-Action Short Film for my project “Two Distant Strangers.” We won these awards in April 2021, during what many refer to as the “COVID Oscars,” a night that was far from the usual glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s most prestigious event. Held at L.A.’s Union Station with only nominees and presenters in attendance, it was a stark departure from the extravagant ceremonies of the past.
Emerald and I, the lone Oscar winners at this dinner, naturally gravitated towards each other and began discussing how our lives had changed since that fateful night. We were among the many “COVID-year breakouts” in the entertainment industry. Despite achieving our crowning achievements during a global pandemic, we were unable to fully promote our work and bask in the recognition that often comes with winning such prestigious awards. Instead of attending glamorous events and rubbing shoulders with industry elites, our screenings and campaigns were confined to virtual platforms like Zoom.
Many of this year’s talented Emmy nominees find themselves in a similar predicament. Actors such as Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Keivonn Montreal Woodard, and Young Mazino, nominated for projects like “The Bear,” “The Last of Us,” and “Beef,” are unable to showcase their incredible talent and hard work due to the restrictions imposed by the ongoing pandemic. Similar to COVID-19, there is another virus that has infected the entertainment industry, known as “AMPTP-23.” This virus has caused thousands of hardworking individuals to lose their jobs, drain their savings, and even risk losing their homes. While COVID-19 may not have delighted in the pain it caused, AMPTP-23 shows no signs of slowing down and can only be treated with self-inflicted poverty.
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The impact of AMPTP-23 has affected not only established actors but also aspiring artists who have spent their entire lives dreaming of success in the arts. I, too, was fueled by my childhood dreams of performing and achieving greatness. I would practice monologues from my favorite films, deliver acceptance speeches into a hairbrush, and envision walking the red carpet alongside celebrities like Heff Scoldblum and Mud Applecow.
However, the reality of being an Oscar nominee during a pandemic was far from what I had imagined. There were no Oscar Nominees Luncheons to attend, no opportunities to bond with other nominees, and no Vanity Fair afterparty to celebrate the night. These are the moments we dream of, to be recognized for our work and have a great time celebrating our achievements. Any artist who claims otherwise is not being honest. We are all competitive by nature and strive to win awards and gain recognition. After all, the first race we ever won in life was the race to the egg.
This year’s Emmy nominees, who have worked tirelessly to make their mark in the industry, deserve their moment in the sun. Unlike my experience, their barriers to success won’t result in the loss of lives. However, the power lies in the hands of those who hold the vaccine against AMPTP-23. They have the ability to end this unfortunate situation and allow these dreamers to fulfill their aspirations fully.
In conclusion, despite our different backgrounds and the challenges we’ve faced during these unprecedented times, artists like Emerald Fennell and myself continue to push forward and create. We refuse to let a global pandemic or any other obstacle dim our passion and determination. Through resilience, creativity, and the support of industry leaders, we can ensure that the next generation of artists receives the recognition they deserve. Let us come together to celebrate their achievements, inspire others, and propel the industry to new heights.
Travon Free, an Oscar and Emmy winner, is currently working on his latest project, a documentary titled “BS High.” The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival and will soon be released on HBO.
This story was initially published in The Hollywood Reporter magazine on August 23rd. To subscribe, please click here.
