‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Glam Team Make History at Oscars With Powerful Win
On April 25, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson made history at the Oscars after becoming the first two Black women hairstylists to win in the category “Best Makeup and Hairstyling” for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Along with Neal and Wilson, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, a makeup artist, also won in this category. The three winners took the stage at the Oscars to accept their awards, and Neal gave an emotional speech.
It’s official! #Oscars pic.twitter.com/RKrVr4Ua60
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) April 26, 2021
After the win, Mia Neal began her acceptance speech by discussing her grandfather and his history. Neal explained, “And after all of his accomplishments, he went back to his hometown in hopes of becoming a teacher.” Unfortunately, Neal’s grandfather was not able to teach because the school system did not hire Black people.
Mia Neal gave a fantastic speech. https://t.co/oPLxBD0RBl
— Versha Sharma (@versharma) April 26, 2021
Neal continued, “So I wanted to say thank you to our ancestors who put the work in, were denied, but never gave up. And I also stand here as Jamika and I break this glass ceiling with so much excitement for the future. Because I can picture Black trans women standing up here and Asian sisters, and our Latina sisters, and Indigenous women. And I know that one day it won’t be unusual or groundbreaking. It will just be normal.”
Mia Neal got me feeling things. What an acceptance speech. Acknowledging what so many others had to go through in order for her to make history on the stage tonight. #Oscars
— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes) April 26, 2021
Without a doubt, Neal’s empowering speech made many on social media feel moved and emotional.
This is my posse. My collaborators. My fellow artists. There are absolutely no words to describe how happy I am for them. Love them to the moon and back! @JamikaWilson @sergiowastaken #MiaNeal 💛💛💛 pic.twitter.com/t3UABQmFqv
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 26, 2021
Viola Davis, the lead actress for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, took to Twitter to congratulate Neal, Wilson, and Lopez-Rivera. In celebration of the win, Viola posted multiple photos of the Oscar winners putting together makeup looks and hairstyles for Davis on set.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is an American drama film that was released in November of 2020. If you’re interested in watching the highly acclaimed film, you can stream it on Netflix.
Writer | Find me on Twitter @Fontalvokayla
