The Twitter reviews are in for the Nina Simone biopic trailer starring Zoe Saldana.
And, of course, Black Twitter’s foolishness is on full display.
If you look past Saldana’s black paint makeup or the fact that she can’t sing (and some may argue she can’t act), you will see that the movie does a decent job paying tribute to the Jazz legend.
Zoe Saldana still looks questionable in the poster and trailer for the Nina Simone biopic https://t.co/b2peA2K4KD pic.twitter.com/Ce1n1QSGE6
— Jezebel (@Jezebel) March 2, 2016
Hip Hop Wired — The long-delayed and highly controversial Nina Simone biopic starring Zoe Saldana will be out this spring, presumably due to the success of the Oscar-nominated Neflix doc What Happened, Miss Simone? Of course, a major difference in the early reception of between projects is that Saldana’s role has been met with scrutiny for years now.
The Dominican actress’s lighter skin tone and previous comments on race (which are different from Simone’s well-noted stance) are just two of the many gripes about the film. Unfortunately, Saldana’s prosthetic nose and darkened make-up, isn’t wining over naysayers either.
Nina, is now slated for release April 22, in theaters and through video-on-demand. The first trailer, and the movie poster were released this week.
Zoe Saldana as Nina Simone in 'Nina' trailer https://t.co/8gbje33ZSV @MorayoAkande Have you seen this??? They've actually painted her black.
— Moyo Akandé (@MoyoAkande) March 2, 2016
Just saw the Zoe Saldana Nina Simone trailer pic.twitter.com/JwWVGvQEwZ
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) March 2, 2016
Watching the trailer for the Nina Simone doc that stars Zoe Saldana just for me mad all over again. Mad 2.0. Mad the remix. Mad the sequel.
— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) March 2, 2016
Ya'll. Why does this look like a rogue SNL skit? Nina Simone deserves better than blackface. https://t.co/gGpJ3IldeH
— tangerinejones (@tangerinejones) March 2, 2016
You would think as she's having black face painted on her, that she would think "Gee, this is a TERRIBLE IDEA." https://t.co/3uQWYithUn
— Banana Pepper (@PepperDempsey) March 2, 2016
i say this with absolute love in my heart: zoe saldana looks like she's in blackface in the nina simone trailer
— jason (@nonlinearnotes) March 2, 2016
These Hollywood Black biopics are produced to desecrate the memory
& diminish the achievements of their subjects https://t.co/qp0kBORMT5 vi— Tammi LaTela (@TLaTela) March 2, 2016
Watched the Nina Simone trailer…..cant get passed Zoe Saldana in this damn Halloween paint.
— Steph Da 5'6 (@eleven8) March 2, 2016
*goes to Netflix, presses play on What Happened Miss Simone?* https://t.co/5GGRAZJX7Z https://t.co/AWU9t6wfWf
— ???? (@heLLobrOOklyn) March 2, 2016
Man I can't wait until y'all see this Zoe Saldana Nina Simone movie trailer. If you thought you were mad before…
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) March 2, 2016
If you look past Saldana’s black paint makeup or the fact that she can’t sing (and some may argue she can’t act), you will see that the movie does a decent job paying tribute to the Jazz legend.
***************************************
Sorry that is a whole lot of “looking past”!! In what world do they live that they need to choose a light skinned woman to play a dark skinned woman? Frigging insulting!! Tuh!
It’s a slap in the face to Nina Simone. A lot of doors were shut in her face because of her ethnic looks and they and insult to injury by casting a part Hispanic person to play her in a biopic. Things white people do and black people let them get away with. Make you go huuuumm
That’s way to much to look past when they could have just cast someone else.
Doesn’t identify as Black, or date black men, but wants to play roles meant for Black Women….
makes sense.
As I stated before on another site: I’m not here for this…there are unknown actors out there that would’ve been great for this role. It’s like they didn’t do a casting call at all. Who sat down and said, “Yea Zoe would be perfect for this role.” The fact that they had to do all of this is crazy. If Hollywood really wanted Zoe to seriously capture the essence of Nina, then she could’ve did all of this without the makeup and the nose.
Exactly!! PLUS every opportunity Zoe gets to claim her “blackness” she politely rejects it, like it’s some kind of insult. I cannot stand her, you hear me, bleech!!
I hate this. And rebuke her as Nina.
“If you look past Saldana’s black paint makeup or the fact that she can’t sing (and some may argue she can’t act), you will see that the movie does a decent job paying tribute to the Jazz legend”
@sandrarose The shade. The shade.
I thought the same thing! You can’t look past all that!
Something just won’t stop nudging me every time I see this. They couldn”t find a dark skin sista to play the role?
So far, we are all in agreement.
Just like Native American folks were pissed with Johnny Depp as Tonto and called it being in “red face”…same thing. So many folks to play Nina. I would have even took JHud man.
I guess Original Aunt Vivi, Lupita, Viola , Gabrielle, Tamika, Naturi, and all the other dark-skinned black singers and actresses were busy.
For me it’s not even really about skin tone. This role necessitates that a singer play a singer
Epic!
well that ain’t nothing here’s the gipper, a white man is playing
Micheal Jackson
Shut your back door….YEAP
Nope , didnt watch the clip BC am just not feeling it ..?
If this was a lifetime I would be partially ok with this because all their black movies suck. However this isn’t Nina Simone legacy doesn’t deserve this. There is great biopic about her on Netflix, watch if you can.
+ 1
Total disgrace!! They would rather get a non black woman too play a black woman. Al Jolson all over again..
Lauryn would’ve been my pick.
I won’t be seeing this B.S..
I immediately thought that. Damn they couldnt put LBoogie on her meds long enough for her to play Nina? She’s acted before.
Looks like they ran out of paint by the time they got to the neck and said fugg it, they won’t notice?
Naturi woulda been a GREAT NINA. She can act. Sing. Got the skin tone.
If Zoe Saldana don’t sit her Columbiana, half dominicana I aint never claiming I’m half black nada ass down somewhere! This shyt is just appalling http://sandrarose.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_hailnaw.gif
Skin tone? She does not identify as Black. On purpose.
She is in blackface & a fake nose.
A rarity? However I’m sure there’s those Ohhhh Black people make everything an issue people on Twitter…Many of them Black? I wonder what Sandra said, if anything?
Oh NO. Im not talking about THAT. I mean I woulda took a lighter shade BLACK woman. See my comment above about I said I woulda even accepted J. Hud. Im talking I need a sister AND a singer.
Not Zoe or any Hispanic woman AT ALL would DO.
Her identity is green.. the dollar made her do it…you just can’t in my opinion, relate to things you don’t identify with…sorry this is a sad way to celebrate Nina…
“because all their black movies suck”
#lifeSUCKEDoutOFme
Yeah, but that is a parody.
In 2016, a movie in black face and they want to say that we progressed? Okay, sure. Considering the person in black face never wants to be identified as negro, I can’t tell the difference. Was Meryl Streep busy?
That damn Matthew Cherry got some lips on him baybe @SoulHeaux, he usta be sexy in his pa days, allegedly, looks like he done gainT some weight? Oddly enough, the lips done got bigger too? Don’t get me wrong, big lips are sexy, but can be intimidating to those of us with petite meat @25???? You know what I mean??
Sometimes I luh you *cries*
Most times I don’t like you.
Gotcha!
Welp, with her lying on the pillow and in all that white we know they didn’t use Fashion Fair.
Anika Noni Rose wasn’t available? India. Arie maybe? How hard is it to find a DARKER SKIN BLACK WOMAN IN HOLLYWOOD, THAT CAN SING AND ACT? Zoe Zolanda looks terrible! Next they gonna have a white man playing Michael Jackson, whoops they already do. Smh.
“Was Meryl Streep busy?”
LO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The makeup alone is a travesty, I’ve never paid attention to anything she has acted in , because it was obviously sub par. So many actresses that are reputable could have played this part, Hollywood is determined to get things wrong when it comes to us. There are few exceptions!
You’re gonna cast a non black woman to play a PROUD BLACK WOMAN and think the ancestors will let you get away with it? NOT GONNA HAPPEN I’ll be here with my popcorn when this flops. The ancestors are gonna come for Zoe like that puppet scene from tales in da hood
They could’ve just took her off her meds in the areas where the role necessitated that she be crazy.
Yes. She is busy actually ironically you bring that up. She is currently playing…an opera singer. Named Flo’ Jankins. I cant make this UP. You got me WEAKKKK.
BUT YES. When is BLACK face ever appropriate? They tried it.
#Ditto
THIS TOO!!!!!
This is so ridiculous it is almost laughable…almost.
The worst thing about that kind of prejudice… is that while you feel hurt and angry and all the rest of it, it feeds you self-doubt. You start thinking, perhaps I am not good enough. – Nina Simone
I love Zoe but it’s so many black and brown beautiful women they could have casted who have so much talent. I recently discovered ms Nina Simone music a few months ago even though I heard of her but never took the time to look her up but I love her song Mississippi Goddam
Lauryn, while I love her artistry , she doesn’t show up on time or at all in some cases, so she is too much of a gamble. If I was making a movie and would not waste my time trying to get her.
Classic SR
SOOOO when the time comes to make a movie about Tyra Banks legacy Are they gonna cast Lupita and give her light face and Green contacts with a tragic wig? #assbackwardscasting ?
If Meryl can play a Flo’ she can play a Nina. Shheeettt.
They had to do black face because they knew nobody would believe it. They must’ve shot the first few scenes and been like ‘No, she can’t act, sing, and doesn’t identify with the obviously African roots she has. The people ain’t gone believe it so lets do black face and give her a negra nose. That is how we did it in the olden days right?’
#whymusticry
LOL!!!
Would she show up?
and doesn’t identify with the obviously African roots she has
^^^^^^^^^^
Cause her ass got em. Only difference is her folks were dropped off in the islands FIRST… on the white man’s journey to drop our black asses off HERE.
???
This woman is Black Dominican , just as we are Black American , whether she admits it or not race is race , nationality is nationality , they are not one and the same. She however should not be in this role. Period!, no matter what she is .
I am about to cry over here. lol
So in my mind the collaboration meeting to come up with this went like this.
“So lissen…we already got them to accept Oscars for roles that they use to hate to play because they thought they were racist like Drug Dealers mammys, and ghetto trash.. lets see if we can get one of them to do black face since they use to hate that too.LOL..just pay them well to do it!” Our final glory will be to get Stacy Dash to do a biopic on Rachel Dolezal we can call it My Life as a Transracial!”
Zoe Saldana isn’t lightskinned. She is a brown skinned Afro-Latina. She can act. It was perfectly acceptable for a white Angelina Jolie to portray a biracial Black woman who was married to a journalist who lost his life. People didn’t raise a stink over Robert Downey, Jr., a white actor, who is questionable as an actor when he isn’t playing a drug addict, portraying the role of a Black man in “Tropic Thunder.” Because Zoe’s nose isn’t as wide and her curl pattern is too loose, she isn’t fit to portray a dark skinned, Black woman?!.
Black Twitter loves to collectively criticize, shame and ridicule. They have made careers of perpetuating foolishness. If people are offended by Zoe’s portrayal, don’t go see the film. She will still be a relevant, working actress in Hollywood.
Bff told some dude who was tryna tell us that once. He was from DR. He is not Afro or African anything. Nig nog the only difference is you got dropped off on a pit stop.
You’re making too much sense. Lauryn isn’t an actress. She also has 6 children, 4 or 5 of whom are minors. Good luck getting her on set.
DR as in Dominican Republic? … on the same island as Haiti? Haiti the country were DR sent the dark skin people? Okay. Where else did the brown skin come from? It’s not Mother Africa for no reason.
Lauryn started as an actress. One of the inspirations of Dub20s name was her character on As The World Turns.
I love Black twitter?? They’ve been exposing the names and social media accounts of those savage thugs that attacked that Black girl in the video Sandra posted? If we can’t get judicial justice, nothing wrong with a bit of vigilante justice??
I know Lauryn has shown herself to be unreliable but what does having children have to do with it?
Lauryn wasn’t too bad in Sister Act.
She started as an actress. Has she ever had the lead role in a major motion picture? Lauryn has mental health issues and a gaggle of geese. I don’t see a studio signing her to such a project because of the aforementioned.
Your 2nd sentence went completely over my head. I will assume it’s “blog speak.”
I thought Lauryn raises her own children. I may stand corrected. I would imagine it is extremely difficult to juggle 6 children, a tour schedule, her mental health and possibly a lead role in a film.
BABY bff read that dude that night. READ him for FILTH. At the local infamous spot. Talk Of The Town. For a private party. Bff is darker hued. And he gonna tell her she is beautiful and THEN ask her if she was FROM Africa. She was like umm no. Are you? He goes into why would he be from there or even GO. Bc he aint got no dog in that fight basically. Honey. HONEY.
Yeah, to get the advance money and back out at the last minute then call everyone a liar for saying she would be there. I like I said I love Lauryn, but don’t wait up for her. If you like to gamble, go play the lottery.
You said a mouthful…Why were none of those women considered??
NOW THIS is what I thought too. I know her behind need them coins.
“It’s not Mother Africa for no reason”
The number of “US” who refuse to accept this is sad but funny.
I love Nina Simone, but I wont be watching…it’s an insult!!
c. 1993. Fast forward to 2016…
I saw the trailer and I think it will be a great movie.
I like Zoe and I think she’s a great actress but they couldn’t find anyone who they didn’t have to make darker. Im still going to see it. I ? Nina Simone.
#YoungGiftedAndBlack
“If you like to gamble, go play the lottery.”
Come thru, Lisa. ??
She’s a Black Latina. It’s okay with her playing a black girl in Drum Line but she’s not good enough to play Nina Simone? Jeffrey Wright played MLK and did a phenomenal job and Chadwick Boseman did an excellent job playing James Brown…if the acting is great, you will ignore the differences. The problem is, not too many of the critical folk knows the personae or any song that has Nina Simone ever sung; they’re too stuck on the imagery.
They was like we gonna NEED the rest of this paint TOMORROW. Shyt. We got FIVE more days to shoot. Blend it in best yall can roundst the neck and lets GO. Lmaoooo.
She was blue in Avatar, green in Guardians of the Galaxy and now she will be black in Nina. I wonder what color she will be next?
All I see is someone in black face like I can’t even get past that…..
Basically??? Black face’n on a budget?
Macy Gray and J Hud look more like Nina Simone if you’re only looking at the looks.
That looks like Bruno Mars.
Who knows? God probably doesn’t know.
I have her (Nina Simone) greatest hits on rotation in my iTunes. people are basing this on looks alone. I’m just here to see what that acting do because she, like every other “pretty face” in Hollywood, has always been type-cast and I’m interested to see if she can evoke something different from the audience in this role.
Shouldn’t they have just chosen a darker actress. It’s kind of disturbing to see her essentially painted in black face. Lupita would have slayed this role.
Why not viola Davis? This is as bad as flex painted white for the Michael Jackson movie . Irony will be this gets an Oscar
Her acting is just so bad, She obviously couldn’t keep the fake heavy accent it kept changing back to valley girl in damn trailer. I just dont believe her.
I would’ve went with lauryn hill or viola davis. A big part of nina Simone s struggle was her skintone and faetures. Having an actress who understands plight would’ve been great.
Well Tonto is a figure who no one really knows how he looked. Nina just died a couple of decades ago. You can’t cast someone so different to play her.
Get clean out my head… Then I said to self, she can’t be in everything. That’s only for white hollyweird.
Macy Gray would have been a good choice. Where has she been?
Stupid.
Angela bassett evoked tina; Larry fishburn evokes ike; denzel evoked malcolm. … but they did so and didn’t look like they were in costume to do it. I will see this as I’ve been looking forward to it. But Zoe herself has stated that the project felt rushed.
Nina Simone was a strong proud black woman. Zoe doesn’t claim black, she doesn’t like being called black and refuses to date black. Now why would they purposely choose a woman that doesn’t embrace her blackness, to play a black woman who did? They could’ve picked a black woman that could sing and act , but no they went with Zoe mediocre ass. Nina’s own daughter isn’t feel this crap.
Boycott Coke, they are supporting Trump Dump while giving folks diabetics
Something that means something, hell this chile gotta work too. She probably felt like she in touch with her black roots. IONO or really care, lightskinned gotta eat too.
But Zoe is a mediocre actress at best….
I was thinking of Viola Davis too, but I assumed she would be considered to old?
She would have played the hell out of that part. {MO
Just my opinion but I think lupita is overrated as far as acting capabilities are concerned. I think she’s beautiful but I wouldn’t ve given her an oscar for her performance in 12 years…. the guy who played Solomon should’ve been nominated and won. He was wonderful. I often found myself cringing when lupita was on the screen. Idkw.
On her meds……
You wrong for this…….LMBO!!!!
I don’t like the make up but instead of building this up, people are ready to tear it down. Zoe is BLACK and born in a country where the language is Spanish. That does not minimize her blackness and it cannot be taken away from her. And hopefully this film will be judged on merit, specially for the actress.
I DID NOT:
I’m sorry the makeup and prosthetics are a distraction. I don’t care if she killed the role Viola Davis style, her appearance is insulting.
For this role Lupita < Zoe. On acting alone.
Sweetbutt
They were going for acting, fortunately.
Ioved her I that movie where she was like a superhero but instead of super powers or muscles, she was incredibly smart. It did well in the box office and had sequel buzz when it came put but then, nothing.
50 year old Viola is better than no Viola at all.
yeah, the name fails my febal mind. But, she was named after after a flower and she was Columbian
Believe it or not, Macy Gray was actually a USC film school student (not vouching for her as an actress, but she IS a film school nerd)…
Guardians of the Galaxy. There will be a sequel.
Preach!
“I literally run away from people that use words like
ethnic. It’s preposterous! To me there is no such thing as people of
color cause in reality people aren’t white. Paper is white. People are
pink, it’s a bit ridiculous when I have to explain to a human being,
that is an adult like I am, that looks intelligent but for some reason I
have to question his intelligence and explain to him as if he was a two
year old, my composition in order for him to say, “Oh I guess I can
chill with you, I can work with you.” I will not underestimate a human
being and I will not allow another human being to underestimate me. I
feel like as a race, that’s a minute problem against the problems we
face just as women versus men, in a world that’s more geared and
designed to cater towards the male species.
That is a situation that, I spend time thinking about, and working towards ending that, I guess we could talk about that.”
Um who has the Oscar?? Lupita >>>>>>>>> Saldana.
“But Zoe herself has stated that the project felt rushed.”
TRANSLATION: Even Zoe probably knew she sucked in the part.
It was before guardians… I think it was called Columbiana. Loved it.
I literally run away from people that use words like ETHNIC.
She runs AWAY from em. RUNS AWAY.
No that’s the name of it , you talking bout Columbuania or some ish
You got that right!
Lol , i literally was trying to figure out how to spell it wen I saw yo comment
Ooooooh. Never watched it. The trailer reminded me too much of Salt even though they’re probably extremely different.
During an interview with BET, Saldana candidly discussed how she views race, alleging “there’s no such as people of color.”
When asked how she racially-identifies, Saldana responded:
I find it uncomfortable to have to speak about my identity all of the time, when in reality it’s not something that drives me or wakes me up out of bed everyday.
A black woman has the right to marry and have children with whomever she wants, just like any other woman on earth. Why are you limiting HER choices to only certain people. If you are, then you are OK when a WHITE man tells a black woman to marry only black men or face his criticism. Always side with freedom of choice.
http://urbanbushbabes.com/zoe-saldana-i-am-a-black-woman/
Zoe, please sit in the Raven-Symone corner.
Thanks,
Management
She DOES not look 50
Yeah l respect Zoe. She’s overcome being considered too dark in her own country. But you could tell she was aprehensive about it.
Anika would have been a better choice.
Stupid ass sound as stupid as Raven & Stacey …
Agreed.
Lol. I was spell checking it.
yeah, I was Joshing Colombiana….lol
Iffff Zoe’s role is competitive enough, she will be nominated for all kinds of awards. Her BIGGEST road block are people right here. She ain’t black enough, she is Latina. Sadness.
I agree and her body is crazy.
LMAO…..I forgot about that….I was thinking Colombiana. HA
” I feel like as a race, that’s a minute problem against the problems we
face just as women versus men, ”
**************************************************************************
She really believes this stupid shid? Is this the new black? if so I’ll stay the old black because this is sad.
Yeah but she couldn’t do all the bad ars Salt stuff. It was more like, black female mcgyver. It was really good.
In other words, I’m white and white boys like me, so lets leave black out this, because he has yet to call me NIGGA.
If you like action you would luv it ..she did a really good job
They were going for someone with refined acting skills, not a rookie actress. To think that people lose or gain weight to meet the challenges of a role, they attempted with Zoe but failed in the makeup department. Hopefully that does not detract if the movie is any good. And sorry, it looks interesting to the disappointment of many.
Just like the gods of Egypt flopped.
Terantino is working on Django 2. He will drop his wife off up north and head out west to meet up with Zorro….
Not even close
Very. I would have taken Sanna lathan
I didn’t grow up in a household where I was categorized by my mother. I
was just Zoe and I could have and be anything that I ever wanted to
do…and every human being is the same as you. So to all of a sudden leave
your household and have people always ask you, “What are you, what are
you” is the most uncomfortable question and it’s literally the most
repetitive question. I can’t wait to be in a world where people are
sized by their soul and how much they can contribute as individuals and
not what they look like.
Not yet
Wait. Receipts on Coca Cola is supporting this fool. Where. I missed it. Dont make me mad at em cause I will be. Will give up my 2xs a week Cherry Coke in a second.
Hey, hey, hey jUSSS!!! She working, Ms Gray recently made a guest appearance on Netflix’ Fuller House (saw a clip, it was a bit cringe worthy).
ehhh, in my house. This sounds crazy! All kids that come from separate races, say this Crazy stuff. In my house my mother didn’t say come her black girl. She really is confused, I wish I never read this. I was saying ligtskins gotta eat…but this is Atypical who don’t want to be identified as Black
Vin Diseal to name one of many.
I don’t care where she is from , she looks black and society sees her as black .
She can dance around the question all she wants , she just makes herself look stupid .
Nah, she is like 37, she doesn’t believe what she is saying…but in case she does, I still have that damn bridge I’m trying to sell!
That’s like India arie playing Selena -_- but we know Selena’s family would have NEVER gone for that! They barely wanted JLo because she is Puerto Rican! Smh!
I don’t know if there are enough “refined acting skills” in the world to overcome the tragic make-up job. I personally find it too distracting to focus on her performance, and I like Zoe as an actress.
If the choice was between Sanaa or Zoe, Sanaa all day.
Word!!
She was the star in Sister Act 2! (Granted this was before babies)…
I think India Arie would have been perfect for this role. I don’t know why folks insist on making movies about icons and the actors look nothing like them. Like White Mike from London. smh
Her response is right on. Do you know why? She is asked that question all the time as a form of race baiting her. Black latinos experience this crap all the time mainly, because the language and culture is not the same as AA. Therefore, they couldn’t possibly be “black like us” right. She is now answering the question with ‘if race defines you and holds you up in some mental prison, it does not define me and I have the freedom of choice.” I translate that as sure you. Figure it out. How about that, freedom of choice.
http://urbanbushbabes.com/zoe-saldana-i-am-a-black-woman/
Yes. Folks are like she is black too. Well she not black like ME. Sitting up there saying it doesnt wake her or drive her. I am reminded every DAY that Im black. Sorry it doesn’t drive her. I am driven by it. I was born with two strikes. Im black. And a female. Really 3. We were poor. And ahhh SO WAS NINA SIMONE. ALL THREE OF EM.
So there the entire hell YOU GO.
We do, they don’t. TRUST they will say she is Hispanic, Mexican, Brazilian..Black will never come up.
WE the PEOPLE of Blackness KNOW
Macy is a good actor. Good all around entertainer. They chose Zoe because at the time when they made this film in 2012ish, she was fresh off Avatar. They wanted the namesake. They didn’t consider those white kids that cheer for her at the people’s choice awards, are not the target audience for a Nina biopic.
+1
Hey Ms. Devine – Hugs all up on your NECK. MAUH MAUH. She keeps a bit of a low profile, I do really like her and quirky ways.
We’ll trade her for Leo .
the aforementioned did more than an amazing job with those characters (woo chile I’m bout to go watch lol). Zoe… I have as much faith in her acting as I do in Meagan Good or Christina Milian or Jennifer Lawrence. Until I see her give me something other than her looks then I’ll applaud her. I’m hoping this role at least changes people’s perception of her acting. She hasn’t had one role where she emotes anything other than resting bitch face or a strained smile. I’m one of the few “rooting” for her but she’s walking a thin line with me. I’m still mad that Meagan Good’s only great role (to me) was Eve’s Bayou. she let her looks carry her and hasn’t been good since
Is this black face?
Yep, it sure is.
OKAYYY
Nah. This is refined acting skills.
Gotcha. But I don’t know how commercially successful it was. I’m not dragging her, but I know how the industry works. They want to know you inside out. They’ll ask if you have tattoos, how many you have, the placement, etc. They’ll ask other questions because they want to assess “risk.” Production needs to secure insurance. Zoe hasn’t had any arrests, convictions (to my knowledge) or controversies beyond some Black people disliking the fact that she is Dominican and classifies herself as “Latina.” She is low risk by most people’s standards. She appears to be reliable and dependable. I’m certain having people like J.J. Abrams as references doesn’t hurt.
She has come a long way since “Center Stage,” which I love.
No. Bc she is “black like you”.
New York Magazine posted a link to an article on Twitter featuring 7 actresses whom they believe should’ve been considered for the role of Nina Simone in this biopic. *sigh*
Seriously, not even mad at her BUT IMO too many people like to be cautious and not own up to their Blackness. To those people including her, I say pick a race and stick to it, but don’t carry your ass around here trying to be black when “other” doesn’t work out. I HATE THAT.
Yes, they overcompensated on the makeup work knowing the barrage of criticism was coming. She is too light, too pretty, too married to white, too skinny. WTF. This is one of the reasons black actresses don’t work as much, they are limited restrictive thinking, that a ‘black actress’ can’t do this or that. People like Viola Davis, K. Washington, CCH Pounder, and S.E. Merkerson are helping redefine what a black female actor can do.
Exactly. Her playing nina is like a fool bringing a knife to a gunfight,… it aint gone dew nothin but piss us off.
I didn’t grow up in a house being categorized either however I was prepared for the world that would categorize me. I was taught to be proud of my heritage and who I am. People ask me where I grew up because I sound different. So the heck what? I get them together and keep it moving. I’m proud of who I am. Those things make me who I am.
Tuh.
Tuh. Tuh.
Tuh. Tuh. Tuh.
this looks turrible?? they shouldve cast Anika Noni Rose
IT’s rumored they will sponsor the RNC.
Even with Trump refusing to disavow the support of the Ku Klux Klan this weekend and declaring “All Lives Matter” at a rally, Coca-Cola still has not canceled their sponsorship of the RNC.5 6 How can Coca-Cola, a company that heavily markets to and profits from Black people, fund a platform for a presidential nominee that is being bolstered into office by former Grand Wizard David Duke, the KKK, and other white supremacists?
Petition is circulating…
Why did you choose that part of my post to comment on?Is your man white? Are you half white? Do you have a problem with black families or BLACK woman like myself that would prefer not to water their genes down? Its crystal clear you don’t care to OVERstand where I’m coming from. I don’t give a damn who Zoe and rest of her white washed family choose to date. It’s insulting to have a “black” woman that doesn’t embrace her blackness playing a woman that did. Thats like Don Lemon playing Nat Turner, it doesnt make anysense! #Blacklivesmatter #myrainbowfeaturesallshadesofbrown
The list lost all credibility when they posted Fantasia
Exactly, did you notice a dark skinned black in the gods of Egypt? One or two I was like nooooooo it should be the entire cast no? They think we are stupid.
agreed OG Sistah. She will never own it and playing one is not her claiming it, she is ONLY acting in her eyes. But her white friends will let her know.
Hope she is Thick Skinned, cause to you and I she is only Light Skinned black
Chile …. She’s as black as Stacey Dash. She can go in the “other” box with the rest , we don’t want her.
I didn’t read the list. I’m not here for white folks choosing the darkest skinned women they could find who conveniently have wide noses. White actors use prosthetics all the time, but a Black or Latin person can’t?!. FOHWTBS. We can’t stretch ourselves as actors or actresses.
That damn Aaliyah biopic was a stretch. No one in that POS movie looked like the characters they were portraying. Maybe because Wendy Williams Exec Produced it did people take it much easier on her and the cast than they are on Zoe as Nina. Whatever, I’m sick of seeing the isht on my (Twitter) TL.
That for ruining my slight likability for her, mista loves her, or he did. I will ruin it for him this evening. By telling him you dark with your black arse. HA
Fanny could do it. She has been doing well on Broadway and so with a little help and patience she could make it believable.
Coca Cola also has a past with us in civil rights. They basically told the Nobel Peace Prize committee to fugg off if the dinner celebrating MLK wasnt to be integrated. And they aint a killer but dont push em but TRY it and they could and WOULD leave ATL high and damn dry.
I hope they dont support it man. Wow. Thanks for this education.
http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/04/04/397391510/when-corporations-take-the-lead-on-social-change
offtopic – A major brand Hotel has ruined my entire Monday, Tuesday and Now Wednesday. I will not mention there names until get what’s due. I made reservations for a group. I cancelled, got the receipts and they charged my card 3x’s. They have since saying oh sorry I system didn’t catch up, but they were a day late returning my call, so I then called my bank.
SO HEATED, they will pay…they keep sending I’m sorry.
You giving her back?
If you look past Saldana’s black paint makeup or the fact that she can’t sing (and some may argue she can’t act),
——–
Ugh sorry I can’t get past it,I don’t like black face and if you had to do all that for her to look like Nina they should have passed. I won’t be supporting.?
The funny thing is I have (had) relatives who looked more “other” than her and there was never a doubt that they were black and they would get highly insulted if someone implied they were not. Why be ashamed of it?
Yeah, all of their drinks are loaded with sugar, even the nutritional ones Odwalla and etc. Ain’t nothing safe for a black guhl chile
There are some hotels I know in Virginia that are known to do this. We were there last summer & I heard about it.
Why did they charge your card 3 time? Sorry isn’t going to cut it. Stay on top of them and make sure they refund all of your money back. Get a new charge card, if they charged you 3 times before who knows what else may happen.
Hey Summer Babe!
I am a fan. A fanatic. As the whole blog knows she is my favorite of ALL TIME. But if we gave Mariah back I wouldnt be upset. Like…no I wouldnt be.
Ohh, yes. I head of the game, they will be getting a final letter from Esq. I held reservations under my name and card for 3 separate rooms. I wish stuff could bounce, but unfortunately it’s attached to my credit card. BUT they will pay…more than a refund. Talking about bad business practices.
Viola Davis or India Arie could of been cast as Nina. Smh.
Gone head and say it was the Hilton. Gone head. Cause I done cussed their dumb asses out the entire month of Dec over my niece wedding and a good chuck of the month of Jan over Dub11 annual sleepover at the Embassy Suites. I JUST got my Honors Points right…LAST WEEK
Side note, I love the song in the new Volvo commercial. It’s a remake of Nina Simone’s song Feeling Good by Avicii.
Yes. She really didn’t have to paint her face browner and put on a playdoh nose. Nina not even my mama and I’m offended.
it happened to me before 4 years ago in NC and charged my card 85 days after guest had stayed at hotel. It was the COMFORT INN. They said I didn’t cancel the room. The corporate office wouldn’t refund. I finally contacted the Better Business Bureau and did ALL MY money back.
The Comfort Inn also has bad business practices.
Are we related? Lol
It was they sister cousin company.
My card was charged over 500.00 Yes that is Five Hundred Dollars…Talking about PIZZZED
Someway, somehow prolly. LOL
…
But how do you continue to audition for “black” roles when you’re denying your “blackness”?
Love all of you. Nice day in the Rose Garden. I gotta do some chores. PEACE UNTIL NEXT TIME
There is no way I’ll be able to watch that movie without the terrible makeup distracting my attention. They have totally gone with the wrong actress for this part. Not just because of her complexion, but because of her age and her build.
Hilton pisses me off cause they think bc you get the occasional FREE room they can try to dick you over all the times YOU PAID FULL PRICE in order to EARN the free one. Im about to break the entire hell UP with them in 2016 if they dont get right. And its been a long time love affair with them for I aint kidding about 15 years. And my mama was a Marriott employee and I STILL rocked out with EM.
Tiz why I do cash only motels???
?????
? I did like her in Columbiana !!!
And I will support a film about Nina Simone ?
You said Zoe does not claim black. I gave you a link that says otherwise which refutes comment. It was intent to share further information on that line.
To say she does not embrace her ‘blackness’ because she married a white man is a fallacy.
I don’t speak for all black women and neither should anyone else. Like I said, people have the right to choose.
BTW, not all black people think alike, thus not all agree on certain things. But you apparently think like a white person: Keep those blacks in the same train of thought, make sure nobody gets off.
And BTW, I’m a human being with my own thoughts and ideas. I don’t think a certain way because of whites or blacks or latinos or asians or texans, or space aliens.
Nina’s family didn’t want it either, but they had no say in the final choice. They disagreed with the choice of actress.
There are times when you not being shyt is beneficial to mankind.
Being a black woman drives me as well. The stereotypes that say what I can’t be. Tell me I can’t succeed. I push forward because everything in this life says I can’t make it.
Therein lies the problem for me – clearly these filmmakers actually believe that all it takes to play this iconic woman, known for such a commanding presence onstage and off, due in no small part to her uniquely African features, is a liberal dose of blackface. They set their own lead actress up to fail in my eyes. Her performance will be overshadowed by the poor visual representation. If Zoe was truly the best person for the part, why not let her PERFORMANCE speak for itself, why does she need to be caked in blackface? If she’s truly such a gifted actress, she can make you believe she’s Nina without the coonface, IMO. Angela Bassett looks nothing like Tina Turner, but damned if she didn’t transform into her before my eyes on screen. That’s all I got to say about this mess. Y’all be blessed.
Lmao @ tragic wig
Top three: Viola, Lupita & Tika…but what do we know?
I’m excited to see Nina Simone’s story on the big screen.
#HatersBeDamned
Who’s hating ?
Say luv ?
I will put that in the try too hard bin. But the hate against Zoe Saldana is real. The attacks I’ve read online borders on racism an pure hatred. Then I come to this site and it’s the same. It affirms my idea that those negative feelings don’t reside in non blacks only.
She’s a great actress!
??? You. You stay hatin???
Hey there! New day, new cable guy. No Khaled, tho. He is Asian. He is giving me thick Chow Yun Fat with a smattering of young Jackie Chan, but with glasses.
I like his glasses, tho.
Nina over Aretha?? ??
Casket makeup….
It’s my favorite drink but I will give it up. Eff Trump.
I’ll watch it when it comes to Direct TV or the library as I’ll be in a cast anyway. Gonna look at the one on Netflix now if it’s still there.
Keep reading. In some sites, you would think racists and the KKK are commenting about Zoe. The hate is real because she is “too pretty,” “too light skin,” “too this or that.” Apparently they are calling for a Blacker actress to play her. What’s a Blacker actress? This is coming from people hung up on the actresses’ skin color because they don’t think it can rise above her own excellence in the portrayal of the singer. Colorism is alive and well and thriving in the minds of whites and blacks.
hi Sandra, funky has responded to micheles fake and phoney claims…im glad he cleared things up on his blog.
are you going to publish his response? his truth like you did with Michele?
Pay-by-the-hour
Or Lauryn Hill
What did she say about Black folks?!?
Looks good I want to see this ?
Likewise… I’m wondering would ppl prefer bad acting if the actress resembled Nina because ppl are so fixated on the aesthetics.
As a black woman I’d never wear black face nor a fake “black” nose. Its insulting and demeaning, why do that? Why not hire a more skilled / qualified black actress? Anika Noni Rose would’ve been perfect. No black face or fake nose needed. I think like a white person because I prefer to see black people dating other black people. Yeah okay.
Right I almost liked the acting it was just that damn paint!!! But no one really understands that when you are trying to be an actor or actress you have to join I think it’s the screen actors guild it’s like a union but you have to pay a couple thousand to do so and you have to be sponsored too in order to get paid more than minimum wage so this may be the reason there is a shortage of black actors and actresses
Riiiiiiight! Didn’t even think of that
Some people limit their horizons. Fine. I prefer the sky the limit for black people. But back to Zoe, I admit the make-up was a mistake. The did it to avoid criticism. Had they left her as her own skin tone, they would have faced criticism. Also this is colorism, a horrible thing done to blacks by blacks. And finally, her acting skills come from her heart and her brain, feelings and emotions, not her skin. BTW, in the movie The Godfather, Brando put cotton balls in his cheeks to give him a certain look, and in Malcom X, Denzel wore glasses to look more like him. We are all entitled to our opinions, so let’s agree to disagree. The hate I’ve read on Zoe Saldana, a black woman, borders on hate and racism and I’m not having it.
I was just thinking Lauryn Hill but, yes, also India Arie.
?? and Alls I need is 2 mins??
? come see deez?
After watching that preview, I’m officially embarrassed for her.
Aww Man!
I called it once the first movie stills were released….. #HotButteredBS http://www.motherofcolor.com/nina-simone-biopics-tone-deaf-casting-choice-belittles-her-blackness/
Colombiana was the ish.
You know SR.
Hey boogah?? what’s new?
No Asians , his D proberallg small ?
LoLol, imma try to do better
Cash?! ?…Motels?! ?
Ok ?
?Now THAT’S confidence.
???
???
Had something similar with same chain. Days afterwards. Whatcha’ll doin down there?!
Aww sookie
Lol hit or miss with anyone…cause trust I’ve seen some small ones on Black men…that RUMOR is FALSE.
Stawp.
They couldn’t find any black actresses to play her? And if she wins Oscar for this, black folks will lose their minds.
Family, lived there for 12 years, FIL is there
Utterly disrespectful to the legacy of Nina Simone. Disgusting!
I like Zoe as an actress but after looking at this trailer, she is the wrong choice. The makeup is horrible. She does look like just Zoe Saladana in “Blackface”. Who ever is the makeup artist on this one is an amateur.
I don’t like it. Zoe looks like a depressed old slave. Nina Simone has more life in her eyes.
Hi Mrs Mary?? How are you? I’m ok. My hemorrohids are troublesome, yet tolerable…Other than that, meh. So I went over to his blog after reading what you wrote. I got to the point where his Mother passed and he used the rent money for her funeral…I immediately thought, yeah, stuff happens in life…Yet, he was at the court house harassing Sheree, on her property making fun of it being unfinished,,,What if something happened where she fell behind…Like him…I had to stop reading. Made him seem hypocritical. He’s a tv personality just like the people he makes fun of. I saw him on a centric show just last night. He has no sympathy for pseudo celebs, so why should I have any for his pseudo behind? Well, I don’t. I’m sure his fans will defend him…Doesn’t change the fact that his hair was laid like a person who has to rent from friends??
Well, Angela Bassett is not a singer but did a hell of a job in What’s Love Got To Do With It!
Well, I guess we should just be thankful that Jennifer Lawrence wasn’t cast as Nina Simone.
She could and should have played Nina
I WAS ABOUT TO GO OFF TOPIC…
Your facts are wrong. Folks were upset at Jolie and Rd jr. Both films came out though when twitter was just a baby. You can still Google the criticism both received.
Haters gon hate. The trailer sold me. This shit looks good.
That ain’t right. ?
Well what’s stopping you?
I gained an epiphany that India Arie would’ve been a perfect choice to portray Nina Simone. She would’ve been a much prettier Nina, but I think she would’ve captured the soul and spirit of Ms. Simone.
This is the Dorothy Dandridge movie all over again. Whitney never starred in her adaptation, and Janet never starred in hers. IMO, Halle was perfect for the role. It was one of the 2 movies Halle starred in that I actually like – the other being “Losing Isaiah.”
Thank you, because YOU are actually causing me to actually give a partial crap about this film.
IN HIS VOICE LMAO!!! THIS WHOLE READ IN THAT DAMN VOICE…LAWD!!! ????
I’M MOBILE…AND HOME AND LAZY. THE LOWS WON’T CHILL FOR ISHT!
Cube boy can play on straight outta Compton but folk wouldn’t show up for NINA SIMONE”S daughter to play her???????
Please….I fail to believe this casting decision was made out of concern for marketability. This is supposed to be Zoes “coming of age as an actress role”…maybe black folk will keep their money to themselves since they’re enraged.
Hey Bren
Evening Low E.
I said it first
You disagree. So noted. I’ve been on Twitter for a long time, and I’ve never seen any “round table” outrage from Black Twitter re: either of the aforementioned films, even after-the-fact.
What I’ve seen are Rachel Dolezal and Shaun King sympathizers, people who are more offended at a brown skinned Dominican portraying a darker skinned Nina Simone than they are Joseph Fiennes portraying Michael Jackson, and a myriad of wasteful dialogue about analingus and $200 dates. I can assure you it’s not because I wasn’t looking.
Ohhhhh, ok,,,ok? Well, lemme change the topic then? If I bathe a man who happens to have King as a last name…Am I legally entitled to say the royal penis is clean?
For the record…..none of the contemporary musicians would be able to vocally embody Simone…..her voice was kinda a big deal so I’m not mad at the fact that a musician wasn’t cast.Zoe azz still don’t deserve the role imo
Miany!!!!!! Hey stink stank?? how’re they hangin?
She looks like Tika Sumptner which means they could have CAST Tika Sumptner…smh
India would have been good. Or Estelle.
Keep your passive aggressive shit over there. How dare you try to come for me for preferring my own kind! You’re either a coon or a white person pretending to be black! I refuse to believe any self respecting black person would ever shame another black person for preferring their own. Go to stormfront and preach you’re we are the world crap over there. See how they like it. You won’t though, they’d eat you alive.
Yeah, Lauryn would have melted all the way down after filming. She never recovered from her Miseducation success.
And I am sure Tyler Perry could have found a 60 year old m, heavy set black woman to play Madea..but black folks stay given Mr. Perry their coins for his exploitation of our culture.
Nina’s estate does not approve of the project. It’s based on an unauthorized biography written by some allegedly gay man who claimed to be intimate with Nina…Or something like that…In fact, Nina’s estate just shaded the fûck out of Zoe on twitter? I’d bet money that tweet was made by Nina’s daughter?
The trailer looks like it takes place near the end of her career when she was in the insane asylum. That’s NOT Nina singing. But her colored skin painted on is a distraction. That’s what the problem is, it’s like they spray painted her color on. I would love to know what Harry Belafonte and other civil right activists think of this.
See the documentary: The Amazing Nina Simone to know her life story.
Viola Davis would have been perfect actually.
Now where in the world did you find the Zoe in blackface emoji???!!
Naw. I’m an Aretha fan. I love Nina. But not over Reefa.
???Lmaaaaaaao??????????
Viola woulda wo’ it out, you hear me!! Viola is one of the greatest…hands down. ??
When was the last time Lauryn acted in a movie?
This woman should be ashamed of herself, that one of the worst trailers ever. I mean just horrible, I’m ashamed for her.
It would have been great for India Arie. Hope Zoe makes it through this FLOP
Zoe is black. She just wasn’t right for this role
Hmmm…India Arie. That would have been a cool choice. Not sure what her acting skills are, but it would have been nice visually.
Civil Rights Activist ask some 2nd graders what they think, it looks just horrible and the acting and the voice….Just Tew MURCH
They had to have been better than what I just saw, I couldn’t even finish it. I bet there was makeup smudges on everything.
Her Estate, Me you, nor Jesus. It was horrible Bren. That clip will give me nightmares
She must have needed the money…When she put that makeup she had to say, Sweet Lil Baby Jose what have I done.
Just because we skin folk( allegedly) don’t mean we kin folk. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2b45ee4ba27618c365927f3f2833bfd3d3dfbab59eae9e167aa97b058c543b7d.jpg
I think it’s different in that Tyler is portraying a figment of his imagination, whereas Zoe is portraying an actual person whose persona is well known. Also, Tyler keeps black folks working and Zoe just plays black in movies, she certainly doesn’t consider herself a black Latina so… **shrugs**
DEPENDS ON THE TAX BRACKET ??
:EVENING HONEYDEW! WHAT IT DO?
???? awe man, that means no????
I’m going to say this and then I am done with it. Zoe says she is a Latina. I’m assuming she grew up with the couture. And that’s fine if that’s what she identifies with. Why are people so angry about that, I don’t know. Lots of Latino people don’t identify with Blacks. Don’t really like Blacks either. But why is Zoe catching all the hell? So no one is going to call out the casting director who picked her and thought it would be a good idea? No one is going to call out the people who even asked her to audition? And please don’t hit me with she could of said no. Because not one soul in here is turning down a check. No y’all are not. Not a damn one. Not as much as everyone be in here crying broke. Zoe is not in a position to turn down a check. You don’t see her in too many movie. So that part of it I get. Now do I agree that she should play Nina? Nope. Not at all. But she is. It’s done. Movie filmed and being shown. I’m going to chose to focus on Nina’s story. Not who is playing her. And for the record, Zoe is not the first or the last actor playing in a role they really should not. But y’all mad because she don’t identify as Black? Why? If she only grew up with Dominicans, who for the most part, think they are so above and better than Black people, then be mad for what? Y’all know what it is. But ok. Zoe, this was not the roll for you, and that face is crazy. But get your coins. I know you need them. God Bless.
We dragging her, cause that’s what we do. (pokes out tongue) Then trips you so that you fall on a cushy floor. GIGGLES
The shade… Slay Estate of Nina Simone. LOL Twitta fingas.
That he emm had a girlfriend…Goodnight
Jeffrey Wright played MLK in a movie and he is significantly fairer than Dr. King. Angela Bassett played Coretta King and they didn’t lighten her up. The didn’t darken Laurence Fishburne to play “Eat the Cake, Anna Mae” Ike Turner. They didn’t lighten up Hilton Jacobs to play Joe Jackson. The prosthetic nose doesn’t bother me, but why they thought it was a good idea to darken Zoe’s skin tone speaks of the producers bad taste and/or their belief that she couldn’t carry the role without it. Very poor decision in my opinion.
Girl???? She didn’t audition. I’m sure of that. That’s all I got to say. You seem upset. And the last person I tangled with named Keya, Shakeya to be exact,,,She stayed strapped…Yeen go to stab me twice, shiiiid, I got keloid skin?? *slowly backs away*? I’m watching you?????
Come through. Dang. You be sounding straight up entailejent…sometimes???
I don’t care if she thinks she black or not. I take exception to the dark makeup. It was unnecessary to me. If you’re a good actress you can make me believe who you want me to believe. But like I said below, that is a choice that the director/producers made.
I try sometimes. ?
I care. It’s not fair. But I ain’t saying that to Keya??? Tread lightly girl????
???
Someone actually let that demonic looking somebody lay up and make a baby with them?! ???
Oh, my!!!! ??
Yikes!
Yep he’s in trubbah for attacking his pregnant baby momma.
She’s a Black woman but she’s a Dominican who might not be as Black as she “looks.” I don’t think either of her parents is Black. Choosing her and upsetting so many people was not a smart move IMO.
Colombiana looks like she’s actually doing some good acting for a change. I know she felt like she had a lot to prove.
Yes, he look like he caught an escalator up from hell.
He does
She hoin too?!?! ?
???They begged Zoe. Star name. However, they weren’t thinking clearly. The Avatar/Star Trek/Comic Con stans aren’t checkin for Nina…
They shole aren’t
I agree
You can say!!! I do feel like she was a bad choice though. But it was not all her. Why would they even ask her to audition?! Foolishness.
You can do better.
I’m not upset. At all. Honestly I did not even plan on seeing this movie. ? And I’m not stabbing you fool!! Lmao. I’m a lady *in my Shanaenae voice*
She is smart, she is kind, she is important
I just seenT an episode with her saying that. The love connection episode…
Lmao. I love how at the end she tells him “I don’t know. Super size it” and slams the door in his face. ??
Not all her fault, but her pretentious attitude torwards it…Lets be real, they offered her this. No audition. She’s a big star. She took this thinking this was her Charlize-Monster-Oscar moment…With the initial backlash in 2012 she took to Twitter to scream reverse racism…She lost me then and there…She been around detached Hollywood folks too long. It’s not fair that her, and others like her get to bounce from ethnicity to ethnicity…Its unfair for the Black actor…Who’s just plain ol boring Black?? Non exotic, non ambiguous,,,Don’t get me started.lol…She’s a clown…Its deep…Very deep, but, what can you do??
Oh
??
She’s sad. And I don’t find her exotic. She is regular cute. But I 100% see what you are saying.
?????
Yessssss. Team Viola all day!
???????
Her interpretation ‘looks’ miserable. I’m not a Zoe fan, so this stunt does nothing to sway my opinion.
IMO, Anika Noni Rose would have been a more believable Nina.
*deep sigh*
Rotflmmfao
BISH, COME THEW!!!!
That was my FIRST thought (Charlize/Monster)!!!
You overwhelm me…
*in my Beyonce voice* I’m so full…
True , I had one nicca I was like is it hard yet ..his face ??
?????
Girl! You better let your soul come through! :snaps:
They raked her twitter page.
She may wanna take down that clown pic….
Night coming through all loke i am tired. Zzzzzzzz
Zoe is a sub par actress. I’ll pass.
Nerp, no Ma’am.
LOL!.
Viola Davis a much greater and deeper actress would have been perfect for the role and would not need the minstrel like make up. I know this actress is black so it is should not seem offensive but it still seems offensive.
Don’t plan to watch this scum. Eff Hollywood.
YES baby YES! That would have been an epic choice! Good reference!
#IaintScaredOfNoBedbugs???
She is black when she wants to be. That is how it is with Black Latinos….. Only black when it suits you..
Hollywood hasn’t changed. They still cast people of different races to play another race, when there is clearly more actor, and actresses to play those roles. SMH!
I agree with you! Also, I think people NOW say she can’t act because she defines herself as Latina, born and raised in the Dominican, until age 10, half her childhood. Who were you by age 10, in the 5th or 6th grade? That’s like Rihanna denying her roots, while she’s black (ethnicity or race), she’s identified as Bajan first, sorry! Just like being Nigerian, South African or Jamaican. But, for some reason we resent black females who acknowledge their heritage or define themselves by this (Latin) culture. Lala Anthony catches the same shade. I don’t know any Dominicans (I’ve known plenty) who don’t acknowledge they’re Dominican first, just like Haitians. Idris is British, as well as being black, African, or whatever his mix is, and we’re all mixed!
Exactly. Thank you. “She doesn’t want to claim…” Shïiiiit, who would want to claim affiliation with a bunch of argumentative azz, bitter, critical, angry, underachievers – race aside?!. I know what race and nationality I am. I’m not going to jump to too many people’s defenses as it pertains to race until I get the sense they’re worth defending. (I hope that makes sense.)
I don’t recall Black people trying to “claim” Zoe Saldana until some interviewer asked about her race or ethnicity and she replied, “Dominican.” It is what it is.
Well at least she self-identifies as a female of the “species”
Seems interesting, I would love 2 see her story & the intricate parts of Ms. Simone’s life.?? I don’t think it will get much traffic N the theatre. Would b better as A TV movie, but hopefully I’m wrong?
Yeah, what you say makes sense! Dominicans are some proud people from my experience, as other groups, but us (we marvel at our talent tenth and find pride in their accomplishments)! I saw Wyclef (before his fleecing days), and he came onstage with his nation’s flag, it was so beautiful, and many Haitians were waving their flags (big scarves or banners) with a predominantly white audience! No one insists that Jennifer Lopez (a Puerto Rican) stop being a Latina, what’s the difference for Zoe Saldano (a Dominican)?
Skin color. That’s the difference. There are a lot of Haitians who’ve denied their heritage because the hate for the Zoes (no Saldana) is real out here. I’ve always run with or corresponded with non-American Black folks. Every group is unified – even when they disagree with each other. The Belizeans, Jamaicans, Haitians, Ethiopians, Nigerians, Senegalese, Ghanians, Bajans, etc. all uplift, encourage and support others of their nationality. Black Americans don’t do that. We always want to claim people who, truthfully, aren’t ours to claim. Zoe is Adobo. We’re Lawry’s. There are cultural differences and the non-American Black folks are quick to point those differences out. IDK where the hate stems from towards Zoe, but as I stated prior, it won’t stop her success.
The hate comes from the realization that white people look at them somewhat differently (more favorably) than American Blacks without a nationality to claim. We have “what hood did you grow-up in,” or national region (East coast, West coast, South, Midwest, etc.), schools attended or degrees and job titles. They have cultural pride (doesn’t require a particular station in life), while we seek white acceptance. But, we shouldn’t hate on it, it is what it is. The same as the light vs dark, or blonde vs brunette controversy for ALL GROUPS! Even with all the uncovering of black historical facts and data, power couples, first family, trendsetters, inventors and discoverers, many of us still aren’t convinced how cool it is to be black! Otherwise, we wouldn’t care about someone not identifying as black (a skin color)! Before race, it was always about tribes, when you read the Bible, it’s there. Race became an issue to alienate and contain poorer people on the rung!
The thing is, you can obviously see she’s in darker makeup to make her skin dark. Regardless of if you knew what time of brow she was prior to this movie it’s clear that isn’t her natural colour smh. This foolishness needs to stop now and I am so damn disappointed that she agreed to this ish
Damn… You really broke it down. And you are SO right re: us seeking white acceptance. People are quick to throw formal education/degrees, financial standing, occupations, etc. in someone’s face like that makes them superior to the next. Folks will brag about being a homeowner, while struggling to pay a mortgage monthly. There is no title nor deed in sight. They will also brag about their house when there are land owners. Folks will have 2,000 or 3,000 sq ft, when people have tens, hundreds or thousands of acres of land, and never say “boo” about it.
You are spot on. IDK how often you visit this site, but I am super happy re: this discussion. I’m always scrunching my face up at the group think discussions. It’s like you’re wrong if you see things from an alternate perspective, as if there’s one absolute answer or way of arriving at a particular conclusion.
Thank you.
Hell the could have used Bruce Jenner or Lauren Cox… this is totally B.S….
Lavern Cox!
I don’t know about Zoe and her declining blackness. Do you have a source? But I know one thing about Zoe, she can kick ass. She did a film, Columbiana, and it was spectacular, where she played an assassin. She was a dancer before acting and her body is so lithe. That movie should have been a bigger hit. It should have had sequels.
NO NO NO NOT Lauryn. She wouldn’t show up for the shoots!
No way Lauryn would have been hired. Do you know her history? She’s unreliable and temperamental. And–she has soooo many babies to take care of.
U not right ?
Kimberly Elise would have been good as well!
Everything you said is why we can’t live authentic lives or require so much to be happy (why it eludes us even when we get all the things)! When you see a person or play catch-up, it’s more about what accomplishments you can share than about how you’re really doing, what matters! Thank you, I’ve enjoyed this discourse of opinions, perspectives, which is so rare on blogs!
Firstly, I am going to need Hip Hop Wire to remove that extra “s” at the end of actress’. Now let me go read.
Nobody is taking away her blackness, Zoe willingly gave it away. She is the one who made it clear that she was NOT black, that is the issue people are having.
OMG they wrong for that shyt!
If we have to ignore that she can’t act, she can’t sing and is the wrong color. We may as well look pass the movie all together.
She’s not black she’s “Dominican” and we know how they feel about their dark skin roots.
Why? There are so many other actresses that could have played the part and not needed to be painted and an afro wig. Her makeup looks like black face. I will not watch this buffoonery. Nina Simone deserves better than this. It’s against everything she stood for. It’s hard being black in America. The disrespect.
Even Keke Palmer for a younger Nina. Maybe even Jill Scott.
There are black Latinas and white Latinas. There is a difference.
Did you read the link I’ve been posting. Some black people have issues with inter racial relationships, she is not one. She is tired of being asked to make a choice between black and Latina. It’s ignorance like that that make black latinos go off. They are both. It’s like asking you to make a choice between being black and American. It’s a culture with many races and ethnic groups. The issue people are having is that she is too light skin to play Nina, or too pretty, I read some doozies. That Nina should be played by Viola or Lupita. What, is Viola ugly or Lupita. I just can’t.
http://urbanbushbabes.com/zoe-saldana-i-am-a-black-woman/
Thank you! Zoe looks dirty with that paint it doesn’t look like a natural his at all.
You must’ve missed the part where she doesn’t claim it. You must have missed the part that Nina was a pro black American activist. Why is a non black identifying Dominican playing an American black woman? Why does she have to wear a prosthetic nose and black face?
But apparently the producers felt she was too light, as they decided to apply darker make up. As stated by another poster, there have been people lighter (and darker) than the person they were portraying and did an amazing job without having make up applied to make them more or less ethnic. The same should have been done here, or simply get a person who more closely resembles the person.
I’m not mad at Zoe, but that makeup looks ridiculous. Look how gorgeous the real Nina looks up top. Then you got that damn sideshow next to her…
I agree. For that reason they should’ve left it alone. If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.
Offensive because of that chitty blackface makeup! I also felt conflicted, like, at least she’s black?? LOL should I be offended. Then I decided, YES, I’m offended LOL.
…dragged her! As they should have *tea*
Not a smart move at all. PS- All Dominicans are black whether they’re claiming it or not LOL.
YES!!!
MWAHAHAHHA. That’s right bish. Drag her dumb arse. Thought she was gonna have a come up. Thought that arse was a shoe in for some real nods like at the SGAs. She done humped and bumped through Bradley Cooper and the other YTs trying to secure that top spot and separate herself from the “other” black actresses and she found out what everyone knew since she was cast as Britney Spears’ lame black bestie in Crossroads: YOU AINT SHIT. Bye bish bye. Lol ok I’m done. But I can’t stand her :).
I fully agree that they messed up with the make up. It looks horrible. But I’m having issues with people attacking her, particularly in some white sites, saying she is too pretty to play Nina. Nina heard this crap all her life, that she was ugly. And now people are saying nothing short of an ugly actress will do. I’m OK with prosthetics to make a good actress fit the physical appearance for the role. A paraplegic did not play Stephen Hawkins, Eddie Redmayne did and won an Oscar for it.
She looks like a melted candle
I would’ve thought they would have chose INDIA ARI, but Zoe Saldana
#NOMAM
We shouldn’t have to look past that many things, plus the make up is extremely distracting. It’s that bad. Also there are many dark skinned actresses and singers (most listed below) that could have done an amazing job…will not be going to see this garbage.
I def wont be watching..she looks cray and its distracting ..im sure i wont be able to really get into the storyline
Mannn…they should have gotten crazy eyes from Orange is the new black to do this. They favor a lot.
It would have been dope to see my girl Adepero Oduye (Eliza: 12 years a slave) try for the role…I know she is not a big name but I think she has the acting chops and the physical appearance to pull off Miss Nina…
lol…yes…when I saw that I was like oh oh ok, Nina’s daughter’s twitter fingers working… I know it was an unauthorized version and I know they specifically took issue with the casting of Nina.
Twitter fingers???
I bet Viola Davis would have put her soul into that part.
Thank you. The sentiments are mutual!
I like zoe but they could have easily found another actress.. Kimberly Elise or even lauryn hill or even that chick that looks like a hippo from Orange is the New Black
Paint! A disgrace!
What they going to do next have a white girl play a black girl? Cause Zoe has opened up a door for fuckery!!!!!
AND viola davis’s lips wood have been FULLER.why did they really try to squeeze zoe in this role so damned hard?
AND viola davis’s lips wood have been FULLER.why did they really try to squeeze zoe in this role so damned hard?
She killed the audition
She killed the audition
It has already started they are choosing a white man to play Michael Jackson
The trailer seemed just fine.
She’s still black.
Why? Cause they ugly enough for you?
Lupita? How is she better than Zoe for this role? Isn’t she too dark?
In theory, but she can hardly get her act together to do her own shows…
In theory, but she can hardly get her act together to do her own shows…
Get some rest, woman! :hugs:
I haven’t seen Saldana in that many projects and she may be a great actress. However, this casting was just completely wrong. Remember when Aretha Franklin kept publicly saying she wanted Halle Berry to play her? LOL Halle said, “no, I can’t sing!!” That was a nice way to refuse that role.
Many dark skinned people are incensed over the skin issue. However, the casting for resemblance bothers me.
I keep reading posts like this yet in any interview I’ve seen her give she has NEVER denied her heritage. The people who continue to say this don’t want her to acknowledge that she’s mixed race with a whole lot of other stuff too. I’ve yet to hear any Jamaican or any other West Indian say they’re just Black. They are their nationality first. Let people identify as they choose.
http://urbanbushbabes.com/zoe-saldana-i-am-a-black-woman/
I know that and you know that, but she has denied it more than once.
U r right! I forgot all about that. So whose playing him as a child…SMH…?
Are you out of your mind? I have never heard ANYONE use the SAG fee for the extreme lack of diversity in Hollywood. According to your statement all we need is $2000 for each black actor and racial diversity will be achieved!! Thank you Jesus!!!
That makes her delusional, not us.
Right. But I still wouldn’t watch her movies for free .99, bootleg or cable.
Zoe has been playing black girls in films for many years and no one seemed to have a problem with it until she corrected everyone and let them know she was actually Latin. Hypocrisy at it’s finest. How dare she not claim her blackness they say… She’s not denying anything just admitting that she is a Latin girl WTF is wrong with that? Why don’t African American’s in the US identify as Africans? I mean that is where all black folks originate from!
Zoe has been playing black girls in films for many years and no one seemed to have a problem with it until she corrected everyone and let them know she was actually Latin. Hypocrisy at it’s finest. How dare she not claim her blackness they say… She’s not denying anything just admitting that she is a Latin girl WTF is wrong with that? Why don’t African American’s in the US identify as Africans? I mean that is where all black folks originate from!
No she played a Latina girl she was just the right amount of brown. This shyt here is disrespectful, she is in full black face. Not to mention she can’t act. So we know she blew a mean eggplant for the part.
clearly this actress took the part to HONOR this woman – this isn’t a parody film. Also, just while on the topic…how come no one is talking about how Beyonce is trying to be white…? She can scream formation all she wants with her blonde ass weave, surgically enhanced nose (so proud of it huh) and bleached out skin
It looks like a joke a bad Blaxploitation film. As far as Beyonce goes (even though this isn’t about her) she was always been fair complexion, her nose looks the same to me and believe it or not black people can be born with blonde hair (there is an entire african tribe of them). Beyonce stood in her blackness while Zoe claims she Latina, even though Dominicans and Puerto Ricans come in as many shades of brown as black folks and they have nappy hair just like black folks.
Have you been to Dominican Republic?? ( and I don’t mean in Punta Cana at some resort)There are Dark skinned people with nappy hair, Fair skinned people with light eyes and straight hair and everything in between. Dominicans don’t deny their heritage they are fully aware of the mixture that is their make up . They identify as Latin because they speak Spanish like all other Latin Countries. Do black people in the U.S. Identify as African? Do they go back to the motherland and research their African Ancestry? No, actually they don’t but they are the first to go around talking smack about Latinos who identify as Latin. Total Hypocrisy and ignorance. Research your own roots, connect with your ancestry instead of constantly throwing stones at others for not identifying with yours. Zoe doesn’t claim she is Latin, she is Latin Dummy.
Are you blind? Google Beyonce when she first came out and look at her now. Her nose has clearly been altered through plastic surgery and she is always wearing a weave . So she is running around with some Asian or Indian woman’s hair on her head talking about black pride GTFOH.
Lol
The script is no good. The movie revolves around the fake love story between Nina and her manager, Clifton Henderson – who was a gay man in real life.
Before this film, Zoe Saldana had a number of high-profile roles (e.g. in Avatar, Star Trek and Colombiana, among others), so she wasn’t exactly hurting for jobs. Instead of turning down a role she is physically utterly unsuited for, and giving an opportunity to a dark-skinned Black actor to portray Nina Simone, she accepted the role for which she was utterly unsuited.
Not to mention that once production began on the film, it would have been clear to Saldana just how physically unsuited she was for the role, since they had to darken her skin, and give her a prosthetic nose and a textured wig, only to end up with a result that looks nothing like Nina Simone. She honestly looks ridiculous. That’s absolute nonsense – especially in light of the fact that there are a number of dark-skinned Black actors in Hollywood who could more convincingly have played Nina, including Adepero Oduye, Danai Gurira, Uzo Aduba and even Viola Davis.
The irony is that every one of these actresses is also more talented than Zoe Saldana. They just don’t have the look that Hollywood deems acceptable enough to carry a film as a lead. It’s naive to think that an actor who has been in Hollywood as long as Saldana isn’t perfectly aware of this racist dynamic. This is why people are rightfully angry. Saldana knows the game and she willingly played it. Based on that fact – and her multiple tone-deaf comments about the film and her role in it – I believe the criticism of her is fair and entirely warranted. . . .
I honestly don’t care whether she associate or disassociate with blacks or whatever if she was a good actress that could’ve actually done the role justice I would’ve went with it. There are black Latin Americans and you can’t generalize all because of the few that don’t want to be associated with us. But she should’ve turned this role down, the trailer was horrible, the make up was horrible, the prosthetic nose was horrible, the acting was horrible(that stupid deep voice she puts on), all around I won’t be seeing this until it goes to lifetime or something.
What I’m saying is that some people who want to get in can’t if they are just starting out and don’t have the extra funds further not only do you need the money you also need a certain amount of hours and a sponsor and the sponsor has to be already a member I’m not saying that is an excuse I’m saying that may be stopping some blacks in pursing example me I wouldn’t mind going into the business but I would have to be homeless in order to come up with that fee because my bills won’t allow me to pay that out at one time
You seem like a nice enough person so I will just toss out a bit of info and you are free to accept or reject. I lived and worked in Hollywood for 12 years (Paramount, Disney and MGM (Logistics). Also 40 Acres, Eddie Murphy productions and Cinetel Films (Story Analyst). I watched thousands of people try to become actors (black & white). The ones who were successful were the ones willing to dedicate everything to the cause. That means sleeping in cars or apts occupied by 10 people, not accepting full time work so they are available for casting calls or extra work, etc is the norm unless you are wealthy or connected. There are a few ways to gain SAG membership; pay $3000 outright (they actually accept payment plans!) or the Taft-Hartley Act. The TH act allows a person to become eligible for membership if they can get a producer on set to give them a role (at least one word spoken) because their look or talent was essential to the scene. That is why extra work is so crucial; it places non union members in the same space with these producers. So if you want to be an actor you must be committed and neither $3000 fee or homelessness can stand in your way. Having said all of that I will tell you that I have plenty of friends who actually belong to SAG but have been painfully educated on the fact that SAG membership only gets you to the door. There are thousands of unemployed SAG members; some who have never even been in a feature film except as extras. In conclusion, SAG membership has very little to do with Hollywood’s systematic lockout of African Americans.
Be well…
Thanks for the education on that and perhaps I didn’t articulate my point but you made it for me that’s exactly what I was saying some ppl are not in a position or willing to be that dedicated to their craft further and some are afraid of taking risks I’m well aware that there is a systematic lockout I was simply saying that sometimes before even trying some ppl may hear omg I gotta pay that how am I gone do that without know all the resources available or work arounds so that cuts the number of some black ppl down right there add that with the non risk takers another cut then add that with ppl not just casting blacks all together and get to to where we are now. So I want giving an excuse as to why this is a problem I was saying that that is also a part of the problem as well. That’s all but thanks I will spread the word tho so other ppl will know that there are ways around that
Thanks for the education on that and perhaps I didn’t articulate my point but you made it for me that’s exactly what I was saying some ppl are not in a position or willing to be that dedicated to their craft further and some are afraid of taking risks I’m well aware that there is a systematic lockout I was simply saying that sometimes before even trying some ppl may hear omg I gotta pay that how am I gone do that without know all the resources available or work arounds so that cuts the number of some black ppl down right there add that with the non risk takers another cut then add that with ppl not just casting blacks all together and get to to where we are now. So I want giving an excuse as to why this is a problem I was saying that that is also a part of the problem as well. That’s all but thanks I will spread the word tho so other ppl will know that there are ways around that