Hollywood is getting blacker, or at least the cover of Vanity Fair is. The magazine, which produces a “Hollywood Issue” every March decided this time around to feature two black actresses: Paula Patton and newcomer Adepero Oduye (the star of Pariah).
They’re two of 11 actresses dolled up in satin dresses and retro 1920s styling for the inside flap of the magazine. The other actresses included are Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Elizabeth Olsen, Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Lily Collins, and Brit Marling — all of them are white.
WATCH VIDEO OF THE MAKING OF THE VANITY FAIR COVER
The cover is significant because in the past it has stirred up debate about diversity in Hollywood. In 2010, the magazine featured only young, white actresses on its cover. After complaints, they mixed it up. Vanity Fair added men, older actors and people of color like Anthony Mackie and Rashida Jones to the issue last year.
With films like Red Tails in theaters and Spike Lee saying that Hollywood knows nothing about black people, the conversation is bound to continue into Oscar season about where African-Americans fit in within the film industry.
Follow Donovan X. Ramsey on Twitter at @idxr
