Amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Globes, it’s imperative to trace the path of Black talent breaking through formidable barriers.
READ: 24 Black History Oscar Facts Which Also Highlight Hollywood’s Lack of Diversity
In an industry shaped by its history, the narrative has regrettably often marginalized the diverse voices that contribute to its rich tapestry. From Sidney Poitier’s groundbreaking nomination and win to Angela Bassett’s enduring victory that awaits the company of another Black actress, delve into the 22+ Black history Golden Globes facts.
This list not only illuminates remarkable achievements but also spotlights the persistent diversity challenges the industry continues to grapple with today.
Best wActor in a Motion Picture – Drama
In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first to be nominated and win a Golden Globe. His initial nomination was in 1959 for his role in ‘The Defiant Ones,’ and he secured the win on his third nomination with ‘Lilies of the Field.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 35
Overall Black nominees: 18
Overall Black winners: 5
Actor With Most Nominations: Denzel Washington with 9
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Claudia McNeil’s performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ made her the first Black actress to be nominated for a Golden Globe in 1962. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that Whoopi Goldberg’s performance in ‘The Color Purple’ earned her the distinction of being the first Black actress to win a Golden Globe in that category.
Times a Black actress was nominated: 13
Overall Black nominees: 10
Overall Black winners: 2
Actress With Most Nominations: Viola Davis with 3
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Sidney Poitier was the first to be nominated in 1960 with ‘Porgy and Bess,’ but it wasn’t until 30 years later that Morgan Freeman became the first to win in the Best Performance by an Actor (Musical/Comedy) category with ‘Driving Miss Daisy.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 13
Overall Black nominees: 10
Overall Black winners: 2 — Jamie Foxx also won
With Most Nominations: Eddie Murphy with 4 nods
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
In 1994, Angela Bassett became the first and only actress to win the Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical/Comedy category with ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It.’ Thirty-four years prior, in 1960, Dorothy Dandridge became the first to be nominated with ‘Porgy and Bess.’
Times a Black actress was nominated: 11
Overall Black nominees: 11
Overall Black winners: 1
With Most Nominations: n/a
Best Supporting Actor in any Motion Picture
In 1969, Ossie Davis made history as the first Black actor nominated in this category with his film ‘The Scalphunters.’ In 1983, Louis Gossett Jr. became the first to win with ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 19
Overall Black nominees: 16
Overall Black winners: 5
With Most Nominations: Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mahershala Ali have all been nominated twice
Best Supporting Actress in any Motion Picture
In 1960 Juanita Moore became the first Black actress nominated for her performance in ‘Imitation of Life’ and 31 years later Whoopi Goldberg became the first to win with her performance in ‘Ghost’.
Times a Black actor was nominated: 26
Overall Black nominees: 23
Overall Black winners: 8
With Most Nominations: Octavia Spencer with 3
Best Animated Feature Film
In the 81 year Golden Globe history Peter Ramsey has been the only Black animator to be nominated in 2012 with Rise of the Guardians and win in 2018 with Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
Best Director – Motion Picture
Spike Lee made history in 1990 as the first Black director to be nominated in the Best Director category at the Golden Globes. However in the 81 year history of the Golden Globes no Black director has won and in total only five directors have been nominated.
1990 – Spike Lee | Do The Right Thing
2014 – Steve McQueen | 12 Years a Slave
2015 – Ava DuVernay | Selma
2017 – Barry Jenkins | Moonlight
2019 – Spike Lee | BlackKklansman
2021 – Regina King | One Night in Miami
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
In 1985 Charles Fuller made history as the first Black screenwriter to be nominated in the Best Screenplay category. In the 81 year history of the Golden Globes no Black screenwriters have won and in total only four screenwriters have been nominated:
1985 – Charles Full | A Solider’s Story
1990 – Spike Lee | Do The Right Thing
2014 – John Ridley | 12 Years a Slave
2017 – Barry Jenkins | Moonlight
2019 – Barry Jenkins | If Beale Street Could Talk
Best Original Score – Motion Picture
In 1972 Isaac Hayes became the first Black artist to be nominated and win with ‘Shaft’. Almost 50 years later in 2021, Jon Batiste won with ‘Soul’
Times a Black artist was nominated: 7
Overall Black nominees: 6
Overall Black winners: 2
With Most Nominations: Quincy Jones with 2
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
In 1970, Quincy Jones was the first to be nominated for Best Original Song with ‘The Time for Love is Anytime’ for the movie ‘Cactus Flower.’ In 1984, the late Irene Cara won for “Flashdance…What a Feeling” in the movie ‘Flashdance.’
Times a Black artist was nominated: 37
Overall Black winners: 8
With Most Nominations: Beyonce with 4 nominations
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Philip Michael Thomas was the first to be nominated in 1986 for his role in Miami Vice. Sterling K. Brown was the first and only to win in 2018 for his performance on This is Us.
Times a Black actor was nominated: 11
Overall Black nominees: 8
Overall Black winners: 1
With Most Nominations: Billy Porter with 3 nominations
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Denise Nicholas was the first actress ever to be nominated in this category and holds the record as the Black actress with the most nominations in this category. She received nominations in 1970, 1971, and 1972, all for the series Room 222. However, it was Gail Fisher in 1973 who became the first to win the Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series (Drama) for her role in ‘Mannix.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 14
Overall Black nominees: 11
Overall Black winners: 5
With Most Nominations: Denise Nicholas
Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
In 1971, Flip Wilson was the first to be nominated and win for his performance in ‘The Flip Wilson Show.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 30
Overall Black nominees: 11
Overall Black winners: 5
With Most Nominations: Redd Foxx, Bill Cosby, and Don Cheadle all have 4 nominations
Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Diahann Carroll was the first to be nominated in 1970 for her role in ‘Julia.’ In 1984, Debbie Allen became the first Black actress to win for Best Performance in a TV Series (Musical/Comedy) for her role in ‘Fame.’
Times a Black actress was nominated: 20
Overall Black nominees: 10
Overall Black winners: 3
With Most Nominations: Isabel Sanford with 5 nominations
Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
In 1992 Lynn Whitfield would become the first to be nominated for her role in ‘The Josephine Baker Story.’ In 1998, Alfre Woodard would become the first to win a Globe for her performance in ‘Miss Evers’ Boys’
Times a Black actress was nominated: 13
Overall Black nominees: 10
Overall Black winners: 3
With Most Nominations: Alfre Woodard, Halle Berry, and Queen Latifah each have 3 nominations
Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Louis Gossett Jr. became the first to be nominated in 1984 for his role in ‘Sadat.’ 14 years later, Ving Rhames would become the first Black actor to win for his role in ‘Don King: Only in America.’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 20
Overall Black nominees: 14
Overall Black winners: 2 – Idris Elba also won
With Most Nominations: Idris Elba with 4
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role on Television
In 1975 Whitman Mayo became the first to be nominated for his supporting role in Sanford and Son. However it would take almost two decades in 1992 for a Black actor to win. That would be Louis Gossett Jr. for his supporting role ‘The Josephine Baker Story’
Times a Black actor was nominated: 13
Overall Black nominees: 11
Overall Black winners: 4
With Most Nominations: Jimmie Walker and Blair Underwood each have 2
Best Supporting Actress on Television
In 1971, Gail Fisher became the first to be nominated as well as the first Black actress to win a Golden Globe for her supporting role in ‘Mannix.’ She also would be the only actress to ever win.
Times a Black actor was nominated: 12
Overall Black nominees: 8
Overall Black winners: 1
With Most Nominations: Gail Fisher with 3
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
In 2023, Tyler James Williams became the first and only Black actor nominated and won in this category. — This is a new category
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
In 2023, Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph became the first actress nominated in this category.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television
In 2023, Niecy Nash became the first and only Black actor (male or female) to be nominated in this category.