A Fisti Recast-athon

Drew over at A Fistful of Films poses a great idea. He wants us to pick an Oscar nominated performance by a white actress, and replace them with an actress with color. Here are the rules:

1)  Pick an OSCAR NOMINATED performance given by a white actress that didn't require a white actress (no biopics here, even though Todd Haynes taught us that you don't need to be the same race or gender to play a real life person).  This performance can come from ANY film year.

2)  Pick an actress of color who could have been a great fit for the role instead of the one cast.  Keep in mind the time of release and chose actresses who were working at that time.  So, in other words, don't select the role of Calla Mackie in 1968's Rachel, Rachel (played by Estelle Parsons) and suggest it be a great fit for Naomie Harris, because, well, she wasn't born for another eight years.

3)  Explain WHY that actress would have made a great fit.  Plead her case.  Let's tell those Hollywood casting directors what they're missing.

4)  Have your post up by Friday, September 26th.  I've giving you a little bit of time on this one, and by all means, do a BUNCH OF THEM!  Spread the word.  Invite any and all to the recast-athon and let's give these actresses a voice!  

5)  You can post a link to your post here in the comment section, PM me on Twitter (@fististhoughts) or email me (andrew.ellington@hotmail.com).  You can use the banner I created above, or by all means use your own!

This was HARD to narrow down. There's so many talented women out there, but this is what I came up with: 

Adeparo Oduye for Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

I adore Williams in that role, but Oduye could've easily played it as well. Oduye has had a few bit parts over the years and has mostly focused on theater, but there's two very important parts she's had that make me think she'd be awesome in Blue Valentine: Alike in Pariah and Eliza in 12 Years A Slave.

Cindy was depressed in Blue Valentine. She was trying to hold on to her marriage, be a good mother and live a stable life she was deprived from as a child. Williams gave a very emotional performance and I think Oduye could easily match that. I think of the final scene where Cindy yells "I want a fucking divorce" at Dean. She would've nailed that. Or that scene where Cindy tap dances for Dean, she would've been great there too. I wish I could tell every casting director in Hollywood to watch Pariah and see just how good Oduye is. She's a wonderful dramatic actress. An Oscar of her own is surely in her future. 

Thanks for hosting, Drew!