With awards season swiftly approaching, it’s time to spotlight the incredible talent that has graced our screens and speakers. As we eagerly await the Golden Globes and Grammys, we are reflecting on the Black artists receiving well-deserved nominations this year. From prolific songwriters and musicians to extraordinary actors, these individuals are not just nominees; they are trailblazers, challenging norms and redefining the narratives that shape our culture. 

1.Fantasia Barrino, Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (The Color Purple)  

The resurgence of Fantasia is here! It’s been almost two decades since Fantasia Barrino won American Idol, and the singer/actress’s performance in Blitz Bazawule’s The Color Purple is a testament as to why she truly deserving of that title. Barrino reprised the role of Celie in the musical-film adaptation after performing in the 2007 Broadway musical.  Barrino’s stellar portrayal of Celie is grounded and filled with the same honesty as the 1985 film. During the song “I’m Here,” Barrino gives an award-worthy moment when she looks directly into the camera and sings, “I’m beautiful and I’m here.” This is Barrino’s first Golden Globe nomination. 

2. Victoria Monét, Grammy for Record of the Year (On My Mama) 

Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama” was the undeniable song of the summer. The song is a mantra for self-confidence featuring an interpolation of the Charlie Boy classic, “I Look Good.” With lines such as, “I’m so deep in my bag, like a grandma with a peppermint,” Monét provided us with endless Instagram captions. It comes as no surprise that this song was nominated for Record of The Year after reaching No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Billboard chart and receiving praise from fellow artists like Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, and Ciara. This is one of Monét’s seven Grammy nominations this year. 

3. Colman Domingo, Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Rustin) 

George C. Wolfe’s Rustin, a biopic of the late civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, was a must-see film. Colman Domingo’s portrayal of Rustin embodied the image of the often-overlooked icon and brought life to the film. Domingo’s performance can be described as showcasing the unbreakable spirit of determination. This Golden Globe nomination is Domingo’s first.  

4. Jon Batiste, Grammy for Album of the Year (World Music Radio) 

Jon Batiste has had a dynamic career. The singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Madonna, and Lenny Kravitz. Batiste’s latest album, World Music Radio, can be described as an encapsulation of universal music spanning genres. The album features collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Kenny G, JID, NEWJEANS, & Justin Bieber.  This nomination marks Batiste’s twentieth Grammy Award nomination. 

5. Abbott Elementary, Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy 

The world of Abbott Elementary has taken over many of our homes. Whether it’s the no-nonsense glares from Mrs. Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), tone-deaf one-liners from everyone’s favorite principal (Janelle James), or the insistent and sometimes detrimental optimism of Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) this mockumentary series about a Philadelphia public school has taken a place in our hearts and given voice to educators all over. This nomination marks the show’s seventh Golden Globe nomination. 

6. The War and Treaty, Grammy for Best New Artist 

Husband and wife duo, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount better known as The War and Treaty, have taken the country music world by storm. The two started recording together in 2014 creating music what they describe as a mix of blues, gospel, soul, bluegrass, and country. Their album Lover’s Game was released in May of 2023 and reached No. 56 on the US Top Current Album Sales Billboard chart. In 2023, The War and Treaty was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Their nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards could make them the first Black Country duo to win the award.  

7. Lenny Kravitz, Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture (Rustin) 

“Road to Freedom” from the Netflix film Rustin is an original song written by Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz has stated that his goal was to make a song that evokes the struggle and triumph of the civil rights, and it does just that. It’s a song that feels like it could be the score behind a true activist’s work, so it’s fitting that this song was created for the biopic of Bayard Rustin. The song opens with the line “We are here to make the dream,” a nod to Rustin’s influence in the life of Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. The song’s nomination for Best Original Song marks Kravitz’s first Golden Globe nomination and hopefully his first win.  

8. Danielle Brooks, Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (The Color Purple) 

Danielle Brooks has been a trailblazer on our screens since we first saw her as Taystee on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. Now, in the latest re-imagining of The Color Purple, Brooks shows that she is capable of giving a soul-stirring performance. Her portrayal of Sophia, a role she reprises from the 2015-2017 Broadway revival, gives the character new life while keeping true to the heart of the story. This performance earned Brooks her first Golden Globe nomination.  

Awards shows are a moment to honor the transformative power of art and the artists who make it all possible. We applaud these incredible artists and wish the best to all nominees in their respective categories. The 81st Golden Globe Awards will broadcast live on CBS, January 7th at 8PM ET. The 66th Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS, February 4th at 8PM ET.