Chadwick Boseman took home yet another posthumous award for his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
His widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor on Chadwick’s behalf.
“Wow. It has to be said aloud that for those of us who know Chad intimately, personally, professionally, those he taught, those he gave a word of advice, those who taught him, it is so hard to find a celebratory feeling in these moments,” she said. “As proud as we are of him, yes, for his work, but even more just for who he is as a person.”
She continued,
“He would always thank God first and foremost in everything,” she said. “He would always honor his mother and his father. He would always acknowledge those who came before him, those who charted the path, those who gave him their gifts. … He may say something about the importance of this story. About the importance of Black voices telling Black stories. He may take this moment to give honor to August Wilson, one of the greatest playwrights of our time. And, as I recently read, societies grow great when all men plant trees in their shade. They know they may never sit, and our society may be a far cry from great, but I know that the seeds you planted will grow into forests. And one day we too will be tall enough to reach the heavens. Thank you Critics’ Choice, and thank you Chad.”
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom received eight Critics Choice Award nominations, taking home three; Best Actor, Best Hair and Makeup, and Best Costume Design.
