Adaptation and African American Literature
In 2021, Nella Larsen’s novel Passing was made into a Hollywood film, before premiering on Netflix in fall of that year. The film garnered many prestigious awards, with critics praising the producer, script, and of course, the acting. Yet the film did not receive any Oscar nominations. To some, this omission is quite surprising, given the unanimous acclaim the movie has already received. To others, this exemplifies Hollywood: they often award golden statuettes to Black movies that are rooted in stereotypical Black images of slavery, violence, and the white savior complex, among many others.