PHOTOS

: Whenever most people think about the <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2012/02/24/12-black-actors-who-won-oscar-academy-award/">Academy Awards</a>, it’s the actors, actresses and directors that often come to mind first. (Congratulations to Octavia Spencer on joining the short <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2012/02/24/12-black-actors-who-won-oscar-academy-award/">list of African American Oscar winners</a> during the 84th Annual Academy Awards.) However, there are dozens of other categories that highlight the hard work of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes players. For instance, the categories of Best Original Song and Best Original Score feature several African American winners. Here are seven oftentimes forgotten names from the world of music on the list of African American winners. —Darralynn Hutson

: ISAAC HAYES In 1971, Hayes brought home the Academy Award for Best Original Song after writing, producing and singing “The Theme from Shaft.” As the title suggests, the song was the title track for Richard Roundtree’s Blaxploitation classic Shaft. The win made Hayes the first African American winner in the category, as well as the first African American to win an Oscar in a category outside of acting.

: IRENE CARA The singer/actress took home a Best Original Song Oscar in 1983 for co-writing “What a Feeling,” which was featured in the dance film, Flashdance. The first African American woman to win a non-acting Oscar, Cara is also know for her acting and performance in the 1980 film, Fame.

: STEVIE WONDER Among his many career accomplishments, which include over 20 Grammy Awards, Wonder also has Oscar among his collection of trophies. His Hollywood stamp of approval came in 1984 for “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” which appeared in the film, The Woman in Red.

: PRINCE In 1984, Prince won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for his film Purple Rain, making him the first African American to win in that category, which was eventually phased out of the Oscar ballot.

: LIONEL RICHIE During the 1985 Academy Awards show, Richie took home an Oscar for “Say You, Say Me” from the film, White Knights.

: HERBIE HANCOCK Noted jazz player Hancock won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 1986 for his work in Round Midnight, making him the first African American to win in that category.

: THREE 6 MAFIA After nearly a 19-year gap, rappers/producers Juicy J and DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, along with Frayser Boy, added on to the collection of African American artists to win an Oscar in the music category. Their 2005 crossover hit, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” which was featured on the independent film, Hustle & Flow, gave them the distinction of being the first hip-hop artists to earn an Oscar.

Posted: February 27, 2012

Takashima

Reece has the Julia hair from that year too!!The nude and sparkly is nstnniug in person doesn’t photograph well.Sorry don’t care for Blanchette or Johannson dress.

Michael Williams

Didn’t Peabo Bryson win two Oscars for the theme songs of Aladdin and Beauty & the Beast, with Regina Belle and Celine Dion?
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Angelina

I always go for it in aderms. I mean, you never know, Oscar Wilde could be just the person you need to calm the raging torrent of Chris in your life. When you’re lying on your urine soaked deathbed 4-5 weeks from now, you’ll wish you’d had a dream fling with a noted author.

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