February 2024 | Coolidge Corner Theatre (290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446)
Since the early days of Hollywood, Black actors have challenged perceptions and redefined expectations through powerful performances on the big screen.
This February, we're celebrating over 70 years of iconic Black stars in their most memorable and celebrated roles, from Dorothy Dandridge's history-making achievement in Carmen Jones, to Sidney Poitier's legendary performance as Virgil Tibbs in In the Heat of the Night, and Daniel Kaluuya's award-winning portrayal in Judas and the Black Messiah. By taking a closer look at these icons, we can reflect on how the industry has changed for Black artists over its first century, and envision where it will go from here.
FILM LINE UP
Carmen Jones || Sunday, February 2 at 2:00pm
Dorothy Dandridge, whose vibrant performance resulted in the first Oscar nomination for a Black actress in a leading role, stars as the beautiful temptress Carmen Jones who ensares a GI and a prizefighter in her web.
Super Fly (1972) (in 35mm) || Thursday, February 6 at 7:00pm
One of the most enduring streetwise films of its era, due to the dynamic central performance of Ron O’Neal, the sizzling score by Curtis Mayfield, and the gritty direction of the late Gordon Parks, Jr.
In the Heat of the Night || Sunday, February 9 at 2:00pm
In Norman Jewison’s Oscar-winning milestone, a visiting big-city detective (Sidney Poitier) teams up with a local police chief (Oscar winner Rod Steiger) after the murder of an industrialist.
Glory || Sunday, February 16 at 2:00pm
The heart-stopping story of the first Black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War, starring Denzel Washington in his first Oscar-winning role.
Judas and the Black Messiah || Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00pm
An FBI informant (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).
Sister Act || Sunday, February 23 at 2:00pm
Whoopi Goldberg stars as a low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place on Earth anyone would look for her—a convent.