TMZ Staff
Issue up toThe family of is saddened and amazed that the Motion Picture Academy ignored the film about this tragic and pivotal story in American history…and it did so in every category of the Oscars.
Emmett’s cousin and co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, Deborah Wattstells TMZ … the family is extremely disappointed with the film “Till” and its main actress Danielle Deadwyler — who plays Emmett’s mother — received no nominations.
Deborah says Danielle “embodied and delivered the true essence of our cousin, a loving and courageous mother, Grandma Till Mobley. She reached deep and poured her heart and soul into this role as she intimately embraced us like no other, while transforming into Grandma and bringing her true essence and story to life.”
As you know, the film tells the story of Emmett’s 1955 kidnapping and lynching in Mississippi… which sent shockwaves across the country when a photo of his brutally beaten body was released public.
The family’s sentiment about Danielle’s snobbishness fits a social media trend – with people pointing out that no black women have been nominated in the Best Actor category… and it wouldn’t be the first time.
Some users have noted Viola Davis was another worthy contender for her performance in the box office hit, “The Woman King.”
Going forward, Deborah said, “The Emmett Till Legacy family and community of supporters will ensure that the legacy and story of Emmett and Mamie will continue to be told with or without awards.”
Danielle has yet to respond publicly — we’ve reached out to her reps, but the reality is actors rarely talk about the snubs.