Cynthia Erivo On Being The Only Black Actor Nominated For 2020 Oscars: ‘Saddening’

Cynthia Erivo recently spoke openly on how she feels about being the only Black actor ― and, indeed, the only actor of color ― to receive a nomination in the four acting categories for the 2020 Oscars.

The “Harriet” star called her nomination both a celebration and a “real eye-opener” during an interview with author Roxane Gay for The Hollywood Reporter that was published Friday.

“It can’t just be me alone,” she said. “There’s just such good work going on, and this may sound fatalistic, but I would hate for people’s work to have gone by and then for us to have looked back and go, ‘Oh, I wish we would’ve given roses,’ when people aren’t there to actually receive them. I don’t want us to do that.”

She added, “To be in a room and not being able to see other actors [of color] who are nominated, to not be able to share that with another Black actress is saddening. I would love to share this moment with someone else.”