“If things had come differently this past week in Minneapolis, I may have traded in my heels for marching boots,” actress-director Regina King said during her opening remarks at the 93rd Academy Awards on Sunday (April 25).
The One Night In Miami director opened the show reflecting upon the guilty verdict that came down in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who was convicted of the murder of George Floyd. The trial wrapped up a week earlier and a jury deliberated for about 10 hours over two days before delivering the verdict last Tuesday (April 20).
Floyd’s murder last May sparked national and global protests as video of his death circulated social media and amplified calls to end police brutality.
“It has been quite a year and we are still smack dab in the middle of it,” King also said.
King also got personal in her opening remarks at the awards, sharing that celebrity status doesn’t make anyone immune from the impact of police violence.
“I know that a lot of you people at home want to reach for your remote when you feel like Hollywood is preaching to you,” she added. “But as the mother of a Black son, I know the fear that so many live with. And no amount of fame or fortune changes that. OK? But tonight, we are here to celebrate,” King said.
The legendary actress’ directorial debut, One Night In Miami, was nominated for two awards: Best Adapted Screenplay and Leslie Odom Jr. was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
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