Emmys 2020: Here's why Octavia Spencer nomination for 'Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker' is apt
Netflix's limited series 'Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker' offers a wonderful insight into the pioneer of African-American beauty. Inspired by the book 'On Her Own Ground' written by A'Lelia Bundles, the limited series narrates the story of how Madam CJ Walker (played by Octavia Spencer), against all odds, became a pioneer in the African American hair care and beauty industry. Academy Award-winning Octavia Spencer stars in the lead role as Sarah Breedlove on her journey to becoming Madam CJ Walker. The miniseries brings the uplifting story of how the cultural icon overcame post-slavery racial and gender biases, personal betrayals, and business rivalries to build a ground-breaking brand that revolutionized black haircare. At the same time, it also documents her fight for social change.
Created by Nicole Jefferson Asher with co-showrunners Elle Johnson & Janine Sherman Barrois, directed by Kasi Lemmons and DeMane Davis, and executive produced by Barrois, Johnson, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Eric Oberland, Christine Holder, Mark Holder, Kasi Lemmons, LeBron James and Spencer, the show was fairly criticised for its several historical inaccuracies and for taking one too many creative liberties - particularly dramatising of the relationshio Spencer's character shares with Addie Munroe (Carmen Ejogo), who was based on the real-life Annie Malone. Yet one cannot deny the impression that protagonist Spencer creates with her performance in the titular role. And Spencer proved so with her nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
What makes Spencer deserving of this nomination - and a win hopefully - is the fact that despite the inaccuracies and dramatisation, she brings to her character a zest that is rare. She crosses each hurdle not with ease but with sheer determination and cause. From her husband's infidelity to all the traditional societal conventions, Spencer as Madam CJ Walker breaks through each one of them delivering a performance that overwhelmed audiences.
In MEA WorldWide's review of the show we published back in March, we wrote, "There is perhaps no one other than Octavia Spencer who could have possibly portrayed Madam CJ Walker. Her performance is spellbinding, carrying a permanent glint of hope in her eyes. Throughout the four episodes of the limited series, Spencer carries the series on her shoulders, never once faltering under the weight of the dynamic storytelling." And rightly so. What makes it even better is the fact that her on-screen energy works in symbiosis with the supporting cast, most importantly with Tiffany Haddish as her daughter Leila.
Spencer's nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie for Primetime Emmy this year pits her against Kerry Washington's Mia Warren from 'Little Fires Everywhere', Cate Blanchett's Phyllis Schlafly on 'Mrs America', Shira Haas' Esther Shapiro on 'Unorthodox' and Regina King's Angela Abar/Sister Night in 'Watchmen'. But awarding Spencer the win will cement the recognition she rightly deserves.