Sinners and Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America Podcast Among the Honorees
SAG-AFTRA announced the film Sinners and Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America podcast as two of the recipients for its seventh biennial SAG-AFTRA American Scene Awards. The awards honor productions that exemplify the best of diverse and inclusive entertainment, music, and news.
The presentation was hosted by What We Do in the Shadows co-stars Harvey Guillén and Kristen Schaal and is available to view online now on SAG-AFTRA’s YouTube channel. The show features American Sign Language interpretation and is available with closed captions and audio description.
American Scene Awards honorees are selected for their work in championing diversity and inclusivity by highlighting the talents and telling the stories of underrepresented or misrepresented groups. Recipients are determined based on authenticity, excellence, and impact. These are the only awards bestowed by the union to specifically celebrate employers who value diversity in all its forms.
The American Scene Awards hosts paid tribute to pioneering broadcast journalist Belva Davis, who died Sept. 24 at 92. In 1966, Davis became the first African American woman to become a television reporter on the U.S. West Coast. She would go on to serve her union as a National Board member and vice president. The SAG-AFTRA American Scene Award for broadcasters was named in her honor in 2013.
Recipients are recognized across three union contract categories: Entertainment, Music & Sound Recordings, and News & Broadcast.
Entertainment
Recipient: Sinners – Warner Bros. Pictures / Domain Entertainment / Proximity Media
Nominees: Reservation Dogs – FX on Hulu and Wicked – Universal Pictures
Music & Sound Recordings
Recipient: I Lied to You – Sinners Soundtrack – Warner Bros. Pictures / Domain Entertainment / Proximity Media
Nominees: Abracadabra by Lady Gaga – Universal Music Group and Anxiety by Doechii – Universal Music Group
Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award
Recipient: Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America (podcast) – JJ Green & WTOP
Nominees: Chasing the Watermelon Man – KCRW and New in Class: The Migrant Experience – WGN News
“The American Scene Awards shine a light on those who open doors and create opportunities for storytellers from all backgrounds, and I couldn’t be happier for this year’s winners and finalists. These projects remind us that when our industry embraces the full spectrum of humanity, we not only tell better stories, but we build a better future. Congratulations to all!” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin.
“These employers and creators are leading by example, showing the world that authentic representation truly matters, and that inclusivity is not only the right thing to do, but makes our industry stronger and more vibrant because of it,” said SAG-AFTRA National Diversity Advisory Committee Chair Jason George.
“Fair representation is at the heart of what our union stands for. It is essential as an industry that we recognize the work of employers who have made diversity and authenticity a priority, ensuring that all communities see themselves reflected with dignity and respect,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
The recipients expressed their gratitude in being recognized for their work:
“Thank you to SAG-AFTRA for the honor of choosing us,” said Sinners producers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. “Our dream was to make something unique that pushed genre boundaries while reminding audiences that even in the most difficult times, there is still beauty, love, art and community. On behalf of everyone who poured their heart into this film, thank you again.”
“Thank you so much to SAG-AFTRA for this incredible honor,” said Sinners film composer Ludwig Göransson. “This award celebrates the collaboration of every artist who gave their soul to Sinners, a film that is both a cinematic songbook, an ode to blues and the culture that created it.”
“Words can’t fully express my gratitude to SAG-AFTRA for honoring Colors,” said WTOP’s JJ Green. “This project was born out of heartbreak — out of the unbearable grief and desperation that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. My colleagues and I created this show to turn that pain into purpose, to give voice to what so many were feeling but couldn’t say. I dedicate this honor to George Floyd, to his family and to every person still fighting for justice in his name.”
The American Scene Awards are presented as part of SAG-AFTRA’s biennial convention, and are overseen by the union’s National Diversity Advisory and National Honors & Tributes committees.
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