Biopic Films on Discrimination: Stories of Struggle and Triumph

Description: This adaptation of Alice Walker's novel tells the story of Celie, an African-American woman living in rural Georgia, who faces severe racial and gender discrimination.

Fact: Whoopi Goldberg received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Celie. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg.

Description: Set during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, this film explores the relationship between an African-American maid and her white employer, highlighting the racial tensions and discrimination of the time.

Fact: Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg deliver powerful performances, and the film was inspired by the real-life events of the boycott.

Description: Based on the true story of the Wiley College debate team, this film showcases their fight against racial discrimination in the 1930s through their success in debate competitions.

Fact: Denzel Washington not only starred in but also directed this film, which was inspired by the real-life team's story.

Description: This biopic focuses on Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, detailing his struggle against racial discrimination in sports.

Fact: Chadwick Boseman, who played Jackie Robinson, later portrayed James Brown in "Get on Up" and Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall."

Description: "Milk" is the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, who fought against discrimination and for gay rights in the 1970s.

Fact: Sean Penn won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. The film also features archival footage of Milk's speeches.

Description: "Selma" chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a campaign to secure equal voting rights for African Americans, highlighting the discrimination they faced.

Fact: The film was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and David Oyelowo's portrayal of Dr. King was critically acclaimed.

Description: This film follows the life of Cecil Gaines, an African-American butler who served in the White House for over three decades, witnessing the civil rights movement firsthand. It's a poignant exploration of racial discrimination in America.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Eugene Allen, who served as a White House butler for 34 years. Oprah Winfrey plays the role of Cecil's wife, Gloria.

Description: Set in the 1960s, this film explores the lives of African-American maids working in white households in Mississippi, highlighting the racial discrimination they endured.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's novel of the same name. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: "Loving" recounts the real-life story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court case against anti-miscegenation laws.

Fact: The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, and Ruth Negga received a nomination for Best Actress.

Description: This film tells the true story of three African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the Space Race, overcoming both racial and gender discrimination.

Fact: The film was based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, and it was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.