#RoyalMen
Claim it and you will achieve it!
Eight years ago, Matthew Cherry predicted he would win an Oscar.
“I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it,” the former Akron University wide receiver tweeted.
I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 2, 2012
On Monday ( Jan. 13), Cherry’s prediction came true when his film, “Hair Love” was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Short Film category. “Wow! And to have Issa Rae announce it! It feels like a dream,” he tweeted. Co-written and directed by Cherry, “Hair Love” is about a black father who learns how to do his daughter’s hair for the first time. The short film brings up fond memories of any black girl whose dad was tasked with getting our hair done, if mama didn’t do it that morning or the night before.
#HairLove is live! It’s an animated short film about an African American father learning how to do his daughters hair for the first time. Written & Directed by me, co-directed by @BruceAlmighteee @Mr_Scribbles & stars @IssaRae. @SonyAnimation #HairLove pic.twitter.com/RRlh2Ncol1
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) December 5, 2019
At the time, Cherry said he created the 7-minute movie to highlight the relationship between black fathers and their daughters and give representation to black girls with kinky hair to love and make them feel comfortable about it. The Kickstarter campaign for the film raised almost $300,000.
Hair Love is also a children’s book.
This my favorite picture ever. #RepresentationMatters #HairLove pic.twitter.com/kbSviTqofX
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) January 14, 2020
There isn’t a lot of representation at the Oscars this year, but we’re happy to see this one, and the Obamas, make the cut! The 92nd Annual Academy Awards airs on Feb. 9th on ABC.