Danielle Deadwyler is a contender for Best Actress in ‘Till’ After NYFF

We have Denzel Washington’s single teardrop. We have Viola Davis’ runny nose. And now, we have Danielle Deadwyler’s lip quiver, expertly executed in Chinonye Chukwu’s deeply moving drama “Till.” Another best actress contender emerges although I wish the film could rise to the level of Deadwyler’s performance.

The drama is about Mamie Till (Deadwyler), who was the mother of Emmett till. It was an important catalyst for civil rights movements and caused outrage around the world. “Till” charts Mamie’s grief, as well as her pursuit of justice. But getting people to see a movie about such a horrific event will be a tough sell, even if the film avoids depicting much of the brutality of Emmett Till’s killing.

In the weeks leading up to its debut at the New York Film Festival where it had its world premiere on Saturday, I’ve told dozens of people – colleagues, friends, Oscar voters – to see “Till.” But when I tell them what it’s about, most of them admit they don’t want to see a movie about such a grim subject –even after I assure them that the murder takes place largely off-screen.

And that’s the state we find ourselves in this time where an immensely talented filmmaker like Chukwu, best known for 2019’s “Clemency,”This opportunity is hers to tell this story. She’s not doing it with the prospect of box office rewards. She’s doing it because we owe it to Mamie, a woman who fought tirelessly for justice, faced her son’s killers and had to hear her child defamed in death by the same people who stole his life. In the script Chukwu and Keith Beauchamp co-wrote, her journey from grieving mother into reluctant civil rights fighter is beautifully documented.

Chukwu’s direction is another standout in a year of compelling work from Black women directors. We’ve already seen Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” and Nikyatu Jusu’s “Nanny,” with Kasi Lemmons’ “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”There is more to come.

“Till”Will also remind the audience that she co-hosted long before she got started as a host “The View,”Whoopi Goldberg was an outstanding actress. Goldberg was a past Oscar winner. “Ghost”(1990) Nominated for “The Color Purple”(1986) Produced the film. Two standout scenes are in “Till” as Emmett’s grandmother. Each one demonstrates the precision and deliberative technique that only Goldberg masters could attain. Goldberg may not have enough screen time to get a nomination, but she’s a worthy addition to the supporting actress race.

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The film’s supporting male cast take a backseat to Deadwyler, although they are still impressive. Jalyn Hall captures the adolescent spirit and young curiosity of Emmett while veteran actor Frankie Faison showcases his quintessential stature and presence that’s gone underappreciated for decades. After what seems like decades, Sean Patrick Thomas is back. “Save the Last Dance,” with his role as Mamie’s boyfriend and stepfather to Emmett. This is his best role. Also, the man hasn’t aged a day.

Technical categories might get some attention. Bobby Bukowski’s polished cinematography, as well as the film’s costumes and production design, which expertly bring 1950s Chicago and the segregated South to life, could get nominated.

So is it “Till”Are you an Oscar contender? Much will depend on whether the film is seen. To that end, the marketing and awards team will have to beg industry voters to watch the film all season long, and there’s a good chance some of them might not give it a fair shake. This would be a terrible thing, as this story and the film are worthy of your attention.

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