British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo snagged two Oscar nominations for her participation in the movie “Harriet.” The entertainment icon recounted her make-do celebration in honor of her latest feat on Naomi Campbell’s podcast.
“Harriet” star Cynthia Erivo is set to join the host of Hollywood EGOT legends after snagging two Oscar nominations for her role in the film.
The entertainment icon, who scored acting and singing roles in the movie, landed an Oscar nod in the Best Actress category for playing Harriet Tubman. The star also earned a nomination in the Original song category for performing Harriet’s “Stand-Up.”
While appearing on Naomi Campbell’s podcast, “No Filter With Naomi,” the 33-year-old recalled the moment she learned of the nominations. She explained how she came to know of the feat while on a plane to Japan.
Erivo fell asleep during the trip and decided to turn on her phone upon waking up. Instantly, a barrage of texts and congratulatory messages flooded her inbox. However, finding out on a plane restricted her celebratory options, she recalled:
“I was on a plane! So I couldn’t tell anyone. I spoke to the air hostesses, who were so kind, so sweet. They gave me a little fruit plate to celebrate, a little card that said ‘congratulations.”
Having won Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards in the past, Cynthia Erivo’s Oscar nod put her in line to become the next addition to the EGOT title holders.
It also made her the only Black nominee in the acting category of the 2020 Oscars. The star has been vocal about the implication of the inadequate Black representation in Hollywood award shows.
This year will be a turning point for everyone
During an interview with BBC, she condemned the lack of diversity among Oscar nominees and how it called for concern.
Additionally, Erivo buttressed the need to “figure out how this happens” recurrently. Going further, the star reflected on the slew of black actors that deserved to become award winners. She added:
“Hopefully, this year will be a turning point for everyone because we’re talking about it out loud. And now it can start to make some changes.”
As most may recall, Erivo earned her Oscar nomination in January 2020 for starring as the titular character in the 2019 film “Harriet.”
She emerged as a nominee amongst notable Hollywood performers like Scarlett Johansson, who starred in “Marriage Story,” Saoirse Ronan in “Little Women,” Renee Zellweger in “Judy,” and Charlize Theron in “Bombshell.”
Before landing her role as the slave-turned-abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, the actress starred in other films. Most of these earned her notable awards, Including a Tony in 2016, a Grammy, and a Daytime Emmy.
The Oscar nominee has continued making waves in the entertainment industry, setting an example for the next generation of Black actors.