SELMA's brilliance shines a light on diversity - a light we all need to see.

Selma movie poster

Sunday's 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards were illuminating. For me, primarily because much has changed in the realm of equality, and it was apparent that even with the approximate 80% white attendance and nominations at the show, we are now continuing to see a steady stream of minority representation in the Hollywood & entertainment realms. That steady representation's message is one of continual improvement and change, which was the message behind the nominees. Specifically, that of the movie Selma. Last week I went with some very close friends to see a special pre-screening of Selma. The film took the post 1964 Civil Rights Act which desegregated the south and allowed blacks to vote, events in Selma, Alabama and made it into a gorgeous screenplay told in a docudrama format. Selma, was nothing short of perfectly cast by Aisha Coley, and brilliantly directed by Ava DuVernay. It is unmistakably Oscar worthy.

Emmy winner Ryan Murphy challenges society...and I gladly accept! By Brian J. Patterson

Ryan Murphy with husband David Miller on Emmy red carpet.

The Normal Heart, directed by Ryan Murphy and starring Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Alfred Molina, Julia Roberts, Joe Manello, Jonathan Groff, Denis O'Hare, Stephen Spinella, Corey Stoll, Finn Wittrock, and BD Wong, was nominated for 16 (yes, you heard that right, sixteen) awards for the 66th Annual Prime Time Emmys. I was ecstatic to watch, as it won it's only award for Outstanding Television Movie. This film, which depicts the story of the HIV/AIDS crisis of the early 1980s in New York City, meant so much to so many people due to it's raw and truthful subject matter which is both touching and moving. I won't even exhibit such hubris by attempting to put into words what this film accomplished and why. However, what I will do is honor it's powerful work by answering the call to action which director Ryan Murphy set forth.