I recently read an article about Gabourey Sidibe, the plus sized actress that was nomited for an Oscar after her emotional performance in Precious. I wondered, like i'm sure many other people do too, will there be a place for her in Hollywood after this film? The facts are that she is an obese woman, and while she is obvisouly very talented, will there be parts for her and will directors want to cast her in a movie? It's sad that a persons talent can be overlooked or disregarded because of your physical features, but in a way it makes sense. The article I read made a good point in saying that her roles will be severely limited because "no one in the executive world looks like her." Sidibe moved audiences by portraying an abused girl and people were able to feel her pain and suffering through her acting, but is this one role enough to motivate directors and casting agents to cast her in more movies? What would be there motivation for casting her instead of someone more physically attractive? Our culture is so caught up on weight and hollywood that I for one think it will be very difficult for her to continue her career without losing weight. One important factor will be if having her star in a movie will motivate people to go to the theaters and watch a movie she is in. Ticket sales of her upcoming films will really motivate other directors to either keep using her, or to move on to the next actress. Hopefully people can look past her physical size and see her talent, so that she might still have a career next year!
Here is the article I read about her.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/10/gabourey.sidibe.career/index.html
I think Gabourey Sidibe is an amazingly talented actress,but also worry she might not stay long in Hollywood. I am always amazed at how Hollywood portrays women at a certain size and does not use enough minority actors. I mean come on it's 2010 not 1953! I think it is really sad that so many roles will not be available to her. Hollywood needs to be realistic and realize that not everyone is a size zero and there is an "obesity epidemic". So Hollywood should use realistic female actresses and some are not going to be a size zero to five.
I hope that there will be directors and casting agents who are not so fickle and use Gaby's talent. While I don't think Gaby's weight is completely healthy.I do think by seeing more of her people will be more receptive and understanding of people similar to Gaby. It also teaches children and teens that you don't have to be a size three to be a great talent and that they can make it.
As a society by not having a wide variety of talent we are becoming close minded and not allowing ourselves to appreciate real life drama. Art and life are not perfect, so drama should portray that. Hopefully people like Gaby can succeed and teach the doubters it is possible.