Philadelphia's own Da'Vine Joy Randolph clinched the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Holdovers," marking a significant triumph for the City of Brotherly Love on Hollywood's biggest night. Randolph, a Philadelphia native, who studied at Temple University and cut her teeth in the theater department just across the street on North Broad, delivered an acceptance speech that drew on her roots and the guiding influence of her mother. "God is good," Randolph proclaimed, as reported by FOX29.
Randolph's journey to the Oscar stage saw her transforming from a singer to an actor under the advice of her mother, who saw something in the theater world for her daughter. In a statement obtained by the Hollywood Reporter, Randolph gave thanks to the tireless support of her publicist: "You don’t have a publicist like I have a publicist. You have been by my side through this entire thing, and I am forever grateful." Her career, originally rooted in music, later blossomed with a Broadway debut and the role of Lady Reed in "Dolemite Is My Name," which previously garnered her recognitions including an NAACP Image Award nomination and wins with the African-American Film Critics Association and the Black Film Critics Circle.
During her acceptance, Randolph not only acknowledged her mother but also named several influential women in her career, including producers Colleen Camp and Barbara Broccoli, and agents Tracy Brennan and Sarah Fargo. Reflecting on her individuality and journey, she said, "For so long I wanted to be different, and now I realize I just need to be myself." Her heartfelt statement served as a testament to her unique trajectory within a competitive industry.
Despite the celebration, it was a mixed bag of results for other Philadelphia notables at the Oscars. While Randolph took home the gold, her co-star Colman Domingo, nominated for "Rustin," and Bradley Cooper, up for "Maestro," both with Philly roots, ended the night empty-handed, as reported by the PhillyVoice. Even Paul Giamatti, who secured a nomination for Best Actor in "The Holdovers" alongside Randolph, didn't grab the statuette, in a ceremony majorly dominated by the film "Oppenheimer" in several key categories.
