30 years have passed since Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg officially took the Oscar home and she still carries that glow looking absolutely regal on Variety’s latest cover. Whoopi Goldberg Graces Cover Of Variety’s Pre-Oscars Issue
The EGOT and TV personality was featured on the cover for the magazine’s pre-Oscars, “Hollywood Royalty,” issue and looks healthy and happy! Goldberg didn’t hold back getting dressed up to celebrate one of Hollywood’s biggest night.
In the photo spread, she dons a series of fun and funky looks like this bold blue coat and white hat. And we are loving it and appreciating seeing Whoopi glamourous.
Goldberg stuns in a voluminous black gown designed by Christian Siriano, which you can see twice because it’s on the cover and inside the mag. There is no question, she brought plenty of fierceness to the photo shoot. During her interview with Variety, Goldberg reminisced about her first Oscar win from 30 years ago and looked back on her outfit from that special night: a black sequined column gown. Whoopi Goldberg Graces Cover Of Variety’s Pre-Oscars Issue
“I looked really good,” she said. “My hair was cool. Dress was cute. I couldn’t look glamorous like other people look glamorous. I wasn’t thin and I wasn’t a white lady, so I had to find my own style.”
The 65-year-old also reflected on the Black women who paved the way for her diverse career in Hollywood and named several female actors who inspired her.
“I think of all the women — Diahann Carroll, Pearl Bailey, Dorothy Dandridge, Butterfly McQueen, Hattie McDaniel, Juanita Hall — who did great, amazing work that was overlooked.”
Goldberg’s win was historic, she became the first Black woman to receive an Oscar in 50 years. Hattie McDaniel became the first Black person to win in any category in 1940 (for supporting actress in “Gone With the Wind”). After that, only three Black people received the honor: Sidney Poitier (for “Lilies of the Field”), Louis Gossett Jr. (for “An Officer and a Gentleman”) and Denzel Washington (for “Glory”).
Goldberg is in the midst of her third act with the Academy, serving on the board of governors for the actors’ branch. The 2021 Oscars, which will be broadcast live on April 25, will be quite different from the ones she hosted. They will be held amid the pandemic with strict COVID safety protocols, and only the nominees and their guest will be in attendance. This year’s crop of contenders is also the most diverse ever, with nine people of color among the 20 acting nominees. Whereas 30 years ago, Goldberg was the only Black winner, this time all four acting categories could be won by a person of color — a first in the ceremony’s history.
