Boyz n the Hoodwas John Singleton’s directorial debut, and it earned him an Oscar record that had been untouched for 50 years. Since its release, the movie has been recognized as one of the most significant films of the 1990s, andBoyz n the Hoodis credited with having launched the careers of many of its actors.Boyz n the Hoodhas received numerous awards, and it currently holds a 96% critics approval rating and 93% audience rating onRotten Tomatoes.
The coming-of-age dramaexplores the lives of teenage boys living in South Central Los Angeles and deals with themes of loyalty, friendship, and love. Along with various accolades for the performers and his screenplay, John Singleton’s work onBoyz n the Hoodearned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director, breaking a record that Orson Welles had set 50 years earlier.
John Singleton Became The Youngest Best Director Oscar Nominee With Boyz N The Hood
Singleton Was 24 When His Film Was Nominated
At the 1991 Academy Awards, John Singelton was nominated for Best Director forBoyz n the Hood. At only 24 years old, Singleton then became the youngest person to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar and the first Black director to be nominated. Singleton was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, but lost toThelma & Louise’sCallie Khouri.
Though Singleton did not win the Oscar for Best Director, he still made history as the youngest nominee andBoyz n the Hoodcontinues to be as highly regarded as it was 30 years ago.
AlongsideBoyz n the Hood, Barry Levinson’sBugsy, Oliver Stone’sJFK, and Ridley Scott’sThelma & Louisewere all nominees. However, The Academy Award ultimately went to Jonathan Demme forThe Silence of the Lambs,which also won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, making it one of only three films to ever win the Big Five. Though Singleton did not win the Oscar for Best Director, he still made history as the youngest nominee andBoyz n the Hoodcontinues to be as highly regarded as it was 30 years ago.
Orson Welles Previously Was The Youngest Best Director Oscar Nominee After Citizen Kane
Welles Was 26 When Citizen Kane Was Nominated
Like Singleton’sBoyz n the Hood, Citizen Kanewas also Orson Welles' directorial debut for a feature-length film.Citizen Kanepremiered the same week that Welles turned 26, making him the youngest Best Director nominee in 1941. The other nominees were Alexander Hall forHere Comes Mr. Jordan, William Wyler forThe Little Foxes, and Howard Hawks forSergeant York.John Ford won Best Directorfor the filmHow Green Was My Valley,a choice that is now considered strange givenCitizen Kane’s legacy.
8 Directors With The Most Best Director Oscar Nominations
There have been many acclaimed directors who have received several Best Director nominations from the Academy for their work in the movie industry.
Citizen Kaneis now considered one of the best films of all time, but, likeBoyz n the Hood, Welles was not very successful at the Academy Awards.Citizen Kanereceived nine nominations, but it only won Best Original Screenplay. Its other nominations include Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Score, Best Sound, Best Production, Best Cinematography for a black and white film, and Best Film Editing. However, many of the films thatCitizen Kanelost to have not had the longevity in popularity thatCitizen Kanehas experienced.
What Happened To John Singleton After His Oscar Nomination?
John Singleton Directed Other Successful Films Throughout His Career
Though John Singleton never received another Oscar nomination afterBoyz n the Hood,he went on to direct several other popular and financially successful films. His next film afterBoyz n the Hood,Poetic Justice, though not widely regarded at the time, has gained cult popularity in the years since its release. In the latter half of the 1990s, Singleton also directed the dramaHigher Learning,which received mixed reviews, and the historical dramaRosewood, which received positive critical reviews but was not financially successful.
10 Movies That Forced The Oscars To Change Their Rules
Across the history of the Oscars, there have been several movies that have forced the Academy to change their rules regarding their prestigious award.
In the 2000s, Singleton turned more toward popular action movies. He directedShaft, starring Samuel L. Jackson, which was a follow-up to the 1971 movie of the same name. Singleton also directed2 Fast 2 Furious, the second installment in theFast & Furiousfranchise.His 2001 movieBaby Boywas more similar toBoyz n the Hoodand was critically well received. It marked a return to Singleton’s work with musicians and rappers that he was known for in the 1990s. John Singleton also directed episodes of several TV shows throughout the 2010s.
After a long and successful career, John Singleton sadly passed away in 2019 and was remembered by many of his friends in the film and music industries. Singleton’s films help memorialize his talent and passion as a director, andBoyz n the Hoodwill continue to be indicative of the impressive legacy he left behind.
Boyz n the Hood
Cast
Boyz n the Hood is a drama set in South Central Los Angeles, focusing on Tre Styles as he navigates societal challenges under his father’s guidance. Amid a backdrop of crime and violence, the film explores the struggles and choices faced by Tre and his friends, illuminating their impact on the community.
