The documentary Number One on the Call Sheet serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges, representation, and legacy of Black actors in Hollywood. This two-part feature, now available on Apple TV+, sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Black artists in the film industry. The documentary delves into the ranking system of actors in Hollywood productions, using it as a framework to examine racial representation and industry biases. The first part focuses on Black male actors, while the second shifts its lens to Black female actors, presenting insightful discussions from some of the most influential Black stars in Hollywood.
Exploring the Journey of Black Male Actors in Hollywood
The first episode, directed by Reginald Hudlin, features notable figures such as Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, and Marlon Wayans, among others. It opens by recognizing the pioneering legacy of Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, setting the stage for discussions on how Black male actors have shaped Hollywood.
Using archival footage and interviews, the documentary explores the evolving roles of Black actors, from being stereotyped into specific categories—such as action heroes, comedians, or dramatic performers—to breaking barriers and redefining success in the industry. The impact of perception and typecasting is examined through the careers of Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, and Denzel Washington, each embodying different representations of Black actors in mainstream cinema.
Denzel Washington, known for his critical insights into the film industry, delivers some of the most thought-provoking moments, dissecting Hollywood’s traditional definition of a leading man and the struggles Black actors face in claiming their place at the top.
Black Female Actors and the Battle for Equal Recognition
In the second episode, directed by Shola Lynch, the spotlight shifts to Black female actors, featuring iconic performers like Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Tiffany Haddish, Gabourey Sidibe, and Alfre Woodard. This segment highlights the deeply rooted beauty standards and racial stereotypes that have limited opportunities for Black women in Hollywood.
Historically, Black women have been relegated to roles of servitude, often depicted as maids, caretakers, or side characters who support White leads. Even in contemporary films and television, this trend persists, with Black female characters often being cast as sassy best friends or secondary figures. The documentary examines how The Queen’s Gambit is an example of how such patterns continue today.
The Academy Awards’ history is a focal point of this episode, tracing the milestone achievement of Halle Berry, who won the Best Actress Oscar in 2002—a moment that remains unmatched, as no other Black woman has won the award since. Instead, Black actresses are frequently recognized in the Supporting Actress category, raising questions about why lead roles remain so elusive.
Final Reflections and Key Moments
One of the most moving moments in the documentary comes from Ruth Negga, who speaks about embracing her identity and refusing to conform to industry expectations. Her acclaimed performance in Passing (2021), which was overlooked by the Academy, serves as an example of how Black-led films often face barriers to recognition.
More than just a documentary, Number One on the Call Sheet serves as both a celebration of Black excellence in Hollywood and a critical examination of systemic biases. It confronts the realities of racial representation in entertainment, while also paying tribute to the resilience of Black actors who continue to push boundaries in a competitive and often exclusionary industry.
