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How do you think the film speaks to our current climate?
The movie was supposed to come out in August last year, which was during the heart of the 2020 BLM movement. It was already such a time of civil unrest between the cops and protesters. I feel like if it had come out then, it’s possible it could have been perceived wrong with people feeling so heightened, separated, and hopeless. I know that I felt hopeless. Black people have been living this reality for a long time, and a lot of people came to consciousness about all of the injustice and how embedded it was in our society, our school systems, the food that we eat, and the communities we come from.
People have expanded their minds, so I think the truth that this movie tells can now better resonate with audiences. I think that with the inauguration, many of us have hope. But I know there are still a lot of Black and brown people who are not hopeful. I read a post that said, “It’s okay to be nervous about the future, and excited that a woman of color is in the White House. It’s okay to vote for Biden, and still be unsure.” It’s okay to have that duality, because that’s what life is. So in that sense, I think the timing is right.
Can you share any memorable moments off set, hanging out with Daniel or Lakeith?
Once, we all went roller skating, and local kids started to hear that Daniel was there. Word got around, and this girl came up to him and said, “You’re not famous. Are you famous? You’re not. But can I have your autograph?” I think she was so shocked that he was there in a skating rink. How could the guy from Get Out and Black Panther be in this Cleveland skating rink? That became a running joke with us, and it was really exciting to see that kind of response. We also went to the Cleveland School of the Arts on our day off to see the students act, and we did talk-backs. We went to the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club and played basketball and catch with young kids. We had so much fun.
I know you’re a poet and spoken-word artist. Are you also just as obsessed with Amanda Gorman as we are?
During the inauguration, all I could think about was how brave and courageous she was to accept that call. We are in a heightened place in society where it is dangerous to stand behind something that you believe in and to put your art and your voice on something. I am sending her love and light for her bravery. If I ever get called for something so profound, I’ll remember what she did—that she stepped up at such a young age to be that representation and to speak that truth.
Lastly, while we have no idea what the Oscars will look like this year, what would you wear to the hypothetical awards ceremony to beat all awards ceremonies?
I’m a romantic, so it would have to have some kind of romantic flair, but with a hint of edge. In high school, I was the captain of my basketball team and played football, but I also won prom queen. At Pace University, I was the theater nerd who also won homecoming queen. So I always feel like there’s a duality in me.
So, Bridgerton meets Brooklyn.
Everybody keeps talking about Bridgerton and is surprised that I haven’t seen it yet! It’s right up my alley, but I’ve been doing so much press and writing a lot that I haven’t been able to start. I want it to be on a day where I can just lay back, enjoy the romance, and get giddy inside like a teenager.
Caitlin Brody is the entertainment director at Condé Nast.
