15 Films That Cast Light-Skinned Actors as Dark-Skinned Icons and Never Addressed It
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Zoe Saldana played Nina Simone, the famous singer and activist, in this biographical film. The movie received criticism for casting Saldana, who has lighter skin, to portray Simone, as her darker complexion was a key part of who she was and her beliefs. The filmmakers used makeup and prosthetics to darken Saldana’s skin for the role. Many critics felt this choice overlooked the colorism Simone experienced throughout her life. The film didn’t attract a large audience and sparked a debate about how actors are cast in Hollywood.







