The Toronto Black Film Festival is set to give actress Pam Grier a lifetime achievement award this February. Grier is known for her action roles in the 70s in films such as Foxy Brown, Coffy, The Big Bird Cage, and The Big Doll House. She was a pioneer for Black women in film being portrayed as stars rather than simply supporting characters to their white counterparts, especially as an action star, which women were not often asked to play regardless of race.
The Hollywood Reporter stated, “Her [Grier’s] notable roles paved a path for Black actresses over the decades to follow her lead and boost representation on screen as Grier became known as a pioneering female action hero. “The award recognizes Grier’s enduring contributions, not only as a captivating actor but also as a trailblazer who has shattered barriers for women and African American performers in the industry and helped to revolutionize cinema,” the Toronto festival said.
Grier also played the titular role in Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 crime thriller Jackie Brown. It will certainly be exciting to see a Black woman being recognized for her impact on Hollywood and the inspiration she has spread to many other actresses through her breakthrough roles.
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