Chadwick Boseman: Every Movie Ranked Worst To Best
2. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - a film sure to pick up a handful of well-deserved Oscars - was Chadwick Boseman's final film, released shortly after his untimely death to universal acclaim and numerous accolades. Boseman himself has already won a posthumous Golden Globe for his turn as determined trumpeter Levee Green, and is sure to pick up an Oscar, too.
Ma Rainey is a small film, shot like a play. There are minimal sets and only a handful of key characters (played by Viola Davis, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts and Glynn Turman).
All of the actors do a wonderful job in each of their roles, and Davis in particular shines, but none really come close to the visceral intensity and passion that Boseman brings to the film's leading man. Levee is overconfident, cocky, unhinged and trod on. He's also endearing and his charisma is infectious.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a powerful exploration of Black music and the white figureheads out to exploit it, and Boseman makes every second of the drama count with what is undoubtedly his greatest achievement as a dramatic actor. He'll win the Oscar, and what a win it'll be.