These are the Oscar nominated films depict the lives of black characters. Only films with one or more major black characters/subjects are taken into consideration. Whether the black performers were nominated for Oscars, whether the director or writers were black, whether the film is a good representation of black lives, none of that is taken into consideration. Only if black characters have a major impact on the film.

In fact, it is important to note that many of these are very bad representations of black lives, with films such as Gone with the Wind and Song of the South being included here. These films depict black people as inferior or in subservient roles.

It is also important to note that films such as Trader Horn and Hatari are also included, films that were shot in Africa and feature African natives prominently, but do not have any of them appear as major independent characters. To an extent, these natives were often treated no differently than the animals. They were in essence meant to just contribute to this exotic and dangerous feel these films wanted Africa to have. These are also not positive depictions of black lives, nor are the black lives the focus of the film, but since black lives play a substantial role in these films, they are also still included on this list.

The point is, being included on this list does not mean these films should be looked at as positive representation of black people at the Oscars. This is merely a collection of all the films that prominently featured black lives, positively or negatively, at the Oscars. In the history of cinema, it's important to acknowledge the failings just as much as the successes and many of these films are failings.