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Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments
See Hollywood again for the first time.
In Black Hollywood, photographer Carell Augustus has enlisted Black celebrities and performers from all areas of entertainment to recreate iconic scenes from classic Hollywood movies, television, and other media. The images illuminate the role of race in Hollywood history by re-imagining classic films with Black actors, renewing readers' appreciation of the past while celebrating the hottest Black stars of today and inspiring the artists of the future.
More than a book about pop culture, film history, or race, Black Hollywood is truly an inspirational artistic homage to our greatest blockbuster movies and the actors who brought them to life.
In Black Hollywood, photographer Carell Augustus has enlisted Black celebrities and performers from all areas of entertainment to recreate iconic scenes from classic Hollywood movies, television, and other media. The images illuminate the role of race in Hollywood history by re-imagining classic films with Black actors, renewing readers' appreciation of the past while celebrating the hottest Black stars of today and inspiring the artists of the future.
More than a book about pop culture, film history, or race, Black Hollywood is truly an inspirational artistic homage to our greatest blockbuster movies and the actors who brought them to life.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
1646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 13, 2022
Beautiful people in gorgeous photos recreating classic moments from Hollywood films and celebrities. It's like mall glamour shots on steroids.
Fun and sexy.
The drop-in quotes from the models get a little repetitive as they default to praising the project and photographer. Some of the films were less iconic than others ("Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" and "Kid Nightingale," I'm looking at you). A lot of film and celebrity knowledge is assumed, and a little more information might have been nice -- like noting that Zuul is a character from the original "Ghostbusters" film, for instance.
Fun and sexy.
The drop-in quotes from the models get a little repetitive as they default to praising the project and photographer. Some of the films were less iconic than others ("Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" and "Kid Nightingale," I'm looking at you). A lot of film and celebrity knowledge is assumed, and a little more information might have been nice -- like noting that Zuul is a character from the original "Ghostbusters" film, for instance.
November 25, 2022
This is super well-done - I especially appreciate the commentary, like noting that having a Black man for American Psycho is going to be perceived much differently than Christian Bale was. Really into Augustus' work and would love to look into more of it.
Read
October 10, 2022This book is incredible, and I'm desperate to get a print copy after reading a digital galley. The photography is beautiful, and the entire concept really gets to the heart of why I do what I do (which is not photography but is about representation and imagination). To wit, two quotations that stand out in this mostly art-based text:
"Carell’s reenvisioning of Hollywood’s greatest moments honors the iconic movies and actors that we all love so much while simultaneously asking a bunch of questions. Why didn’t he see himself in movies like The Goonies when he was a kid? What would a Black woman worshipped as a sex symbol have meant for society during the Golden Age of Hollywood? When is our media going to truly reflect the demographics of the country we live in?" from Forest Whitaker's foreword
and
"It wouldn’t be until I was on the journey to developing my own artistic sensibility that I’d fully understand the implications of dreaming vicariously through those who looked nothing like me." from the introduction
!!!!!
"Carell’s reenvisioning of Hollywood’s greatest moments honors the iconic movies and actors that we all love so much while simultaneously asking a bunch of questions. Why didn’t he see himself in movies like The Goonies when he was a kid? What would a Black woman worshipped as a sex symbol have meant for society during the Golden Age of Hollywood? When is our media going to truly reflect the demographics of the country we live in?" from Forest Whitaker's foreword
and
"It wouldn’t be until I was on the journey to developing my own artistic sensibility that I’d fully understand the implications of dreaming vicariously through those who looked nothing like me." from the introduction
!!!!!
January 24, 2023
I read this today because I truly love looking at pictures and I loved growing up watching pretty much all the movies showcased in this book. Carell Augustus has an amazing eye for the way he blends these movies with just the right actor/actress to pull off his creative take on iconic movies of the past. Larger than life, beautifully and unapologetically black, this book is what little kids like me would’ve loved to have seen growing up. I loved it!
May 25, 2023
The photos in this book were STUNNING but the written pieces not so much. There didn't seem to be any uniformity to the accompanying text where some commented on the movies they were recreating, some commented on the photoshoots themselves and some were just the photographer's thoughts. I would have loved a question or two from each celeb being answered or at least a theme to what was discussed in each section.
November 30, 2023
Highly recommend this photo book!!! Gorgeous photos reimagining iconic Hollywood moments by placing black actors front and center in the images. Showing what should have and could have been and should be going forward - great concept! Definitely worth reading, gifting, and owning! 5 stars
April 22, 2023
Beautifully shot and written.
December 20, 2024
Black Hollywood❤️🔥 Took some time but I finally sat down and read through the stories and fell in love with the pics, though some re-creations I was not familiar with. A fab coffee table book!
November 19, 2022
Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments (2022) by Carell Augustus. This is a wonderful collection of white Hollywood’s biggest stars and moments, as seen through the camera lens of the very talented Mr. Augustus. The difference here is that the white actors are portrayed by both newer and more veteran black actors, bringing a new take to an old trope.
I knew this concept was fantastic when I found myself looking at the photos of The 40 Year Old Virgin and I didn’t see the color of the actor, only the iconic pose. I felt confused for a moment, wondered what had changed with Steve Carrel, and then realized Mr. Augustus had pulled a wonderful magic trick. Eugene Byrd completely sold his images. From that point on I was totally into the concept and was amazed by wondering what some of my favorite movies would have been if the casting had been very different.
Forest Whitaker provided a short, compelling forward to this book relating to the reader his own insecurity when he first started in the film business. He has done quite well but one wonders what his career would have been like if all doors were open to him. And his reflection goes forward to this collection of both tried and true talent and newcomers who have so much to show the world in the future.
I could list my favorite images but that would encompass just about the entire book. Rather, you should get a copy and find your own favorites. Fight Club was outstanding and the “Little Black Dress” never looked better than when Amber West posed. In total 68 artists, old and young, performed for Mr. Augustus and he captured the essence of both the black and the original white artist. This book manages to transcend colors and gives the reader a new insight into old images.
A standout achievement that should have you smiling and applauding.
I knew this concept was fantastic when I found myself looking at the photos of The 40 Year Old Virgin and I didn’t see the color of the actor, only the iconic pose. I felt confused for a moment, wondered what had changed with Steve Carrel, and then realized Mr. Augustus had pulled a wonderful magic trick. Eugene Byrd completely sold his images. From that point on I was totally into the concept and was amazed by wondering what some of my favorite movies would have been if the casting had been very different.
Forest Whitaker provided a short, compelling forward to this book relating to the reader his own insecurity when he first started in the film business. He has done quite well but one wonders what his career would have been like if all doors were open to him. And his reflection goes forward to this collection of both tried and true talent and newcomers who have so much to show the world in the future.
I could list my favorite images but that would encompass just about the entire book. Rather, you should get a copy and find your own favorites. Fight Club was outstanding and the “Little Black Dress” never looked better than when Amber West posed. In total 68 artists, old and young, performed for Mr. Augustus and he captured the essence of both the black and the original white artist. This book manages to transcend colors and gives the reader a new insight into old images.
A standout achievement that should have you smiling and applauding.
November 30, 2022
Beautiful photographs. My favorites were of Vivica A. Fox as Veronica Lake.
August 14, 2022
ADD THIS TO YOUR LIST. This is a MUST READ for movie lovers. I got to read it through Edelweiss and I cannot wait until it comes out so I can own it. I think the photos that were stunning digitally will be mesmerizing physically.
February 11, 2025
What an absolutely stunning visual experience Carell Augustus provided. From the breathtaking Amber Stevens West channeling one of my favorites, Audrey Hepburn, to tagging Marc Anthony Samuel for the cinematic classic Back to the Future redux, I enjoyed seeing my favorites portray my favorites. I hesitate with the word portray because each actor showed why they were chosen specifically by exuding great personality, and a noticeable comfort and trust from their ever so talented director. If you are a horror buff you will thoroughly enjoy a true-to-the-original and refreshed depiction of some of the genre's greatest works.
As for the book's purpose of showing youth and contemporaries everything that our Black stars not only can be but are, I believe this collection of photos goes above and beyond hitting the mark. We get to see Michael White who has his own iconic performance character in Spawn. The beautiful and ultra-talented actress, Ms. America herself, Vanessa Williams makes a royal appearance that drips with authenticity. Going through these pages I felt like I was seeing something new and fresh. I also knew that I was seeing something familiar. People of my own culture who I have already viewed as icons and deserving of shine, those who have laid the platform, and others who are building upon it. I had some actors pleasantly brought back to the forefront of my mind who deserve more opportunities.
I thoroughly enjoyed finishing this book, probably the only book I have fully completed in the library alone, as an unintended start to my Black History Month. I had started it last year and it was edged in my memory to the point of knowing exactly where I left off. This book is certainly on my ever-growing purchase list and I recommend it to all, especially all the youth who deserve to see the stars which not only can they be, but truly are.
As for the book's purpose of showing youth and contemporaries everything that our Black stars not only can be but are, I believe this collection of photos goes above and beyond hitting the mark. We get to see Michael White who has his own iconic performance character in Spawn. The beautiful and ultra-talented actress, Ms. America herself, Vanessa Williams makes a royal appearance that drips with authenticity. Going through these pages I felt like I was seeing something new and fresh. I also knew that I was seeing something familiar. People of my own culture who I have already viewed as icons and deserving of shine, those who have laid the platform, and others who are building upon it. I had some actors pleasantly brought back to the forefront of my mind who deserve more opportunities.
I thoroughly enjoyed finishing this book, probably the only book I have fully completed in the library alone, as an unintended start to my Black History Month. I had started it last year and it was edged in my memory to the point of knowing exactly where I left off. This book is certainly on my ever-growing purchase list and I recommend it to all, especially all the youth who deserve to see the stars which not only can they be, but truly are.
Read
November 13, 2022BLACK HOLLYWOOD is certainly a book that is long overdue. It is a fascinating look at iconic movie images, with the idea of how different would they look if a black actor had been in that role? Carell Augustus spent many years recreating these images that are brilliantly done. He is the photographer for the book, of which you can say is picture perfect.
The foreword to the book is written by noted actor Forest Whitaker. He says, “I hope BLACK HOLLYWOOD helps you see the world in a bigger way, to lean into your passion and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do with it….Let Carell’s photography transport you to the silver screen we never knew.”
It certainly does that and more, starting with the cover image Of Amber Stevens West as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The second you see the photos there is no question what movie role and actor is being portrayed.
Carell Augustus’ imagination and insight into movies, is what truly makes the book so magical, and the more than sixty-five actors were certainly more than happy to be part of this unique project. Such stars as Aisha Hinds plays Patton, Kelsey Scott is Charlie Chaplin, Johnny Manuel is John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, Omari Hardwick is James Bond, Sharon Leal is Marilyn Monroe, Toni Tucks is Marlene Dietrich, Michael Jai White is The Terminator, and Angela Simmons channels Jane Russell from the film The Outlaw.
The cast of actors is endless, and each photo tribute brings another star to life. It is a project that hopefully will be repeated again in the future. But the book also shows that any person of any race can bring the same intensity and passion to the parts they play on screen. This book is definitely a collector’s item.
The foreword to the book is written by noted actor Forest Whitaker. He says, “I hope BLACK HOLLYWOOD helps you see the world in a bigger way, to lean into your passion and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do with it….Let Carell’s photography transport you to the silver screen we never knew.”
It certainly does that and more, starting with the cover image Of Amber Stevens West as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The second you see the photos there is no question what movie role and actor is being portrayed.
Carell Augustus’ imagination and insight into movies, is what truly makes the book so magical, and the more than sixty-five actors were certainly more than happy to be part of this unique project. Such stars as Aisha Hinds plays Patton, Kelsey Scott is Charlie Chaplin, Johnny Manuel is John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, Omari Hardwick is James Bond, Sharon Leal is Marilyn Monroe, Toni Tucks is Marlene Dietrich, Michael Jai White is The Terminator, and Angela Simmons channels Jane Russell from the film The Outlaw.
The cast of actors is endless, and each photo tribute brings another star to life. It is a project that hopefully will be repeated again in the future. But the book also shows that any person of any race can bring the same intensity and passion to the parts they play on screen. This book is definitely a collector’s item.
August 6, 2024
Even though I am not black, I can relate to the black author who was raised upon white culture and entertainment and how pervasive that influence was upon his later media consumption. The images in this book are amazing in the re-imaginings of classic Hollywood visuals but with mostly new black younger actors/actresses (most I never have heard of). There are interesting conversations around what a knife or gun in the hands of a white man on a movie poster conjures up vs the same image with a black man and it really gets you to think. The images of black artists as the famous Farrah poster, the Psycho shower scene, the Die Hard air vent, the Flash Dance sweater off the shoulder, the Shining splintered door, the Basic Instinct interrogation, 007 in the crosshairs, he Matrix backwards dip, the classic Breakfast at Tiffany's etc etc creates amazing new visuals and intriguing text about the images. 4/5
January 9, 2023
Gorgeous work.
It's not necessarily that I love all of the pictures equally, but I can't help but think that if some of these movies were more familiar, or some of the faces, or that if I knew more about photography, that I would appreciate it more. I think someone who does not know a lot can appreciate it visually and more knowledge would only increase the appreciation.
It is inspiring, literally, because then I can imaging other potential scenes or movies or people to include.
Also, props for getting in both Vanessa E and L Williams and Vivica Fox.
https://www.carellaugustus.com/black-...
It's not necessarily that I love all of the pictures equally, but I can't help but think that if some of these movies were more familiar, or some of the faces, or that if I knew more about photography, that I would appreciate it more. I think someone who does not know a lot can appreciate it visually and more knowledge would only increase the appreciation.
It is inspiring, literally, because then I can imaging other potential scenes or movies or people to include.
Also, props for getting in both Vanessa E and L Williams and Vivica Fox.
https://www.carellaugustus.com/black-...
Read
May 3, 2023Picturing Vivica A. Fox in Old Hollywood getup was straightforward because she is a legend in her own right. I was pleased that she came in to bring many interpretations of Veronica Lake to life. My camera couldn't stop snagging shots of Fox's full diva regalia.
Her acting talent alone inspired me to recognize her in my book. Being directed by me is admirable in more ways than one. Vivica is a veteran actor who has worked with Hollywood's biggest and brightest directors, and I was happy to direct her in these shots.
This shoot was featured in the short-lived TV show LA Hair. Go find the episode to see how things unfolded.
Her acting talent alone inspired me to recognize her in my book. Being directed by me is admirable in more ways than one. Vivica is a veteran actor who has worked with Hollywood's biggest and brightest directors, and I was happy to direct her in these shots.
This shoot was featured in the short-lived TV show LA Hair. Go find the episode to see how things unfolded.
January 11, 2023
Interesting project in which Black actors recreate iconic film images such as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I'm embarrassed to say that, prior to this project, I was unfamiliar with Carell Augustus. I also only knew about 1/3 of the actors included in this book so I looked them up on IMDb.com. Even then I only knew about 1/4 of those.
I think this quote from Augustus sums up the genesis for this project: "We talked about an era when Blacks weren't featured as they should have been, and I thought about all we missed out on as a result."
I think this quote from Augustus sums up the genesis for this project: "We talked about an era when Blacks weren't featured as they should have been, and I thought about all we missed out on as a result."
January 23, 2023
This is a book of photographs with Black actors replacing the famous actors (all white) who starred in the movies these photos are honoring or replicating. It makes a point about the lack of diversity in much of Hollywood’s history. I knew all the movies and only a handful of the Black men and women in these new photos, all of whom were glamorous and beautiful enough to have starred in the original movies in a different history. Overall though, it was a quick page through and only mildly interesting.
February 2, 2023
An interesting look at iconic films and characters had they been played by African-American actors and actresses. Some of the actors I recognized (Shemar Moore, Dule Hill, Corbin Bleu, Kyla Pratt, etc), but most I didn't. The films and characters range all over the map from Green Lartern and Jessica Rabbit, to Charlie Chaplin and James Bond, to Die Hard, Bewitched, Breakfast at Tiffiny's and Fight Club, just to name a few. It's an interesting idea with great photos, and while it's well worth a look, it's just not really my cup of tea.
August 24, 2022
Carell Augustus is a talented photographer. The collection is a homage to not only special and famous movie moments, but redone with black celebrities.
It was fun to see the artistry and new interpretations. The costumes, styles, and placement were creative and interesting. Personal favorites of mine included Marilyn Monroe, Gone With the Wind and James Bond.
Thanks to Ebony Magazine Publishing and Edelweiss for the early copy.
It was fun to see the artistry and new interpretations. The costumes, styles, and placement were creative and interesting. Personal favorites of mine included Marilyn Monroe, Gone With the Wind and James Bond.
Thanks to Ebony Magazine Publishing and Edelweiss for the early copy.
November 23, 2022
Beautiful, unique, and super fun, this photo collection reimagines iconic images from Hollywood’s past with current and up-and-coming Black icons. Despite the history of exclusion, many of the performers had magnanimous and intriguing things to say about the movie moments they were recreating and how they inspired them. It was very respectfully done. This positive and gorgeous book sparks the imagination!
January 3, 2023
Got this book for my baby (22 year old theater major) and she LOVES ALL THINGS BLACK. I ended up reading and looking at the pictures myself. I had to look up some of the 're-imagined work' but sparked my interest...I have some movies to watch. Additionally, some of the actors/actresses I've seen but didn't know their names and now I do. I am in awe of the work of Carell Augustus and will forever be a fan. Now to see if I can purchase some of these photos.
January 21, 2023
Fun, but very much YMMV. Augustus has black actors recreate various classic movie images so we have the Godfather, the Man With No Name, Charlie Chaplin, Holly Golightly, Jessica Rabbit and Ethan Hunt, but black.
The results were variable — how do you copy Veronica Lake and not use her legendary peek-a-boo hairstyle? — but overall very enjoyable.
The results were variable — how do you copy Veronica Lake and not use her legendary peek-a-boo hairstyle? — but overall very enjoyable.
January 22, 2023
Got this based on the pictures alone; the commentary on both behind the scenes and the moments being depicted were fun to read about. I also appreciated the creativity throughout the casting as well. Before I end this review I also want to say, R.I.P to the late Nelson Ellis, who was photographed before his passing.
February 22, 2023
I loved the reimagining of so many iconic posters and images to reflect modern Black Hollywood. Loved his selection of people and the gorgeous photography. The juxtaposition of Judge Judy's bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd as the Godfather was awesome. And honestly who couldn't appreciate Shemar Moore showing off. Also loved seeing Marla Gibbs as one of the portrayals. Well worth the viewing.
January 30, 2023
Absolutely Gorgeous, the photographs, the concept and execution of the book, an absolute delight for someone that grew up watching and loving films, and now also film history. I didn't know I wanted this to exist until I saw it, and now so excited to have found it.
February 3, 2023
This book is absolutely stunning. Carell Augustus’s vision is so inspiring. I have been sharing this book with all my friends and coworkers, and I can’t wait to show it to my students. Highly recommend.
October 16, 2022
Reimagining Hollywood iconic roles with black Americans makes you think. Beautiful book.
October 24, 2022
This book is exquisite! It will remain on display in my house for many years to come and hopefully will be enjoyed by my family and our guests. I urge everyone to check it out.
November 12, 2022
A beautiful book full of fun, skill, and creativity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews