14 queer women who made Oscars history, from Jodie Foster to Ariana DeBose

"Hollywood's original LGBTQ+ icon, German actress Marlene Dietrich became the first out queer woman nominated in the Best Actress category at the Academy Awards back in 1931 for Morocco. She made history twice with her role in the film, in which she played Mademoiselle Amy Jolly, a queer character who delivered one of the first recorded sapphic kisses in a major film."

"The Oscars has a chequered history when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, which reflects the film industry as a whole and its historic rejection of LGBTQ+ artists. Throughout the 20th century and well into the 21st century, actors who have been open about their sexuality have been blacklisted, pigeonholed, and discriminated against."

"No out LGBTQ+ actors or actresses have one in the Best Actor or Best Actress category this century. The fact that LGBTQ+ history was still being made at the last Oscars ceremony? A cause for celebration, but also questions: why has it taken this long?"

Queer women have been instrumental in creating some of cinema's greatest films over the past century. The Academy Awards has a complicated history regarding LGBTQ+ representation, reflecting the film industry's historical discrimination against queer artists. Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, openly queer actors faced blacklisting, typecasting, and systemic discrimination. While progress is occurring, it remains insufficient. Notably, no openly LGBTQ+ actors or actresses have won Best Actor or Best Actress this century, despite recent LGBTQ+ history being made at recent ceremonies. Queer women deserve recognition not only as actors but also as writers, producers, animators, and composers. The article highlights 14 instances of LGBTQ+ women making history at the Academy Awards, beginning with Marlene Dietrich's 1931 nomination.

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