As some of you already heard there is s biopic of the iconic singer and activists, Nina Simone, called "Nina" that comes out on April 22nd. This is a film based on Nina Simone's life while in France and is played by well-known actress Zoe Saldana from films "Columbiana," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Avatar," etc. As the film "Nina" trailer has risen, the black community is in outrage on how Zoe Saldana has been put in "black face" because they used makeup to add Nina's darker complexation. In the film, Saldana is wearing a fake nose and veneers to try to imitate Nina's look. This look is all around disturbing as the production goes to great lengths to try to make Saldana into Nina Simone. It looks like something out of the movie "Norbit." Even Nina Simone's daughter, Lisa Celeste Straud, has already spoken against the whole biopic being made. Even seen on Twitter on March 3rd, Nina Simone's estate has commented on the choice of having Saldana play the role.
1. Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba is known widely of her character Suzanne "crazy eyes" on hit Netflix show, "Orange is the new black". Aduba is an Emmy award-winning actresses and is a classically trained Opera singer, and Nina Simone herself was a classically trained pianist as what her tone stems from when she sings. Aduba also favors Nina Simone in looks and we have seen her sing live and act in the musical "The Wiz".
2. Lupita Nyong'o
Nyong'o is a film director and Oscar-winning actress from films such as, "12 Years a slave", "Non-Stop", and upcoming movie "Jungle book". She would also be a good candidate to play as Nina Simone, with her grace and great acting skills. Even though we don't know she has a talent for singing, but with her extensive list of films and shows she has been in her acting would suffice.
3. Viola Davis
Viola Davis would be also a great fit because of the age range that Nina is portrayed in the film. Davis is an amazing producer and actress from films such as, "The Help" and hit tv show "How To Get Away With Murder." As she has numerous movies and shows under her belt she could 've been an awesome Nina Simone. Davis would also be a perfect fit as according to Vulture.com, "Nina Simone’s daughter herself has said that Davis's “energy” and “look” would make her the perfect choice to play Simone." Davis plays a mysterious, sensual, and complicated character on "How To Get Away With Murder", she can play as Nina Simone very well.
In my opinion, I believe that these actresses are a better fit to play as Nina Simone. Uzo Aduba, Lupita Nyong'o, and Viola Davis are all award-winning actresses and fit the profile as Nina Simone. They all have a sort of resemblance to her as they are the same skin color and some features as her, and even one has been classically trained while the other has been approved by Nina Simone's daughter. Zoe Saldana is a good actress, but is not fit to portray the iconic Nina Simone for her biopic. "Nina" is set to come out on April 22, 2016, nd the world will see the movie in its entirety to see if at least the acting skills are up to par than the appearance.
