With the upcoming 89th Academy Awards this Sunday, we wanted to give you the opportunity to read more about African Americans breaking down boundaries in films.

This year, six distinguished black actors were nominated for Oscars. The acclaimed films, “Fences,” “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight,” are all well-praised contenders for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Even the Best Documentary Feature includes three nominees that illustrate the African American experience and racism in the United States: “O.J.: Made in America,” “13th,” and “I Am Not Your Negro.” These much deserved achievements by African Americans are all part of the continuing narrative that includes difficulty overcoming barriers relating to cinema.

These titles cover the history of famous black figures and celebrate their achievements in regard to films: 

Historical Dictionary of African American Cinema by S. Torriano Berry and Venise T. Berry

Envisioning Freedom: Cinema and the Building of Modern Black Life by Cara Caddoo

Black Directors in Hollywood by Melvin Donalson

Black Magic: White Hollywood and African American Culture by Krin Gabbard

Black Cinema Treasures: Lost and Found by William Jones

Exits and Entrances: Interviews With Seven Who Reshaped African-American Images in Movies by Frank Manchel

Black City Cinema: African American Urban Experiences in Film by Paula Massood

Encyclopedia of African American Actresses in Film and Television by Bob McCann