6 Most Empowering Moments From Netflix's Original Series 'Hollywood'

In May of 2020, a new series on Netflix called "Hollywood" was released. At first, I wasn't in the mood to watch another show that revolved around the idea of how to make it in the entertainment industry, again. But I swear, the minute I gave this series a chance, I was completely hooked.

The story revolves around old Hollywood in the 1940s. In a way it rewrites itself to make amends with some of the wrongs it's done during that time period. In the seven episode series, this version of the golden age deals with the social issues our generation has had the privilege of standing up against, which has mostly integrated itself onto society as part of a new normal. Issues such as gender inequality, homophobia, racial inequality, lack of diversity in film, and interracial relationships are all portrayed throughout the story in the most genuine and impactful way possible.

So here's some moments from the series that will either make you want to ugly cry or myself want to join in because they are just that good.

1. When Raymond Ainsley Tells Anna May-Wong He Wants To Add Diversity Into Film

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An aspiring half Asian-American director named Raymond Ainsley (played by Darren Criss) offers acclaimed Asian American actress named Anna May-Wong (played by Michelle Krusiec) a starring role in his upcoming film "Angel of Shanghai". Ainsley expresses how he would like to see more representation of actors from his descent take on leading roles. Anna May-Wong discouragingly rejects the offer, as she does not believe an Asian woman could ever be cast for a leading role as her opportunity from her last film "Green Earth" resulted to unfair circumstances. This scene is magic. It inserts a narrative of what could've happened if someone from that time actually thought a non-Caucasian actress could be cast for a starring role. It makes you wonder, how would the industry be like today? This scene also has the influence to empower minority groups that feel overlooked by society. It reveals the raw emotion and thought process they go through when they feel judged from where they come instead of who they actually are as people.

2. When Camille Washington Was Cast In The Lead Role For The Movie Meg

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Camille Washington (played by Laura Harrier), is an African-American woman who is cast in a leading role for a major motion picture in the fifth episode of the series. Though this decision evidently set a rage of sparks to the studio's more conservative audiences, that certainly didn't stop Raymond Ainsley, Avis Amberg (played by Patti LuPone), Ellen Kincaid (played by Holland Taylor), and Dick Samuels (played by Joe Mantello) from doing what was right. This scene ultimately showcases the objective and pursuance of racial equality. It furthers the curiosity of what if an African-American woman was cast as the lead in a major motion picture in the 40s and killed it? This moment breaks through the stigma and prejudice toward the colour of someone's skin, it shows how the level of a person's capability should never be determined from their outer appearance. Ultimately, this moment empowers the African-American community to dream bigger than they already have.

3. When Avis Amberg Ran Ace Pictures

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This portion of the series was my absolute favourite to watch. Avis Amberg had my feminist boss lady alter-ego patting myself on the back every time she stuck it to everything that tried to underestimate her. She was honest, genuine, kind at heart, but also didn't take any nonsense from anyone, especially from big and powerful men. Overall, she gave us an insight of how well a woman can truly stand on her own two feet. So basically, Ace Amberg (played by Rob Reiner), Avis' husband aka the studio head of Ace Pictures, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a heart attack during his weekend at Palm Springs and also having an affair behind Avis' back at the same time (ouch). After Avis and her daughter Claire (played by Samara Weaving) arrive at the hospital, Avis was immediately informed she was now in charge of Ace Pictures. This woman knew nothing about running a Hollywood studio, but she did know the difference between right from wrong, and that was honestly everything she needed to get the job done. This woman ran Ace Pictures with grace and with grit. She bravely green-lighted a major motion picture starring an African-American woman. She's stood against men and hate-filled groups threatening to take her down. Inevitably, she led the whole production to success by the end, despite all she's faced throughout the series. How's that for girl power?

4. When Dick Samuels Tells Rock Hudson To Stay True to Himself at George Cukor's Party

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In the 1940s, being gay wasn't necessarily considered a norm in society. The topic of homophobia was the biggest subject explored in the series. It was incorporated through exploitation and in the narrative of several predominate male characters. Out of the scenes that stood up for LGBTQ rights, it was in the third episode where legendary star George Cukor (played by Daniel London) holds a party for the other big shots in Hollywood. Both Rock Hudson (played by Jake Picking) and Dick Samuels just both happened to present. Fast forward to the scene where Rock's agent Henry Wilson (played by Jim Parsons) plots to expose Dick's true sexual orientation by using Rock to seduce him, he sends Rock and Dick to go somewhere more private to "talk." While in the room, Dick suddenly breaks down and tells Rock to put his clothes back on. Dick begins to reflect on how he has lost touch with who he truly is after he labeled himself as someone who's always been "a company man." Ultimately, he tells Rock not to become him, as he has faced many days of loneliness and lost paths just to feel accepted. Whatever your sexual orientation may be, this scene reminds all of us to stay true to who we are. That no matter at what cost, it is far better to lose something that was never really yours than to regret to have never taken the risk of truly living the best life you can.

5. When Ernie Wests' 30 Year Dream Finally Came True

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I literally cried with Ernie when they told him the good news! This portion of the article is an ode to the dreamers. Ernie West (played by Dylan McDermott), had a dream to make it in Hollywood for the past 30 years. As he repeatedly puts in the effort to make it into the big leagues, his lack of tenacity eventually gives out.. and that's why he ran a secret prostitution ring at the gas station to make ends meet. Fast forward to the scene where Archie Coleman (played by Jeremy Pope) and Jack Costello (played by David Corenswet) invite Ernie to dinner after helping them raise $25,000 for the set of Meg. They tell him he got cast in the movie as Studio Chief Daryl B. Selzman. With tears coming down his face, he thanks Jack and Archie for making his dream finally come true. This scene hits home for me as I too am currently chasing a dream, and to watch someone relate to the hardships that are inevitable in order to achieve was heartwarming to watch. This scene truly proved that you are never too old to chase the dream your heart truly desires.

6. When The Movie Meg Won Every Award at The Oscars

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At last, the cherry on top of the sundae. This part of the series finale was utterly precious. It began with everyone receiving phone calls for each of their nominations and evidently the scene leading all of us to the grand finale. Anna May-Wong won the award "Best Actress In a Supporting Role," Raymond Ainsley won "Best Director," Archie Coleman won "Best Original Screenplay," Camille Washington won "Best Actress," and Avis Amberg- along with Ace Pictures, won "Best Picture." This moment couldn't have ended the series on a higher note than they've already set themselves up for. This scene not only justified the hurdles every character had to overcome. But it also gives a voice to the minority groups who constantly feel judged because of their ethnicity or the colour of their skin. For women who feel underestimated due to the social stigmas around their gender and the LGBTQ community who have fought and survived years of prejudice against who they solely choose to love.

I am so glad Netflix kept pushing this show onto my suggestions feed. This story had the most beautiful approach in terms of rewriting history properly. It contains storylines that truly empowers groups in our society that are oppressed, ignored, and constantly overlooked. Hollywood enthralls in its honesty toward the true cost of chasing a dream. But it also ensures us that as long as we don't give up; no matter what you look like, nor male or female, or who you love, it will happen right around the corner.

Featured image via @lauraharrier on Instagram