Ma Raineyвђ™s Black Bottom (2020) May 2026

: Played by Chadwick Boseman in his final film role before his death in August 2020. He received a posthumous Oscar nomination for this performance.

: Played by Viola Davis , who underwent a significant physical transformation and earned an Academy Award nomination for the role. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

The story follows the legendary "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey, as she battles her white management for control over her music. Simultaneously, her ambitious young trumpeter, Levee, clashes with his bandmates while attempting to modernize Ma's sound to fit his own aspirations. The film explores themes of: : Played by Chadwick Boseman in his final

: Directed by George C. Wolfe with a jazz-heavy score by Branford Marsalis. Critical Reception Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) - IMDb " Ma Rainey