A Look Back: OWN’s “Queen Sugar” and Its Legacy of Female Leadership
As we delve into the archives of entertainment, it’s amazing to witness the strides taken by industry leaders to foster inclusivity and equality. One such groundbreaking initiative was OWN’s “Queen Sugar”, a critically acclaimed drama series that made waves in 2018 with its all-female directorial line-up for its third season. This post is an opportunity to reminisce about the firsts the show achieved, not just in terms of the narrative, but also in its commitment to nurturing female talent behind the scenes.
A Unique Initiative
OWN’S “QUEEN SUGAR” Announces Remaining Directorial Line-Up In All Female Team Helming Season Three Including Nijla Mu’Min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira And Rachel Raimist
“Queen Sugar,” the critically acclaimed OWN drama series from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay (“Wrinkle in Time,” “13th,” “Selma”), executive producer Oprah Winfrey and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, the remaining directors to complete the season three all-female directorial line-up to include first time television directors Nijla Mu’min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of “Queen Sugar” showrunner Kat Candler.
Expanding the Directorial Team
These directors joined the previously announced line-up including “Queen Sugar” producing director DeMane Davis, Patricia Cardoso, Shaz Bennett, Maria Govan and Lauren Wolkstein. Continuing the creative initiative established in the show’s first season by series creator and executive producer DuVernay to hire all female directorial teams, the series employed 26 female directors to date. The series airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.
New Additions: Cast Members
Additionally, the following actors joined the cast in recurring roles, all three characters appearing as part of an upcoming storyline which examined the vibrant Vietnamese community of New Orleans within the ongoing storylines centered on an African- family in the new south.
Vivien Ngo (“Shameless”) has been cast in the role of Trinh Phan. Trinh has returned home to work in the office at her parents’ seafood plant. Her time in New Orleans takes an unexpected turn when she befriends one of the local residents.
Tony Aidan Vo (“Alternatino”) has been cast as Khanh Phan, Trinh’s younger brother. He’s been raised by his doting sister in his close-knit Vietnamese family.
Elyse Dinh McCrillis (“Spider-Man 2”) has been cast as Mrs Phan, Trinh and Khanh’s good-hearted mother who can surely use her daughter’s business skills to get her and Mr Phan’s office organized and up-to-date.
Recognitions and Success
“Queen Sugar” was named Television Show of the Year from both Black Film Festival (ABFF Honors) and African Film Critics Association (AAFCA) for the second consecutive year and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Drama Series.
The season three premiere delivered over two million viewers and ranked as Tuesday night’s #1 cable telecast in OWN’s target demographic of women 25-54. The acclaimed drama was also the night’s #1 telecast all of broadcast and cable for African- women.
Join us as we celebrate this powerful series and the strides it made in the industry. #QueenSugar #FemaleDirectors #TVHistory #InclusivityInMedia #OWN
