The magic of melanin in Hollywood continues with the second installment of Apple TV+'s documentary Number One on the Call Sheet. Vastly talented documentarian Shola Lynch directs this film, which carries the subtitle Black Leading Women in Hollywood. The queens interviewed included the film's Executive producers Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, and Whoopi Goldberg. Other notable figures featured are Cynthia Erivo, Vivica A. Fox, Meagan Good, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Nia Long, Ruth Negga, Gabourey Sidibe, Jurnee Smollett, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, and Alfre Woodard.
I enjoyed the first installment, but the representation of Black women in Part 2 caught my attention. My upbringing may influence this as a single mother or my preference for having a female boss. Lynch's style caught my eye with her previous works, Chisholm '72: In, Free Angela and All Political Prisoners.
Here, she delivers another winner. Lynch blends historical background with firsthand accounts to construct a powerful narrative. Her interviews with the talent featured reveal how they confront typecasting, unequal pay, and visibility challenges. The project also serves as a tribute to triumphs, including Academy Awards victories and box office successes, while showcasing characters that reshape perceptions of beauty and femininity in Hollywood.
The engaging element of Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood stems from its rejection of a victimhood narrative. The path to success has been challenging, yet these women do more than endure—they excel and lead while asserting their presence in the film industry.
Whoopi Goldberg shares how she landed lead roles in Jumpin' Jack Flash and Burglar after Shelley Long and Bruce Willis turned down these opportunities. Fellow Oscar winner Halle Berry also explains how she secured the role of Vivian, a drug addict, in "Jungle Fever" by stripping away her beauty.
The film demonstrates how these women established new paths while supporting upcoming generations through mentorship and sisterhood. Berry returns to the 93rd Academy Awards for another memorable instance. During an impassioned monologue, Berry refrained from criticizing Frances McDormand's win and expressed disappointment that Viola Davis and Andra Day received no recognition.
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and the eternally beautiful Gabrielle Union have spoken about how they accepted early roles leading to typecasting because both women felt something greater was developing. My only issue with the documentary is that it failed to feature insights from legendary Pam Grier or Oscar-winner Regina King.
More than just a history lesson, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood showcases the influential power Black women possess within the Hollywood industry. Anyone who appreciates skilled filmmaking will discover many reasons to smile at this work.
Final Grade : A
Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood will premiere globally on Friday, March 28, on Apple TV+.
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