The scene of her sitting at the vanity trying to put her makeup on with a bruised, swollen face. No dialogue, just her and the camera. Watch this scene if you just want to see what an amazing actress she is
The movie, "Lady Sings the Blues", is a 1972 American biographical film about jazz singer Billie Holiday loosely based on her 1956 autobiography which, in turn, took its title from one of Holiday's most popular songs. It was nominated for five Academy Awards. The nominations were for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Diana Ross), Best Art Direction-Set .Decoration (Carl Anderson, Reg Allen), Best Costume Design, Best Music, Original Song Score and Adaptation (Gil Askey) and Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced . The film was also screened at the 1973 CANNES (France ) Film Festival, but was not entered into the main competition. The same year, Motown released a hugely successful soundtrack double-album of Ross' recordings of Billie Holiday songs from the film, also titled Lady Sings the Blues. Diana Ross received a BAFTA nomination ( the British Oscar ) for Best Actress in a Leading Role . In 1973, Ross' album " LADY SINGS THE BLUES ", reached the # 1 in the USA Billboard album and remained in the charts 54 weeks ! In USA, the album sold over 2 millions records and Diana Ross, in 1974, won an AMERICAN MUSIC AWARD in the category best "Album Pop / Rock " . It was the first time that, in the American charts, a jazz / blues album reached the # 1 in the pop charts. The album, peaked at # 5 in CANADA, at # 43 in AUSTRALIA and at # 50 in UK, where the album sold over 100.000 copies and, in 1974, was certified by BPI, GOLD record.
As a kid, I wanted to be Mr. Louis McKay. I prided myself on being the perfect gentleman, and I drew inspiration from that character. I knew back then, that was the kind of brother I wanted to be.
