If you thought the movie was only about black people/women being maids you've failed to realize the substance of the STORY being told. Ignoring the reality of what black women went through to survive and take care of entire families is just silly small thinking and by recognizing it doesn’t belittle us. They (mammy’s, maids) were not images…they were real (not this story but the struggle for black maids, nanny’s…etc..etc…) just as real as the movies which depict the struggles of those who fought in the civil rights movement or slavery etc…etc…This movie is not a reflection on US (as black people). It is a reflection to people who thought this type treatment was acceptable or an insignificant matter to begin with. With that being said I didn't care for the movie myself, I also read the book; both were less than stellar BUT the performances were outstanding! And although I didn’t care for the book (writing wise), I appreciated that the story was told displayed the strength of black women (strong I must say). It made me really appreciate what they must have gone through. Having older black women in my family who were maids and nanny’s to “white folk” back in those days. I just have to say thank GOD for those who were before us because Lord knows I could not have dealt with that nonsense.

But you're missing my point. Rarely are the winners of Oscars without controversy. Most of the time, winners play pretty horrible or stereotypical roles (white or black). The winners win because they can play the role without making the role cliche. Octavia and Viola did just that.