The groundbreaking two-part documentary “Number One on the Call Sheet,” premieres March 28 on Apple TV+, delivering a powerful, inspiring chronicle of Black performers' hard-fought journey to leading roles in Hollywood.
This ambitious project, executive produced by Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart, arrives at a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, offering intimate, honest conversations with the industry's most prominent Black actors as they navigate an entertainment landscape still grappling with representation and inclusion.
Director Reginald Hudlin, whose previous documentary work includes the acclaimed “Sidney” about pioneering actor Sidney Poitier, helms the first installment focusing on Black leading men. Hudlin brings together an extraordinary assembly of talent including Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, Eddie Murphy, and Laurence Fishburne to share their experiences, strategies, and insights on breaking barriers in an industry not designed for their success.
“The movie was an opportunity to spend time with friends who you don't usually get to see unless it's on set, at an awards show, or at a cocktail party,” Hudlin notes in his director's statement. “There are some things that all these actors have in common: they are really smart, they understand the business of show business, they are dedicated to their craft, and they are acutely aware of the social and political implications of their jobs.”
The second installment, directed by award-winning filmmaker Shola Lynch, focuses on Black leading women and features an equally impressive roster of talent. Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, and Whoopi Goldberg serve as executive producers, while stars including Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and Tessa Thompson offer candid reflections on their Hollywood journeys.
Lynch's approach goes beyond typical sit-down interviews, creating what she describes as “portraits where I strove to crack the veneer of celebrity to be in honest conversation with moments of true emotion and connection.” The result is both celebratory and revelatory, highlighting both individual achievements and collective resilience.
What makes “Number One on the Call Sheet” particularly compelling is its exploration of the business realities behind artistic pursuits. These performers discuss not just their craft but the strategic decisions required to build sustainable careers in an industry where opportunities for Black actors have historically been limited. The documentaries don't shy away from discussing the extra burdens placed on Black performers to be exceptional while navigating systems of exclusion.
The project also places contemporary success stories in historical context, acknowledging the groundwork laid by earlier generations. Poitier, described by Hudlin as “the Big Bang, a change agent that opened the door for generations of Black actors to follow,” serves as a touchstone throughout the men's documentary, while Lynch ensures her film pays tribute “to past Black actresses who contributed to the evolution of opportunities that mirrored American society.”
Both directors have approached their subjects with a depth and thoughtfulness that elevates the documentaries beyond mere celebrity profiles. As Hudlin explains, “Every single interview I did for this film taught me something. Whether it was their strategies for surviving a career with unlikely prospects of success, their mindsets of what it takes to win, how they manage to balance their work life with being dedicated fathers, or whether their approach to their work is ‘art driven' or ‘business minded.'”
The timing of this release feels particularly significant as the industry faces technological disruption and demographic shifts. “This is an inflection point in our industry and our nation,” Hudlin observes. “The increasing diversity of America and the rising reliance on the global marketplace is enhancing the desire for films that reflect those audiences.”
Lynch's approach to the women's documentary is equally nuanced. “Through the journey to becoming a star, we are taken through the range of emotions that is part of living a goal-driven life,” she notes. “These women are simultaneously admirable and relatable in ways that transcend celebrity.”
With its impressive assembly of talent and unflinching examination of Hollywood's past and present, “Number One on the Call Sheet” stands as an essential historical document and a timely reminder of both progress made and challenges that remain. As Lynch succinctly puts it, this is “a story of reaching one goal – told through 17 journeys – and more than 200 films – in one beautifully crafted film.”
For anyone who cares about representation in media, the evolution of American cinema, or simply appreciates candid conversations with some of our greatest screen talents, this two-part documentary event is not just recommended viewing – it's essential.
