Erivo ready for her close-up

Star seeks roles that explore her sexuality

Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo wants to explore her sexuality on screen since she feels Hollywood is failing to show black women’s sensuality.

The British star’s performance as abolitionist activist Harriet Tubman in Harriet has landed her a best actress nomination at the Academy Awards, in addition to a nod for best original song (Stand Up, which Erivo sings) and she hopes her success will land her a greater variety of parts.

In an interview with writer and activist Roxane Gay for The Hollywood Reporter, Erivo reveals she is often cast as characters who are “asexual” and would like to explore more of her romantic side on screen.

“I would like to play the role of a woman who has sexuality,” she says. “For some reason, I don’t know whether it is specifically black women, but our roles lack sexuality. It’s like we can’t be badass and human and sexual at the same time. I just don’t understand that. One of my favourite films is Call Me by Your Name, because of how tender and sensual it is. I still haven’t seen that for a black woman. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Asked about directors she’d like to work with, the 33-year-old lists Ryan Coogler, Ava Duvernay and Barry Jenkins.

She also says she’d love to do a superhero movie like Coogler’s Black Panther. “My body is suited to it,” she says. “And I’d love to see what that experience is like. I think I could have a good time doing it.”

If she wins an Oscar, Erivo will become the youngest ever star to have completed an EGOT — wins at the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys — but says she’s relaxed about making history.

“I think I’ve said ‘EGOT’ less than everybody else,” she says. “I don’t know that it’s that I care less or that it’s not the most important thing to me. It really is and it really has been about getting good work and playing roles I feel are good for me.”

For some reason, I don’t know whether it is specifically black women, but our roles lack sexuality.

CYNTHIA ERIVO