Queen Sugar

About Queen Sugar

Queen Sugar, released in 2016, is a drama series that tells the story of the estranged Bordelon siblings in Louisiana. After their father's unexpected passing, Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel inherit a vast sugarcan farm, forcing them to navigate the triumphs and struggles of managing this unexpected new enterprise. The series is an adaptation of Natalie Baszile's novel of the same name.

Making / Production

The show is a contemporary drama set in the heart of Louisiana and filmed on location. It's created by Ava DuVernay, who directed the first two episodes, and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey for Own. The first season was especially notable because all the episodes were directed by women, shedding a new light on the world of patriarchal cinema.

Actors

• Rutina Wesley plays Nova Bordelon, a dedicated journalist and community activist. Wesley brings a profound depth and sensitivity to her role.
• Dawn-Lyen Gardner as Charley Bordelon West, a savvy business woman who moves from Los Angeles to Louisiana. Gardner portrays Charley's strength and vulnerability immaculately.
• Kofi Siriboe appears as Ralph Angel Bordelon, a formerly incarcerated young father. Siriboe's emotive portrayal gives a compelling view of the struggles and redemption of Ralph Angel's character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Queen Sugar was the first television series to have all episodes directed by women.
• The show's executive producer, Oprah Winfrey, makes a cameo in the first season.
• The series is based on a novel by Natalie Baszile, although it significantly expands upon the plot and character development.

Awards

Over its run, Queen Sugar has garnered several award nominations, particularly for its writing and acting. It won Outstanding Drama Series at the NAACP Image Awards in 2017 and 2018, with actors Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe receiving individual nominations and awards for their performances.

Quotes

• "Family is everything. My parents always reinforced that model: that the family comes first, and it's not about you." - Ralph Angel
• "I believe that every mistake, every misstep, leads us exactly where we're supposed to be." - Nova
• "The road to hell is paved with good intentions. But it doesn't lead there. Not for everyone." - Charley

Music & Soundtrack

• The show's score was composed by Meshell Ndegeocello, who crafted lush, organic soundscapes to reflect the series' rural Louisiana setting.
• Episodes often feature music by contemporary artists such as Solange, Frank Ocean, and Alabama Shakes.
• The show has been praised for its innovative use of music, employing a "music supervisor" to ensure each scene's sound matches its emotional tone.