# Hidden Figures

> 2016 film directed by Theodore Melfi

**Wikidata**: [Q23755544](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23755544)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Figures)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hidden-figures

## Summary
Hidden Figures is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi that dramatizes the contributions of African American female mathematicians at NASA during the early years of the space race. The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, and is based on the 2016 non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. It highlights the often-overlooked roles of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson in pivotal NASA missions.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: December 25, 2016 (limited release), January 6, 2017 (wide release)
- **Director**: Theodore Melfi
- **Genre**: Biographical drama, historical drama
- **Based On**: *Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race* by Margot Lee Shetterly
- **Starring**: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons
- **Production Companies**: 20th Century Studios, Chernin Entertainment, TSG Entertainment
- **Distributor**: 20th Century Studios
- **Runtime**: 127 minutes
- **Budget**: $25 million
- **Box Office**: $236.2 million
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer), Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 48 language editions
- **IMDb ID**: tt4846340
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 93% (Certified Fresh)
- **Metacritic Score**: 74/100 (Generally favorable reviews)
- **Library of Congress Classification**: PN1995.9.H5 (Motion pictures — History)
- **UNSPSC Code**: 90131601 (Audiovisual products)
- **Related Entities**: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, NASA, Jim Parsons, Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, Theodore Melfi, 20th Century Studios

## FAQs
**What is the historical basis of Hidden Figures?**  
Hidden Figures is based on the true stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, African American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at NASA during the 1960s. Their contributions were critical to the success of early space missions, including John Glenn's orbital flight.

**Who are the main cast members and their roles?**  
The film stars Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson. Supporting roles include Kevin Costner as Al Harrison, Kirsten Dunst as Vivian Mitchell, and Jim Parsons as Paul Stafford.

**What awards and recognition did Hidden Figures receive?**  
Hidden Figures won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer), a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. It was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars.

**How was the film received commercially and critically?**  
The film grossed $236.2 million worldwide on a $25 million budget, making it a commercial success. It received widespread critical acclaim, with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 74/100 Metacritic score, praising its storytelling, performances, and historical significance.

**What themes does the film explore?**  
Hidden Figures explores themes of racial and gender discrimination, perseverance, and the intersection of science and civil rights. It highlights the dual challenges faced by African American women in STEM fields during the 1960s.

## Why It Matters
Hidden Figures matters because it sheds light on the previously untold stories of African American women who played crucial roles in NASA's early space program. The film addresses systemic racism and sexism in STEM fields, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific advancement. Its success sparked broader conversations about representation in media and education, inspiring initiatives to recognize overlooked contributions of minority groups in science and history. The film's impact extends beyond entertainment, serving as an educational tool to correct historical omissions and motivate future generations of underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Bringing attention to the overlooked contributions of African American women at NASA during the space race.
- **Awards and Nominations**: Winning an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and SAG Award, with multiple Oscar nominations.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparking discussions about diversity in STEM and media representation, leading to increased recognition of marginalized historical figures.
- **Commercial Success**: Grossing over $236 million worldwide, demonstrating the viability of films centered on diverse, true stories.
- **Educational Value**: Used in schools and institutions to teach about the civil rights movement, women's history, and the history of science.
- **Star Performances**: Standout roles for Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, enhancing their careers and influence.
- **Technical Accuracy**: Praised for its attention to historical detail and consultation with NASA and the depicted individuals' families.

## Body

### Production and Release
Hidden Figures was directed by Theodore Melfi and produced by 20th Century Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and TSG Entertainment. The screenplay, written by Allison Schroeder and Melfi, is adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 book. The film premiered on December 25, 2016, with a wide release on January 6, 2017. It was distributed by 20th Century Studios and grossed $236.2 million globally against a $25 million budget, proving the commercial viability of diverse, historically grounded narratives.

### Historical Context and Characters
The film centers on three real-life figures: Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), a mathematician whose calculations were critical to NASA missions; Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), a supervisor who pioneered early computer programming; and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), an engineer who became NASA's first African American female engineer. Their stories are set against the backdrop of the 1960s space race and the civil rights movement, illustrating the dual struggles of racial segregation and gender discrimination in the workplace.

### Cast and Crew
- **Taraji P. Henson** as Katherine Johnson, whose orbital mechanics expertise ensured the success of John Glenn's 1962 mission.
- **Octavia Spencer** as Dorothy Vaughan, who managed the West Area Computers, a unit of African American female mathematicians.
- **Janelle Monáe** as Mary Jackson, who challenged NASA's racial barriers to become an engineer.
- **Kevin Costner** as Al Harrison, a fictionalized NASA director who advocates for integration.
- **Kirsten Dunst** as Vivian Mitchell, a supervisor reflecting the era's racial biases.
- **Jim Parsons** as Paul Stafford, a mathematician skeptical of Katherine's abilities.

### Themes and Reception
The film explores themes of perseverance, equality, and the power of collective achievement. Critics praised its balance of personal and professional narratives, with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting its "inspiring true story" and "outstanding performances." Metacritic noted "generally favorable reviews," emphasizing its educational and emotional resonance. Audiences responded positively to its uplifting message and historical relevance, contributing to its box office success.

### Awards and Legacy
Hidden Figures received widespread recognition, including an Academy Award for Octavia Spencer and a SAG Award for its ensemble cast. It was nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 89th Academy Awards. The film's legacy includes increased recognition of its subjects, with Katherine Johnson receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. NASA and educational institutions have incorporated the film into outreach programs to promote diversity in STEM fields.

### Technical and Cultural Impact
The film's technical accuracy was ensured through collaboration with NASA historians and the families of the depicted individuals. Its influence extends to popular culture, with references in media and education. The term "Hidden Figures" has become synonymous with unsung heroes in STEM, inspiring books, exhibitions, and initiatives to uncover similar stories. The film's success paved the way for more projects centered on diverse historical figures, demonstrating the appetite for inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.

### Related Entities and Works
- **Katherine Johnson**: Mathematician whose calculations were essential to NASA's success, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson.
- **Dorothy Vaughan**: Supervisor of the West Area Computers, depicted by Octavia Spencer.
- **Mary Jackson**: NASA's first African American female engineer, played by Janelle Monáe.
- **Theodore Melfi**: Director and co-writer, known for balancing drama and historical accuracy.
- **20th Century Studios**: Production company behind the film, part of The Walt Disney Company.
- **NASA**: Central to the film's narrative, with the portrayal of its 1960s operations and culture.
- **Jim Parsons**: Actor who played Paul Stafford, contributing to the film's ensemble cast.

## References

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