It’s weird to hear the opening hymns of “Silent Night” when the temperatures are hovering near 90 degrees. Yet, Fox Searchlight wants to put audiences in the Christmas spirit with its first trailer for Black Nativity, a musical family drama derived from Langston Hughes’ celebrated play. The clip dropped online this morning. Check it out below:
 

 
Hughes’ play dates back to 1961, when the traditional Nativity story was updated with gospel songs and carols. This new take, directed by Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou, The Caveman’s Valentine), will feel like Christmas morning for audiences who love powerful African-American entertainers. Fox Searchlight plays up the fact that Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson belts out “Silent Night” in the debut trailer for Black Nativity. But scan the clip and you’ll see the likes of Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Nas, Tyrese Gibson and Jacob Latimore. 
 
At the moment, Searchlight has Black Nativity scheduled for its Thanksgiving weekend slot. That says a lot about a movie. The studio obviously believes in Lemmons’ vision. Thanksgiving is a HUGE moviegoing weekend, and films tend to pack houses if they deliver quality. It’s also a For Your Consideration Oscar showcase, opening right when the bulk of Hollywood’s awards contenders start screening. Could Black Nativity harbor Oscar dreams for this cast? 
 
We’ll see. Black Nativity opens in theaters on November 27. For now, what do you think of the trailer?
 

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