In 1954, Dandridge was cast in “Carmen Jones,” the film that changed the trajectory of her life and career. Vanity Fair states that her performance as the titular character, directed by Otto Preminger, received critical acclaim. Ultimately, “Carmen Jones” earned Dandrige an Academy Award nomination. Despite losing to Grace Kelly, the nomination was monumental nonetheless. It also cemented Dandridge’s celebrity and stardom. Likewise, she was put on the cover of Life Magazine, making her the first Black woman to achieve this honor.
Per Mental Floss, Dandridge was making thousands of dollars and arguably became one of the most revered Black women in the world (via The Washington Post). However, her career quickly floundered after the hype of “Carmen Jones” ceased. Dandridge, as Biography explains, wanted leading roles that challenged her. Instead, her skin color attracted demeaning stereotypical parts that she had no interest in. Dandridge subsequently made a series of flops. In fact, many believe that her role in the 1959 classic “Porgy and Bess” is the only film besides “Carmen Jones” that truly shows her talents.
In addition to her failing film career, Dandridge’s personal life was also in shambles. According to Vanity Fair, she had an affair with Preminger, who also directed “Porgy and Bess.” Preminger was reportedly abusive and controlling. The relationship ended by the time the pair began to work on “Porgy and Bess.” Dandridge’s career seemed to be over by the 1960s. She also had another failed marriage, to Jack Denison (via Biography). According to Mental Floss, Denison was abusive and mishandled her finances.
