Taraji P. Henson On 'Hidden Figures': ‘A Mind Doesn’t Have A Color’ | Hardball | MSNBC

Actors Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Director Ted Melfi and Grammy winning musician and Producer Pharrell Williams talk about their new film “Hidden Figures."
» Subscribe to MSNBC: on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc
About: MSNBC is the premier destination for in-depth analysis of daily headlines, insightful political commentary and informed perspectives. Reaching more than 95 million households worldwide, MSNBC offers a full schedule of live news coverage, political opinions and award-winning documentary programming -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: on.msnbc.com/Readmsnbc
Find MSNBC on Facebook: on.msnbc.com/Likemsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Twitter: on.msnbc.com/Followmsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Google+: on.msnbc.com/Plusmsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Instagram: on.msnbc.com/Instamsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Tumblr: on.msnbc.com/LeanWithmsnbc
Taraji P. Henson On 'Hidden Figures': ‘A Mind Doesn’t Have A Color’ | Hardball | MSNBC

[@sybylo]

Little black girls need to see that movie.

[@cgawi]

Amen!

[@theninjacat7200]

yes!

[@michaelmendieta7649]

All people of color and marginalized communities need to see this movie.

[@BFick478]

EVERYONE needs to see this movie!!!!!!! So inspirational

[@oftheuniverse2242]

Hopefully, little black girls won't understand the magnitude. Young women need to see this movie. older women need to see this movie. men need to see this movie and boys should to see this movie, so that some remember what we it THROUGH. some of us souls came back, maybe even with "hidden figures", just to see our story for memories. *glad this production is over. I feel like I've been in this.* *only some can understand that* might even be the greater consciousness.

[@seansartor]

This movie was TREMENDOUS! And Taraji knocked it out of the park! This movie should be MANDATORY for all school age children.

[@dstorm7752]

It will be mandatory because it preaches that while males are bad.

[@ceciliamartinez6292]

D Storm mandatory because it's inspirational and funny. White men have been the bad people for a long time according to history. No one is going to see the film in that light. This movie is based on true life events, so is everyone going to pretend the white males have done nothing wrong? Honesty, I don't view this movie in that light

[@AnnaWebb37]

Jan Valach ... It was a true story... These women were extremely crucial in the mercury missions. If Katherine wasn't there at the time, John Glenn wouldn't have taken off.

[@AnnaWebb37]

Cecilia Martinez The head of NASA who was white was the one who killed off the segregation in NASA. And most people at the time in southern Virginia were racist. It's not saying that white men were terrible creatures.

[@vuksgitau]

@ Sean Sartor I agree.

[@LamRashon]

It sucks that Octavia Spencer doesn't get the RESPECT due for being an OSCAR-WINNING actress.....That is indeed how she should be introduced.

[@ashleywilliamson6657]

3WG Productions I totally agree with that statement. He mentioned her being in that movie, but should have also mentioned her oscar from that movie.

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

I appreciated her once I saw her and I knew her greatness and I am just thankful, I left the complaining out of the room when I watch the movie in total appreciation for everyone.

[@fourteyninerfan2313]

We need more blacks in the United States in STEM fields. I've been the only only black kid in all of my physics, math, and engineering classes. I hope this movie inspires more people of color to pursue engineering, math, and science.

[@optimisms]

Same is true for women, although slightly less so. I'm one of three girls in my physics class, as well as calculus, it's the same three girls in both my math as science classes, (also to acknowledge race, two of us are white and one is mixed but light skin so I see your point too) and it's been that way for all of high school

[@fourteyninerfan2313]

Update, theres 1 other black kid in my Physics 2 class. you guys feel my pain!

[@ladonnayoung8259]

Melissa Maoilriain Yes you are. You just have to choose top tap into the strength that God gave you. We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. God bless you. 😊

[@sugarkiss1000]

FourteyNiner Fan I agree, I'm in college and there's only 2 black people in my math engineering class, me and another black girl but it only empowers me.

[@darcysiecine5992]

You know it's funny, my friends in college who are all black women claim that they don't like math... but they all love physics...which is basically just math. I think because of the lack of encouragement in this area, we make assumptions about our abilities. The moment that I decided that I was good at math, I did well.

[@vinceA3748]

Taraji Henson is a terrific actress. She had an Oscar worthy performance in this movie. Loved it.

[@ValerieHarrisPrettyandCexi]

EVERY YOUNG BLACK CHILD NEEDS TO SEE THIS MOVIE.....

[@TheWinterShadow]

Every "CHILD' need to see this movie.

[@ndiogouniang83]

@@TheWinterShadow period

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

I agree I sent the links to the movie to a 30 year old African America plutonic lady friend of mine.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Teraji P. Henson should've won an Oscar for the Hidden Figures movie.

[@anthonygarofolo6440]

No question

[@mkmgramirez]

The interviewer seems so uncomfortable. He seems to be able to calmly discuss the racism with Kevin Costner but not with Taraji, Janelle nor Pharrell.

[@whitneymcclinton7063]

i peeped that. He was rushing through his sentences, as if he felt uncomfortable to say certain phrases or words relating to racism...weird.

[@theninjacat7200]

yes, it's clear he's not comfortable. not sure he chose to do this interview. I'm guessing it was assigned to him and he just went with it...trying to fake some connection. I lost interest when he mangled Taraji's name! It's clear he didn't know her work...

[@SquidandCatAdventures]

I agree he seemed uncomfortable, but at least he was trying. He was trying not to offend anyone. There are plenty of openly racist people to worry about in the world, like your president-elect for example and his KKK followers, before we go picking too much on the ones who don't actually want to be racist.

[@mkmgramirez]

Squish when discussing racism, one will offend. however the efforts to be honest, learn from each other and come up with solutions overrides that offense. at least when both sides desire to change. it is like resolving conflict with your spouse. you are going to offend them sometimes but when both of you desire resolution, you shrug off the offense. I've had a race conversation with my bible study group which is ethnically mixed. a sister and I was able to have a deep conversation even when I said something that I knew was hurtful to her but she was able to understand why some black women feel hurt to see a black man with a white woman

[@kylejnicholson]

That's because he is an old white man....

[@kendy4]

Beautiful, I'm glad to see more movies of the undiscovered history and accomplishments of bright and beautiful people.

[@SIRGAGA123]

"we do it all just like we continue to do today" yasss Janelle

[@JessieStRox]

I am very angry that we never heard about the story in history class. Or we never heard about the story in general at all in our lives growing up. I'm completely disgusted that we never learned about awesome African-American people in America.

[@zhanejackson5062]

Jessie Does Life right I have never heard about 3 black women helping with NASA. the movie was terrific but u just wish we learned about it at school

[@JessieStRox]

Nae Nae so you are taking my honest loving caring comment and making it something negative? I am Native American and in the community I grew up in we didn't learn about African-American people doing awesome and amazing things we were white washed with white privilege morons and lied to in history class and science class and possibly many other classes as well. The schools I went to in elementary and middle and high school are all Southern and I had no choice as to where I went to school growing up. Everything I learned in my life after high school because I watched documentaries and I read a lot of books and I watched a lot of movies about true life events.

[@zhanejackson5062]

Jessie Does Life no ur reading my comment wrong. I'm saying that it's sad that none of my teachers have never told me about these 3 black women. I wasn't trying to turn ur comment into a rude one

[@zhanejackson5062]

Jessie Does Life u just read my comment wrong.

[@zhanejackson5062]

Jessie Does Life plus there was an auto correct on that last sentence.

[@farisasmith7109]

Hollywood needs more movies like this. I'm tired of the same old stuff.

[@ZoeHewittHosting]

I know--and I was happy to see the movie and discover it was as good as I'd hoped. Sometimes there's the fear that it won't live up the expectations and "Hidden Figures" definitely does. It is wonderful in all ways.

[@dcmc7383]

Yes! This was not a remake of anything...completely original and a TREMENDOUSLY important story. There are plenty more of these stories out there, Hollywood. Go do your homework!

[@victormazzari5903]

Farisa Smith 🙁yeh let's have a movie made about a white man in 2018 being beaten up by black thugs just for dating a black woman 🤕

[@ladeewesley9019]

this movie is Oscar worthy. All three ladies were wonderful.

[@OmiWomi13]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS!!! The acting looks impeccable! The music already sounds great. I'm a huge fan of Taraji and Janelle Monae is EVERYTHING as always. I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Octavia and I hope to see her in more roles that don't involve her being a nurse or the help. She clearly would shine in any role either way.

[@musicislife7282]

I was invited to a free screening in Hampton Va last night. The movie was great. Inspiring. Take your daughters no matter what race they are

[@ZoeHewittHosting]

Yes--it's fantastic in every way. The acting, writing, music, costumes, production design--it's definitely an Oscar contender. Loved every bit of it!

[@musicislife7282]

Octavia is in like 3 movies coming out in the next several months

[@alondathomas293]

All three of these actresses are good---especially Henson and Spencer, because I've seen more of their work, and I like them both. Janelle Monae, who's a very talented singer/songwriter herself, is also currently in the critically acclaimed indie drama Moonlight. Check her CD The ArchAndroid out--it's a great one to hear.

[@TheMysticAgent]

Octavia was so gracious when Chris forgets her name. Gracious.

[@kaylynn3233]

I love when entertainment has a good meaning and purpose behind it!

[@rickbarbera7721]

Should have won best picture IMO and it's a mystery to me why Taraji P Henson was not nominated for Best Actress. Just inspiring.

[@stephaniesaunders5689]

Soooo glad They are finally telling my Aunt Katherine's story to the world. please see this movie 😊

[@turdferguson8928]

I will after you quit lyin'

[@stephaniesaunders5689]

Burt Reynolds As usual another troublemaker. But I have proof if you absolutely need to see validation......child.

[@hattieharalson6386]

S Saunders Is she really your Aunt??? 😍

[@Denise6000-cs4mo]

Wow, you must be so proud!+

[@greylynn-snakevenom113glc7]

Hattie Haralson: yup that's our Aunty Katherine right there. chur Aunty, tumeke cuzzy

[@inthemix7640]

he's trying so hard to act like racism was a 60s issue. but today black people still have to ask permission every day to be who they're supposed to be. it frustrates me so much. hopefully there will be more of these movies.

[@kermitefrog64]

All people need to see this movie. We had a crowd this evening from many cultures and people clapped together throughout the movie and at the end of the movie. This movie deserve the academy award for best picture and each woman should get an academy award. My wife and I loved this movie. I am going to take my wife's mother this next week to see this movie. I am going to encourage everyone where I work to see this movie. Just an incredible true life story and so timely with present climate that is affecting everyone. Just fantastic.

[@empressstaceyjackson5375]

The mind doesn't have colour.

[@AngelaG2015]

Great interview! Thank you! This movie is a must see!

[@sol3015]

This man interviewing them seems so uncomfortable but he really tried to be politically correct and polite. But this was an awkward interview.

[@bluedasher74]

I agree, it was awkward!

[@dcmc7383]

Agreed. I think it was awkward more because of the time constraint on his show trying to cover weekly topics versus this HUGE topic. Chris Matthews really tried to get in-depth about both the movie and how people of color were treated during the Jim Crow era but couldn't get it all in. That's a LOT of material so he was rushing a bit. I think he should have taken the time to do a REALLY in-depth interview and then showed edited (timely) parts of it over more than one Hardball. Maybe even dedicated 20 minutes each week during February, which is Black History month.

[@florientcalliste-leonard680]

Aaron Morris - Exactly

[@florientcalliste-leonard680]

Darius Soler - that's ridiculous- u must be blind! u must not be comfortable with white people- lol

[@jlove7723]

That is exactly what Politically Correctness has done to this country. is a real shame!

[@domenicazaratan7544]

Thumbs up for this movie and show.

[@MsLoveofmoney]

I love Kevin Costner and Taraji P Henson

[@charlienelson2002]

One of the best movies - I cry and cry and cry - all about love and kindness.

[@thelifeofamomofyoungmanand6439]

I love this movie all three women impacted me and made me proud as a black woman it was powerful for me.

[@jaioliver2580]

I read the book and watch the movie and I'm a native American/African American girl and I enjoy things like and look up to it

[@carrickrichards2457]

Wonderful film. History that deserves to be remembered. Genius is always a good arguement.

[@Hyaphill]

We need more stories like this.

[@lightuponlight6727]

awesome cast & crew & an amazing film... so glad to see it made

[@sweetcrimson]

Was it me or was it hard for him to remember their names?

[@KirstinAlexis]

C Grant nope I peeped that too

[@shariparrilla7610]

I'm going to see this movie this friday

[@thelifeofamomofyoungmanand6439]

I like what she said I mind doesn't have a color ❤️

[@princegemini1877]

he forgot my favorite part when all the women in the computer program relocated to the IBM room and they was just bursting through doors walking together (looking powerful) but the highheel shots 👠🎥

[@jeanday9747]

Love love this movie. Fantastic women of our space program.

[@elisamagill1365]

One of my all-time favorite movies for sure!!!

[@d.h.dd.h.d.5230]

Lovely interview😅 The movie was exceptional. I watch it over & over & it never gets old, like classics.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Kevin Costner was right when he stated that this movie was the role of a lifetime for Taraji P. Henson. All three of these ladies did a great job in this movie. I have it on DVD disc and I've watched it multiple times already.

[@Bfoots1952]

I remember John Glenn's flight in space as a child. My classmates and myself did a board in our class about it. I wish we had known the back drop on this story. Little girls, especially black little girls, would have been so enthralled to know that black women were behind the scenes making sure the numbers were right to execute Glenn's mission. I am a little embarrassed and disturbed that at 64 I am just learning about this story. Makes me wonder how many more stories are out there about women not being recognized for their contributions for achievement's our country have made in various fields....makes me go ummmmmm?

[@ThePricklyash]

Thank you Pharrell for giving Chris his 💐 on behalf of the viewers.

[@murielleyoung5542]

So happy for this great movie.

[@cassykershaw2735]

Love the movie I think it gives a glamps in to the lives of black community in the 60s. Sadly we’ve haven’t gotten were we should be at, both as a country and as a people!

[@mayflower7811]

This movie is a great way to display African American Women history

[@TheWinterShadow]

This movie is a great way to display HISTORY in general.

[@mayflower7811]

@@TheWinterShadow FACTS

[@lindsaynordstrom6621]

What a great movie, well done Kevin and all of the wonderful cast.

[@roberthasam8419]

I appreciate this interview, it's great. . I enjoy the movie clips. .untill I get to see the movie it self. . Lady thank you. .Kevin you're always my best TV guy 🌟🌟🌟👍👍

[@mikekelso6641]

Just came back from seeing this movie real powerful real awesome RT

[@archietoledo1423]

Still one of my favourite movie. 😍

[@jas_thelifeinsurancelady]

Just saw this! This encourages me to read more !

[@karotgold09]

Kevin Costner! Beautiful cast!!!!

[@dennispfeifer7788]

I never heard of this movie before a week ago...I'd like to see it...

[@DETROIT1948]

Priceless Movie ✨

[@tanyalake9152]

that movie is amazing! just by watching the trailer, I had a feeling that it was going to be a really good movie. as soon as I noticed that it came out online, I didn't hesitate to watch it. they did a great job! they are going to get a lot of awards, and Oscars for this movie! they better!

[@ujugafu2209]

I don't have a problem with the interviewer, he had a kind word for Octavia in the beginning. He seemed to genuinely enjoy the premise of the film. I don't really see anything to complain about - Great clip! Can't wait to see the film with my family :)

[@beveryveryquietiamhuntingr7009]

I come watch various videos of these 3 ladies everyday.

[@shariparrilla7610]

I love the movie I grew up watching the space shuttles take off in Florida I never know of Kathrine Johnson. I think of this movie and I get so emotional. it means the world to me to have amazing black women to look up to. so inspiring

[@jennifermeyers9340]

Loved this movie! Watched it again last night. Love how Pharrell is there though..he was involved in the music and score but actually it was Hans Zimmer..small tidbit. They did a collaboration.

[@mysteryof7]

Kevin Kostner is a beautiful person, inside & out.

[@musicislife7282]

When you see his character you will love Kevin even more.

[@dreameryoung38]

He truly is

[@melissagutierrez-solorzano4019]

Awww I feel like the host almost got emotional when Ferrell complimented him. So sweet.

[@erosr1]

Lovely movie! I love Octavia Spencer!

[@evelynlester6884]

This was a great interview.

[@4daluvofnikki]

I loved this movie and I am so glad it was made into a movie. Although there was a book out before the movie. The book was not propped up like it should have been either. Well now both the Movie and the Book should do well. Everyone if you haven't already. Please go see this movie. Take your Daughters and your Sons.

[@eudoraevans3340]

Wonderful😊😊😊

[@elanabarros7575]

It's amazing how these 3 women are so hard working and most of all motivating to do more as women black or white we all are capable 😊 God bless them

[@SusanHorning-xy7qh]

Great film, glad to learn about this history.

[@sallysue8176]

This is my favorite movie!

[@BFick478]

Taraji should have an Oscar for this movie!!!!!!!

[@ericdiaz9539]

This movie is freakin awesome.... I love it... I watched by myself and I'm gonna watch it again with my daughter not only does it show the history of African Americans making a difference in history but it also show women can do anything they set there minds to that its not a mans world... Us women can make a difference as well... Every one needs to see this movie.

[@NadiaVenice]

Octavia's teeth!! They look great!

[@MrUnattainable]

I hate how he keeps undermining the other two women and praising Taraji. @1:59 "Taraji P. Henson, she's the superstar of this movie", @2:23 "I wanna talk to you Taraji because u just dominate that movie", @4:34 "The shoes at one point get caught and you almost get killed * points at Taraji * and Taraji has to correct him that it was Janelle Monae's character. @4:39 Janelle even looked like "OK, he's really trying me right now" lol They ALL did a phenomenal job!

[@wahaywgr]

I’m still mad Taraji didn’t win an Oscar

[@ghadirmatar836]

I'm going to watch it tomorrow (January 10th) with my Middle School!

[@islamicchronicles5381]

THANK YOU

[@bohwe43]

Can't wait to see this movie. Hopefully, we will one day have a film about the 12 black scientists apart of the Manhattan Project, aka help build the first atomic bomb.

[@ndo533]

Porsche Weaver we need a movie on that asap. would love to see it

[@peterfeeney6177]

Porsche Weaver did that happen, or was it just an example?

[@bohwe43]

It happened,one black scientist on the project spoke about it.

[@bohwe43]

Google: African Americans and The Manhattan Project.

[@newgardner]

Great Segment!

[@kenbrown3169]

I wish they would show this movie more often

[@tonyabrooks193]

I love this movie! The acting was great, the music was superb and the story just unfolded. Taraji & Octavia & Kevin always "make the character". But this was my 1st time seeing Janelle -AWESOME! Not sure if its her 1st role, but she pulled it off...effortless. Great director work... GREAT girls night film!

[@dreameryoung38]

They had the 3 perfect women to play this who are characteristic in there on right

[@jessicarose826]

Taraji so beautiful women and that my queen

[@soniapoly1]

can't wait.

[@TierraStewart]

*oscar winning Octavia Spencer**** ( please get the intros right)

[@ashleywilliamson6657]

Tierra Stewart Yes! Tell Him!

[@fah232]

Tierra Stewart RIGHT !!

[@debbyspencer7047]

Taraji is so beautiful. I wish he would have asked about Katherine's relationship. It's a feet in Jim Crow era for a widower and a war man to get together at the height of their careers and maintain a relationship for over 50 some years. Loved, loved the proposal too! Get it in Boggs!

[@deshardemcguffie5299]

I can't wait to watch this movie

[@mayflower7811]

Desharde Mcguffie Same

[@deshardemcguffie5299]

oh yea especially seeing my favorite actress Taraji P Henson in it

[@xanlysphynx8839]

Desharde Mcguffie it was so good just streamed it online so good I'm also going to pay for it

[@deshardemcguffie5299]

ALEXANDRIA ALLY oh yea the movie was amazing and awesome

[@jakexcalibur1583]

that's when you know it's good -- you can get it for free, but you don't mind paying for it. when the bluray comes out, i'm getting 4 copies: 1 for me, 3 for gifts.

[@roseluis2059]

Kelvin, I love you.

[@melaniesmith1928]

Nice interview.

[@preciousn2518]

I love Taraji, but can we not act like she was the only important character?? They all played equally important roles smh

[@girlfriendtherapy]

"These women are not hidden from NASA they have been honoring them for years." I love that. I can't wait to go see this movie.

[@musicislife7282]

These women sent men to the moon and we're out here begging for equal pay! Come on now.

[@allenwood100]

honored maybe so - but not publicly . took 65 years for their story to go public

[@Ghada1982xx]

Is it me or just Octavia looks different in this video I don't know how but something has changed about her!!

[@wendyshaw2693]

This movie is soooooo gooood.We have come a long way.God is goooood.

[@dailyinspirationalways]

Why we never read that story in history books see black lives matter

[@arx754]

Because all of the history books used in schools are written by WHITE MALES. I'm a 65 year old white woman, and I'm ENRAGED that I was taught in school, growing up in the US, that EVERY accomplishment in this country was done by WHITE MALES. And, frankly, it was only when I was in high school that I started questioning that premise. Totally SUCKS that if you weren't a WHITE MALE, you received NO CREDIT for that you did. Instead, a WHITE MALE took all the credit for your work. We have been ROBBED, in this country, by what we were taught as children. And, yes, I am a FIRM believer in that the BRAIN has no color, no gender, no religion, and no sexual preference.

[@judysowell2586]

Build and feed that which unites us!

[@jam0to9]

Dammit, I miss "Hardball" with Chris Mathews. No one on MSNBC does it better. He was the best.

[@randellgoering3425]

Kevin Costner nailed it! when he talked about John Glenns Go/No Go hanging on a black womans math shouldve been a story ALL of us should have known! then take it to the next step and tell that womans story! wtf is wrong with our education v system!? NEVER even heard this story during black history month!!

[@HarryKemball]

Bought the DVD.

[@xiomanaxoxoxo3212]

Taraji carries this film.

[@danbev8542]

I LOVED this movie! I love these stories of these remarkable people. Costner is right, this should have been told a long time ago. I loved the 3 performances - loved the way Henson/Katherine kept poking her glasses up on her nose! I’m a 75 year old white woman who was totally oblivious to these stories and situations at the time. I learned about being a woman in a mostly male profession in the 70’s and that was NOT easy! To have the double whammy of being black as well…. What brilliant, beautiful women they were! One more note: I’ve never read a more terrifying book than “The Help”.

[@jergomb6559]

Great movies

[@erwinlumunsad1402]

We just watch how these three lovely women empowered their rights at NASA as one of the greatest women in history. Not only they are women, but also an African American women who stands bravely against racism. But the saddest part is. America still has this discrimination attitude against their nature until this day.

[@JenJen-eh9wq]

Hello kevin costner idol my phillipines

[@nickolytes7632]

very nice movie!!!!!!

[@oftheuniverse2242]

thank you msnbc. thank you NBC. that's enough. I don't want to go on and on