Black Friday Sale! 50% Off All Access

Jordan Peele Overcame Self-Doubt to Become the First Black Person to Win an Oscar for Original Screenplay He was also nominated for best director for "Get Out," his horror film with a social bent.

By Stephen J. Bronner Edited by Dan Bova

Entrepreneur+ Black Friday Sale

Our biggest sale — Get unlimited access to Entrepreneur.com at an unbeatable price. Use code SAVE50 at checkout.*

Claim Offer

*Offer only available to new subscribers

Albert L. Ortega | Getty Images

Jordan Peele last night became the first black person to win an Oscar for best original screenplay for Get Out, which he was also nominated for directing, and revealed that self-doubt almost stopped him from finishing his screenplay.

"This means so much to me. I stopped writing this movie about 20 times, because I thought it was impossible," he said during his acceptance speech. "I thought it wasn't going to work. I thought no one would ever make this movie. But I kept coming back to it because I knew if someone let me make this movie, that people would hear it and people would see it. So I want to dedicate this to the people who raised my voice and let me make this movie."

Related: 17 Inspirational Quotes From Oscar-Winning Movies

We all encounter hurdles in our lives, from both that nagging voice in your head to naysayers, but if you believe in your vision, you should see it through to completion. You just may make history.

And of course, there's probably no better feeling than being cheered on by your bestie.

Stephen J. Bronner

Entrepreneur Staff

News Director

Stephen J. Bronner writes mostly about packaged foods. His weekly column is The Digest. He is very much on top of his email.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Father Time Always Wins': Warren Buffett, 94, Just Announced Major Changes to His Plan to Give Away His Money

Warren Buffett continued his Thanksgiving tradition with a $1.1 billion donation of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations.

Living

These Are the 'Wealthiest and Safest' Places to Retire in the U.S. None of Them Are in Florida — and 2 States Swept the List.

More than 338,000 U.S. residents retired to a new home in 2023 — a 44% increase year over year.

Business News

This Is What Black Friday and Holiday Shoppers Are Really Looking for This Season, According to New Research

Shopify's annual holiday survey revealed some surprising news about retail spending this holiday season.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Health & Wellness

Why Personal Health and Wellness Are Key to Business Longevity

Here's why health truly is wealth, especially if you want to be a good business leader.