Hidden Figures (2016)

Last updated:
June 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Struggles and Triumphs of Three African-American Women

The film “Hidden Figures” follows the true story of three African-American women working at NASA during the early 1960s: Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, they make significant contributions to the space race.

Katherine Johnson’s Role in Project Mercury

Katherine Johnson, a mathematical genius, is assigned to assist the Space Task Group. Her skills are essential in calculating trajectories for Project Mercury, including John Glenn’s orbit around Earth. Despite facing segregation and skepticism from her colleagues, Katherine’s work proves invaluable.

Dorothy Vaughan’s Fight for Recognition

Dorothy Vaughan discovers that NASA is bringing in an IBM computer to replace the human “computers.” Realizing the importance of adapting to new technology, she teaches herself and her team the programming language Fortran. Dorothy eventually becomes NASA’s first African-American supervisor.

Mary Jackson’s Pursuit of an Engineering Degree

Mary Jackson, aspiring to be an engineer, faces significant obstacles due to her race and gender. Encouraged by her mentor, she petitions the court to attend night classes at an all-white high school. Mary becomes NASA’s first African-American female engineer.

Overcoming Segregation and Discrimination

The three women not only excel in their respective fields but also challenge the segregation and discrimination prevalent in their workplace. Their efforts contribute to the desegregation of NASA facilities, such as the removal of segregated bathrooms.

The Successful Launch of Friendship 7

Katherine’s calculations play a crucial role in ensuring the successful launch and safe return of John Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission. Her work, along with the contributions of Dorothy and Mary, helps pave the way for future space missions.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with a triumphant depiction of the successful Friendship 7 mission. John Glenn’s safe return is celebrated, and the contributions of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are recognized by their colleagues. The movie ends with a series of title cards summarizing their subsequent achievements and the impact they had on NASA and society.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Hidden Figures” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Hidden Figures” is a biographical drama film that blends historical fact with compelling storytelling, focusing on themes of perseverance, equality, and the importance of teamwork.

Cast

Taraji P. Henson as Katherine G. Johnson
Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan
Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson
Kevin Costner as Al Harrison
Kirsten Dunst as Vivian Mitchell
Jim Parsons as Paul Stafford
Mahershala Ali as Jim Johnson
Aldis Hodge as Levi Jackson

Film Music and Composer

The film’s music is composed by Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, and Benjamin Wallfisch. The soundtrack features a blend of original songs and period-appropriate music that enhances the film’s emotional and historical context.

Filming Locations

Atlanta, Georgia: Various locations in Atlanta stood in for NASA facilities and other settings.
East Point, Georgia: Used for several scenes depicting the women’s neighborhoods and workplaces.

These locations helped to authentically recreate the 1960s atmosphere of the story.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer) and Best Original Score.
Screen Actors Guild Awards: Won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe formed a close bond during filming, which translated into their on-screen chemistry.
The film’s producers worked closely with NASA historians to ensure historical accuracy.
Pharrell Williams, one of the film’s producers and composers, grew up in Virginia, where the story takes place, adding a personal connection to the project.

Inspirations and References

Source Material: The film is based on the non-fiction book “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly, which details the untold story of the African-American women mathematicians who worked at NASA.
Historical Context: The film highlights the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for gender equality during the 1960s.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely known alternate endings, but several scenes were cut for pacing, including additional background on the characters’ personal lives.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Additional Details: The book provides more in-depth historical context and details about the women’s personal lives and careers.
Condensed Timeline: The film condenses events for dramatic effect and focuses on a shorter time span compared to the book.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Bathroom Scene: Katherine runs across the NASA campus to use the “colored” bathroom, highlighting segregation.
Katherine’s Confrontation: Katherine confronts her boss, Al Harrison, about the discrimination she faces, leading to the desegregation of the bathrooms.
Courtroom Scene: Mary Jackson petitions the court to allow her to attend an all-white high school to take engineering classes.

Iconic Quotes

“Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.” – Al Harrison
“Every time we get a chance to get ahead, they move the finish line.” – Mary Jackson
“There is no protocol for women attending.” – Katherine Johnson
“I believe it’s the right time.” – Dorothy Vaughan

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film includes real NASA footage and historical news clips to enhance authenticity.
The characters often use slide rules and other period-specific technology, emphasizing the pre-digital era of computing.

Trivia

The real Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson made significant contributions to NASA over their careers, often working behind the scenes.
Taraji P. Henson, who plays Katherine, has a mathematics background herself, having majored in electrical engineering in college.
The title “Hidden Figures” refers to both the mathematical figures the women worked on and their overlooked contributions.

Why Watch?

“Hidden Figures” is an inspiring and educational film that highlights the critical contributions of African-American women to the space race. It offers a powerful message about overcoming adversity and the importance of diversity in innovation.

Director’s Other Movies

St. Vincent (2014) – also known for writing and directing this film

Hidden Figures (2016)

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Struggles and Triumphs of Three African-American Women