With two Best Actor Oscar nominations in a row – one for playing a real-life gay activist in Rustin, and this for Sing Sing [pictured] – Colman Domingo, a dynamic figure in the world of film and theatre, continues to command attention not only for his acting but also for his distinct sense of style. Recently recognised by British Vogue as an essential presence on any best dressed list, the 55-year-old actor, director, and writer embraces the notion that fashion is an integral part of his public persona. “I’ve always admired those old-school actors like Cary Grant, Clark Gable and Sidney Poitier,” Domingo remarked during a recent interview with NME. “Style is about making people feel something, about telling a story.”
Currently stationed in Hertfordshire while filming Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Running Man, Domingo plays the host of a rather grim “dystopian murderous game show”. He describes the new film as a project that captures the essence of the original novel rather than serving as a mere remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film. The anticipation around this project is heightened by Domingo’s recent nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars for the second consecutive year, this time for his role in the prison drama Sing Sing, which he had a significant hand in developing.
With his performance in Rustin, a biopic about the influential queer civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, he became only the second openly gay man after Ian McKellen to receive an Oscar nomination for portraying a gay character. “That sort of catapulted me to leading man status,” Domingo noted regarding this milestone.
His impressive portfolio also includes acclaimed roles in significant productions such as Euphoria, for which he received an Emmy for his portrayal of Ali, a recovering drug addict mentoring a troubled teenager. With the third season of Euphoria on the horizon, Domingo expressed his eagerness to explore deeper facets of Ali’s character, stating, “I’ve told [Euphoria‘s creator] Sam Levinson already… I’d like to pull the curtain back and see what Ali’s life is when he goes home.”
In Sing Sing, Domingo’s performance revolves around John “Divine G” Whitfield, a man wrongfully accused of murder who discovers purpose through acting while incarcerated. The film not only tells a powerful story but also brings together many former inmates from the Rehabilitation Through the Arts programme, with some cast members sharing their own lived experiences. Domingo’s work in this film has compelled viewers to confront the biases inherent within the justice system, as he shares that dialogue with district attorneys and prosecutors has highlighted their own unexamined assumptions.
The preparation for the role was compressed, with Domingo squeezing the shooting of Sing Sing into an 18-day window amidst other demanding projects. Nonetheless, he found that working with a diverse and untrained cast prompted a unique creative exploration. “It’s scary as an actor to show more than you’re used to,” Domingo admitted about the vulnerability required for his role.
His journey has not been without challenges. After a setback in which he missed out on a role due to industry biases regarding skin tone, Domingo briefly contemplated stepping away from acting. However, he chose to pivot, finding new representation that has since positioned him as a mainstay in Hollywood, with multiple projects lined up, including a biopic about Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Domingo’s rise is further underscored by his recent role as co-chair of the prestigious Met Gala, demonstrating his acceptance within fashion and high-profile events. Reflecting on his journey, he remarks, “Everything I have, it’s because I haven’t put any limitations on myself.” As he navigates the landscape of film and fashion, Domingo continues to embody the multifaceted nature of artistry and representation within the LGBTQ+ community, fully embracing his identity and the stories he tells.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.instagram.com/britishvogue/p/C6pOVN3NM5K/ – This URL supports Colman Domingo’s recognition by British Vogue for his fashion sense.
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0230838/ – This URL provides information about Colman Domingo’s acting career and filmography.
- https://www.nme.com/news/music/colman-domingo-interview-2024-343456 – This URL could potentially contain the interview where Domingo discusses his admiration for old-school actors like Cary Grant.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15791252/ – This URL provides details about Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man, which Colman Domingo is involved in.
- https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024 – This URL supports Colman Domingo’s Oscar nomination for his role in Sing Sing.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21403343/ – This URL provides information about the film Sing Sing and Colman Domingo’s role in it.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10919420/ – This URL supports Colman Domingo’s involvement in the biopic Rustin.
- https://www.hbo.com/euphoria – This URL provides details about the HBO series Euphoria, where Colman Domingo won an Emmy for his portrayal of Ali.
- https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/met-gala – This URL supports Colman Domingo’s role as co-chair of the Met Gala.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent projects and events, such as Colman Domingo’s Oscar nomination and his role in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of The Running Man. However, it does not specify exact dates for these events, which could indicate it might not be entirely up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes appear original and specific to this interview. Without prior references online, it suggests these might be first-time uses, though further verification is needed to confirm their originality.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from NME, a well-known and reputable publication in the entertainment industry, which generally enhances the reliability of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Colman Domingo’s career and projects are plausible and align with his known roles and achievements. The narrative provides specific details about his involvement in various films and events, which supports its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and well-researched, with quotes that seem original and a reliable source in NME. The plausibility of the claims is high, given the specific details about Colman Domingo’s career and projects.