Colman Domingo, the acclaimed American actor known for his Emmy-winning performance in HBO’s Euphoria, is about to have a significant awards season. Despite his standout work on stage and screen for decades, it wasn’t until George C. Wolfe’s Rustin that Domingo had the chance to play the lead role in a major motion picture. With the film premiering at the Telluride Film Festival and garnering praise, Domingo is now on track for a potential Best Actor Oscar nomination.
In Rustin, which is set to be released by Netflix in November, Domingo portrays Bayard Rustin, a charismatic and openly gay Black man who was a crucial figure behind the scenes of the U.S. civil rights movement. Rustin’s dedication to non-violent demonstration aligned with his close friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (played by Aml Ameen). However, his outspokenness caused friction with NAACP chief Roy Wilkins (Chris Rock) and Senator Adam Clayton Powell (Jeffrey Wright), resulting in his temporary exclusion from the movement.
Rustin’s return to the civil rights movement and his greatest legacy came through his vision and execution of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. This historic event, attended by 250,000 people and highlighted by Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, sparked significant civil rights legislation in the months that followed.
While many viewers may already be familiar with Rustin’s story and his impact on the civil rights movement, the film Rustin aims to remind audiences of the challenges and profound influence of grassroots activism. Films like Selma, Bobby, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 have previously depicted similar themes. However, through Domingo’s exceptional portrayal, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for what made Rustin a figure that many believed in and rallied behind.
There is a poignant element to witnessing someone finally receive recognition, even if they are no longer alive to experience it. Rustin passed away in 1987, but his significant contributions were acknowledged posthumously in 2013 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama, himself a one-time community organizer. Obama and Michelle Obama, through their production company Higher Ground, also served as executive producers on Rustin, further honoring Rustin’s legacy. This film not only celebrates Rustin’s story but also gives the entertainment industry a reason to celebrate Colman Domingo’s outstanding performance.
With its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and subsequent positive reception, Rustin is poised to make a mark during the upcoming awards season. Colman Domingo’s portrayal of Bayard Rustin showcases the actor’s undeniable talent and sets him on a path towards a potential Best Actor Oscar nomination. As audiences watch Rustin, they will be reminded of the enduring significance of grassroots activism and the inspiring individuals, like Bayard Rustin, who dedicated their lives to fighting for justice and equality.
