Colman Domingo, the Emmy-winning actor known for his outstanding work in HBO‘s “Euphoria,” is making waves in the world of cinema with his breathtaking performance as the gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in Netflix‘s latest biopic, “Rustin.” Directed by George C. Wolfe, the film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, where even former President Barack Obama couldn’t help but acknowledge its significance.
As Obama noted during the festival, “This past week marked the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, and that March would not have happened without Bayard Rustin.” He added, “This film is a way to share more of his story with the world.” Domingo’s portrayal of Rustin is nothing short of remarkable, as he breathes life into the iconic figure with an authenticity that is truly captivating.
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Written by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black, “Rustin” delves into the inspiring true story of Bayard Rustin during the civil rights movement. It focuses on Rustin’s instrumental role in organizing the historic 1963 March on Washington, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Domingo’s performance in “Rustin” is nothing less than extraordinary, positioning him as a frontrunner in the Best Actor Oscar race. There are moments in cinema history where an actor so completely immerses themselves in a role that every scene feels like a potential Oscar clip. Think Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” or Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood” and “Lincoln.” Domingo’s portrayal of Rustin is equally transformative, with the actor embracing the character’s physical and emotional nuances, including sporting a missing tooth from a racially charged altercation. His charisma, passion, and profound emotional depth make every moment on screen feel like a genuine encounter with the historical figure.
However, while Domingo’s performance is undeniably Oscar-worthy, there’s always a challenge when it comes to getting industry voters to watch films that tackle civil rights and Black heroes, despite the praise such films receive. Films like “Till” and “The Woman King” were overlooked in the past, highlighting the uphill battle that “Rustin” might face in the Oscar race.
What sets “Rustin” apart is its focus on the heroes of the civil rights movement beyond Rustin himself. The film pays tribute to the many individuals who played vital roles, from Martin Luther King Jr. (played by Aml Ameen) to the unsung heroes like the trash collectors. It also doesn’t shy away from Rustin’s sexuality, exploring his relationships with a preacher and a close confidante, which is a refreshing inclusion in the narrative of Black culture.
George C. Wolfe‘s direction in “Rustin” demonstrates a keen understanding of storytelling and human emotion, making this one of the standout films of his career. However, it’s no secret that films addressing civil rights issues often face challenges in the Oscar race, despite their quality and impact.
To secure a Best Picture nomination, “Rustin” could follow two pathways: through the Actors or technical branches. Domingo’s nomination as Best Actor could pave the way for the film to land a Best Picture nod, given that the Actors Branch is the largest in the Academy. The more Branch members who vote for Domingo, the higher the likelihood that “Rustin” will be among their top 10 favorite movies of the year.
In the technical categories, “Rustin” has potential, with Lenny Kravitz contributing an uplifting original song, “Road to Freedom.” Categories such as production design, costumes, and makeup and hairstyling also hold promise. While “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” received five nominations but missed out on a Best Picture nod, the expanded nominee pool in recent years offers hope for films like “Rustin.”
Additionally, “Rustin” could be a strong contender for the SAG Awards’ Best Cast Ensemble category, featuring outstanding performances from actors like Glynn Turman, Audra McDonald, Gus Halper, Johnny Ramey, and CCH Pounder. However, their limited screen time may impact their chances in the supporting categories.
As we eagerly await the release of “Rustin” on Netflix, let’s hope that Colman Domingo’s exceptional performance as Bayard Rustin receives the recognition it deserves. In doing so, it could mark a historic moment of representation in the Academy, with Domingo potentially becoming the first Afro-Latino nominated for Best Actor. Regardless of the outcome, “Rustin” promises to be a cinematic gem that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.