Colman Domingo has made history, becoming the first performer to earn back-to-back Best Actor Oscar nominations since Denzel Washington achieved similar acclaim in 2017 and 2018. With nominations for Rustin last year and Sing Sing this year, Domingo finds himself amid an exhilarating awards season, prompting reflection on the profound advice he received from Washington over five years ago.
In an exclusive interview featured in PEOPLE’s 2025 Oscar Portfolio, Domingo, at 55, reminisces about a conversation he had with the legendary two-time Oscar winner, Denzel Washington, while filming the 2020 movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which Washington produced. “He said, ‘You know, Colman. A lot of times, for a long time, you think it’s about the awards. Then you start winning all the awards. And you’ll realize at some point it’s not about the awards, it’s about the reward,’” Domingo reflects. This insight resonates deeply with him as he navigates the competitive landscape of awards.
Domingo elaborates on Washington’s wisdom, noting, “The acknowledgement, the awards are great stuff, but it’s the reward of doing good work and making good work happen, and figuring that out for yourself.” This perspective has been pivotal for Domingo throughout his career, especially in the current climate of accolades.
He continues, expressing gratitude for the ongoing projects he is involved in during award season, stating, “That’s why I always love that I have some work in between during this award season, because it helps remind me what it’s really about. It’s about creating more work and creating more work for others and a new platform, so that’s where you find the joy, and it’s the truth.” This sentiment reflects a humble yet passionate approach to his craft, making Washington’s advice even more significant.
Denzel Washington, a ten-time Oscar nominee, has two wins under his belt—Best Supporting Actor in 1990 for Glory and Best Actor in 2002 for Training Day. He was most recently nominated for Best Actor in 2022 for The Tragedy of Macbeth. Domingo’s current nomination for Sing Sing holds a special significance as he portrays an incarcerated man who initiates an arts therapy program while serving a sentence. He describes this role as “really meaningful” because of the film’s narrative, which emphasizes hope and the transformative power of art.
“It’s really about the hope and the possibility of what happens when you pour art and hope and faith into a human being,” Domingo shares. This message resonates particularly well for him, especially following his nomination for Rustin, which focused on civil rights and the importance of hope and courage. “I feel like it’s a beautiful alignment with what I care about,” he adds, underlining his dedication to impactful storytelling.
The excitement in the air is palpable as the industry gears up for the 2025 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, scheduled to air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. Domingo’s journey not only showcases his talent and determination but also highlights the importance of meaningful mentorship, exemplified by Denzel Washington’s game-changing advice. As Domingo continues to shine on the big screen, his focus remains on the essence of artistry—creating impactful work that uplifts and inspires.
