Colman Domingo is making headlines as the first performer to receive back-to-back Best Actor Oscar nominations since Denzel Washington earned this honor for his roles in Fences and Roman J. Israel Esq. in 2017 and 2018. With Domingo nominated last year for Rustin and this year for Sing Sing, he reflects on the valuable words of wisdom that Washington, now 70, shared with him over five years ago. This insight comes as Domingo stands at the forefront of another competitive awards season.
In a recent appearance in PEOPLE’s 2025 Oscar Portfolio, which hits newsstands on Friday, Domingo recalls a conversation he had with the legendary actor while filming Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a project produced by Washington. “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 remembers. This statement has resonated deeply with him as he navigates the pressures of being nominated.
Domingo acknowledges the power of Washington’s message, emphasizing that while awards are fulfilling, the essence lies within the reward of doing meaningful work. “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,” he adds. He articulates that Washington understood the path he was about to tread and wanted to remind him of the significance of passion and purpose behind the art.
Speaking further about this advice, Domingo reflects, “I love the idea of being feted and winning these awards, and being acknowledged is so fantastic and wonderful, because it gives you more fuel to keep doing what you’re doing. But it is about the reward.” Through his experiences, he continually seeks out new projects during the award season to keep his focus on creativity. “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,” he asserts.
Domingo’s nomination for Sing Sing holds special significance as he plays an incarcerated man who initiates an arts therapy program. He describes this role as “really meaningful” because of the hopeful narrative the film presents. “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. Coupled with his previous nomination for Rustin, which revolved around themes of civil rights and hope, this alignment speaks directly to his core beliefs.
The 2025 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. As excitement builds, Domingo reflects on the journey, inspired by Denzel Washington’s eye-opening advice regarding the true essence of awards versus rewards, and the importance of actively creating change through meaningful artistic endeavors.
