Colman Domingo, a two-time Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee as well as an Emmy winner, stands on the brink of greater recognition in 2024. With a prolific 30-year career behind him, Domingo’s rising fame is poised to accelerate thanks to a slate of high-profile projects releasing this year that showcase his versatile talent.
Colman Domingo’s Breakthrough Year with Multiple High-Profile Releases
Domingo’s consecutive Oscar nominations for the civil rights film Rustin and the prison drama Sing Sing mark him as a distinctive presence in Hollywood. This year, his visibility is set to expand further with several major projects. April will see him appear alongside Zendaya in the newest season of the acclaimed teen series Euphoria. That same month, he takes on the role of Joe Jackson, patriarch to the King of Pop, in the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
Beyond these, Domingo will be featured in Steven Spielberg’s science fiction venture Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt, which is expected to attract significant attention as a blockbuster hit. Additionally, he appears in Strange Arrivals with Demi Moore, a film centered on a couple’s abduction by extraterrestrials. Further expanding his filmography, Domingo is involved in pre-production for a Nat King Cole biopic and working on a drama titled True-ish.
Overcoming Early Challenges in Hollywood to Build a Diverse Career
Despite his current momentum, Domingo’s path has not been without struggle. Just over a decade ago, he considered leaving acting after being rejected for a role on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire because casting decisions deemed his skin tone too dark. Despite accolades and a Tony nomination for his Broadway work, he felt his screen career had stalled.
Taking control of his trajectory, Domingo secured new management and gradually amassed roles in critically acclaimed films. His film credits include the Oscar-winning Selma (2015), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020), also an Oscar winner, the horror reboot Candyman (2021), and even voice acting in the blockbuster Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. His eclectic career showcases his adaptability and determination.
Style and Artistic Influences Behind Domingo’s Public Persona
Domingo’s influence extends beyond acting, as he is celebrated for his distinctive fashion sense. Vogue has named him one of the best-dressed celebrities, a reputation Domingo credits to inspiration from classic film stars. He told NME,
“I’ve always admired those old-school actors like Cary Grant, Clark Gable and Sidney Poitier. Style is about making people feel something, about telling a story.” – Colman Domingo, Actor
This admiration connects him to legendary figures known not just for their craft but also for their sartorial elegance. Sidney Poitier, notably the first Black actor to win a Best Actor Oscar in 1964, was also distinguished for his refined image, as were Cary Grant and Clark Gable, icons of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood style.
Expanding His Creative Horizons with Netflix and Direction
Alongside his acting accomplishments, Domingo is deepening his involvement in storytelling through directing. Netflix recently announced the premiere of season two of The Four Seasons, a comedy-drama series starring Domingo with Tina Fey and Steve Carell. The show, inspired by the 1981 film written and directed by Alan Alda, follows the humorous escapades of baby boomers taking four holidays in one year. The new season is scheduled to debut on May 28th.
Domingo has also directed an episode in this upcoming season. Speaking to Esquire about his multifaceted career, he said,
”I’ve never been a person who could just do one thing. My whole career has been that way, and I find that I’m a stronger actor because I direct, a stronger director because I act, a stronger writer because of all of it.” – Colman Domingo, Actor and Director
The Growing Impact and What Lies Ahead for Colman Domingo
With an impressive array of projects spanning genres from biopics to sci-fi thrillers and dramatic series, Colman Domingo’s rising fame signals a turning point in his career. His persistence through earlier setbacks, combined with his artistic versatility, positions him as a growing force in entertainment. As audiences experience his work this year, Domingo is set to become a familiar and influential presence in mainstream culture.
