Rustin: Colman Domingo's Oscar-Worthy Performance in the Obama-Backed Film Gains Attention

Netflix recently released a film called Rustin, which sheds light on the life of Bayard Rustin, a lesser-known figure in history whose contributions have often been overlooked. Rustin was a key figure in the civil rights movement and organized the historic March on Washington in 1963, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Despite his significant role, Rustin has been marginalized in history, largely because he was openly gay, which was controversial at the time. The film, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, aims to bring Rustin's story to a global audience. The actor Colman Domingo, who portrays Rustin in the film, is receiving critical acclaim for his performance and is expected to be a contender for a best actor nomination at the Oscars. Domingo, who is also promoting another film, The Color Purple, expresses his excitement at being able to amplify Rustin's story and raise awareness of his importance in history. Despite reservations about the film itself, critics agree that Domingo's performance is outstanding. Directed by George C. Wolfe, Rustin also stars Chris Rock, CCH Pounder, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Jeffrey Wright. The Obamas' production company, Higher Ground, was instrumental in bringing the film to fruition. Bayard Rustin passed away in 1987, but his legacy was posthumously recognized by President Obama when he awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Domingo studied Rustin's essays and watched documentary footage to prepare for his role, aiming to capture the essence of Rustin rather than simply mimic him. Domingo praises the personal involvement of the Obamas in the film, emphasizing their dedication to the project and how they rallied the cast and crew during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Despite being considered a strong contender for a best actor nomination at the Oscars, Domingo humbly acknowledges that the recognition would be a win for the entire team and a means to amplify Rustin's story. Rustin is currently available for streaming on Netflix.