Colman Domingo Appointed to The Gotham Film & Media Institute Board of Directors

Colman Domingo is Gotham bound…

The 54-year-old Belizean-Guatemalan American actor, who recently earned his first-ever Oscar nod, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Gotham Film & Media Institute.

Colman DomingoAs the newest member, he’ll work with The Gotham on their mission to celebrate and nurture independent film and media creators by providing career-building resources, access to industry influencers, and pathways to wider recognition.

Domingo joins a board that includes Focus Features Vice Chairman Jason Cassidy and multi-hyphenate Riley Keough, whose additions were announced in November.

Other members include Nancy Abraham, Anthony Bregman, Jeb Brody, Gerry Byrne, Alina Cho, Dan Crown, Mark D’Arcy (Director Emeritus), Amy Emmerich, Philipp Engelhorn, Kai Falkenberg, James Janowitz, Franklin Leonard, Stephanie March, Soledad O’Brien, Dee Poku, Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar, John Schmidt, Lisa Taback, Teddy Schwarzman, Drew Wilson, and Celia Winchester.

“As long-time admirers of Colman’s brilliant acting and dedication to giving back to our community through mentorship and education, we are thrilled to welcome him to The Gotham’s extraordinary Board of Directors,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham. “We know that his experience, vision, and undeniable dedication to the craft of filmmaking will help us nurture independent creators and propel the industry to new heights.”

Stated Domingo: “With its rich history of elevating original voices and supporting independent film, I couldn’t be more excited to dive into my work with The Gotham. I look forward to working alongside some of the most influential and passionate people in film as we champion independent creatives and the stories they strive to share with the world.”

In George C. Wolfe’s Rustin, from Netflix and the Obamas’ Higher Ground, Domingo portrays Bayard Rustin, the activist who helped change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington, confronting racism and homophobia all along the way. This awards season, he also can be seen portraying the menacing Mister in Blitz Bazawule’s new take on The Color Purple for Warner Bros & Amblin.

One of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Domingo is best known for his Emmy-winning performance as recovering drug addict Ali on HBO’s Euphoria, as well as for starring on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead. In addition to Ethan Coen’s comedic caper Drive-Away Dolls, out February 23 via Focus Features, he’ll next be seen in A24’s drama Sing Sing and Netflix limited series The Madness.

Also active as a director and producer, Domingo was in Sundance this past week in support of It’s What’s Inside, the Greg Jardin horror film snapped up by Netflix in a massive $17M deal, on which he’s an EP.

Colman Domingo to Star as Gay Rights Activist Bayard Rustin in “Rustin”

Colman Domingo is bringing the story of a gay rights activist to life.

The 51-year-old Guatemalan American actor will star as activist Bayard Rustin in Rustinthe first film production from Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground, which has a deal at Netflix.

Colman Domingo

Along with Domingo, the film will also star Chris Rock, Glynn Turman and Audra McDonald.

Turman previously starred alongside Domingo in the Oscar-nominated  film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

The George C. Wolfe directed film, which he co-wrote with Milk‘s Dustin Lance Black, tells the story of how Rustin overcame an onslaught of obstacles, and altered the course of American history by organizing the 1963 March on Washington.

Domingo’s previous credits include appearances on HBO’s Euphoria, and the films Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk and Zola.

José Andrés Takes Part in Prince Harry & Meghan’s Spotify Holiday Special

José Andrés has joined the royal court…

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, are kicking off their multi-year audio partnership with Spotify with a holiday special featuring a royal court’s worth of A-list guests, including the 51-year-old Spanish chef.

The stand-alone special promises “a collection of personal anecdotes and inspirational stories from a variety guests around the world … plus a surprise or two,” according to a press release.

In addition to José Andrés, billed guests include Stacey Abrams, Christina Adane, Brené Brown, Rachel Cargle, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Matt Haig, Sir Elton John, Hussain Manawer, Naomi Osaka, Tyler Perry, and George the Poet.

Following the pattern set by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, the royal couple’s exclusive podcast partnership with Spotify, which starts in 2021, became known earlier this month. It followed the announcement of a Netflix deal earlier in the year. Archewell Audio is their production banner and teamed with Spotify-owned Gimlet Media to produce the special.

“We thought, what if we can bring together some people that inspire us – people that we admire…  and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020,” the Duchess says in setting up the special.

Bidding good riddance to 2020, Prince Harry adds, “As we all know, it’s been a YEAR. And we really want to honor the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it.”

The Duke and Duchess also single out a song that they say offers inspiration for listeners heading into 2021. “’This Little Light of Mine’ played at the very end of our wedding… while we were walking down the steps of the church,” Markle says. “It was the music that we wanted playing when we started our lives together. Because as we all know, ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that…’” Replies Prince Harry, “The message of this song is one we hold so dearly. It’s about using the power we each have within us to make this world a better place.”