Colman Domingo is finally getting the recognition he deserves, with all the hype and Oscar buzz surrounding his heartfelt performance as Bayard Rustin in the Netflix movie Rustin. He has been flying under the radar for way too long as an actor who has not gotten his due. But more than his performance and range as an actor, the fact that he is breaking barriers as the first Afro-Latino to snag a Best Lead Actor nod at the Oscars and only the second openly LGBTQ+ actor playing a queer character got everyone talking.

While Colman Domingo values his identity, he is clear about keeping it separate from his work. Recently, he shared his experiences of trying to break free from the community labels in the entertainment industry.

Colman Domingo on creating an identity in Hollywood

In Hollywood, there is a subtle trend of defining actors by their identity rather than their talent. Some also openly use this to their benefit. Domingo has deliberately avoided this throughout his career. He always prioritizes his skills over societal labels. “Why do I have to get all these monikers put on myself?” asked the actor in his February GQ interview. He also made a subtle comparison with fellow actors like Robert Downey Jr. “I’m just Colman Domingo, the actor,” said the Oscar nominee.

This does not mean that Domingo does not appreciate the need for representation. Rather, it is about how he had to push past the barriers others attempted to set for him and create the career he believed he deserved. This is a concern that the Euphoria actor does not just harbor for himself but also for another Oscar nominee this year who has been wrestling with the same challenges for years.

Jodie Foster, nominated in the Supporting Actress category for Nyad, got some backing from Colman Domingo, concerning Hollywood stereotypes.

Colam Domingo stood up for Jodie Foster 

In a discussion with the Variety Awards Circuit podcast on January 25, Colman Domingo voiced his hope that audiences would recognize the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating the movie he has been in, rather than just the representation of the minority aspect. The conversation also brought attention to Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Bonnie Stoll in Nyad. Coincidently, both films feature the two artists portraying openly queer characters.

Domingo, however, emphasized that beyond being groundbreaking for the LGBTQ community, their films also showcase exceptional work behind the scenes. “It is not like we just showed up,” the actor stated, referring to both his and Foster’s roles. While it may take the industry some time to adjust to this change, Colman Domingo’s steady climb to success is already making history and motivating others along the way.

What do you think about Colman Domingo’s take on representation in Hollywood? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!