Oscars 2025: Rank of Colman Domingo Roles By Box Office Performance

The longtime actor just tied with Denzel Washington for an amazing feat thanks to his recent 2025 Oscar nomination.

Colman Domingo arrives for the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2025. Photo: Getty Images Etienne Laurent / AFP

On Thursday, the 2025 Oscar nominations were released and veteran actor Colman Domingo found himself among the few who will now be going for the coveted gold come March 2. But that’s not the only thing Domingo has to celebrate.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Social Media Split After Bishop T.D. Jakes Retires from The Potter’s House

Thanks to his Best Actor nomination for his role in the critically acclaimed film “Sing Sing,” Domingo made history as the first actor to get nominated back-to-back in the same category since Denzel Washington. In 2024, Domingo was also nominated in the Best Actor category for his role in the popular Netflix biopic, “Rustin.” As far as Washington is concerned, he was nominated for Best Actor for his roles in “Fences” and “Roman J. Israrel, Esq.” in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Having reached this feat, it made us want to take a look at some of Domingo’s best roles throughout his career as we wait with baited breath to see if he’ll take home the win some weeks from now. If he doesn’t he just might have a “three-peat” if he gets nominated in the next awards season cycle yet again when the highly-anticipated Michael Jackson biopic comes out on Oct. 3.

But until then, let’s get into Domingo’s goodness by the box office and critical acclaim.

“42,” 2013- $97,510,197 Worldwide

In “42,” Domingo stars in a small role opposite the late Chadwick Boseman and Nicole Beharie.

“Candyman,” 2021- $77,411,570 Worldwide

In “Candyman” Domingo stars as Cabrini-Green neighbor William “Billy” Burke, starring opposite Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris and Vanessa Williams/

“The Color Purple,” 2023- $68,919,191 Worldwide

In “The Color Purple” Domingo stars as “Mister,” starring opposite Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, Halle Bailey, and Danielle Brooks.

“Selma,” 2014- $67,782,762 Worldwide

In “Selma,” Domingo stars as civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy, starring opposite David Oyelwo, Oprah Winfrey and Wendell Pierce.

“If Beale Street Could Talk,” 2018- $20,596,567

In “If Beale Street Could Talk” Domingo stars as Joseph Rivers, father to Kiki Layne’s character Tish. In it, he stars opposite Layne, Stephan James, and Regina King.

“Birth of Nation,” 2016- $16,779,212

In “Birth of a Nation,” Domingo stars as Hark Turner—another enslaved man who shared his vision of freedom.

“Miracle at St. Anna,” 2008- $9,333,654

In “Miracle at St. Anna,” Domingo stars in a small role as as West Indian postal customer, starrng opposite Derek Luke, Michael Ealy and Laz Alonso.

“Zola,” 2020 – $4,998,097

In “Zola,” Domingo stars as pimp Abegunde “X” Olawale, starring opposite Taylour Paige and Riley Keough.

“Sing Sing,” 2024- $3,401,514 Worldwide

In “Sing Sing,” Domingo stars as “Divine G”—an inmate who’s been falsely imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility but finds purpose by connecting with his cellmates thanks to theater in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program.

“Rustin”- 2023

In “Rustin,” Domingo stars as famous gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin who played a pivotal role in organizing the March on Washington in 1963.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”- 2020

In “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Domingo stars as trombone player and band leader “Cutler,” opposite the late Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis.

“Euphoria”- 2019-Current

In “Euphoria,” Domingo stars as “Ali” sponsor to Zendaya’s character Rue.

“Fear of the Walking Dead”- 2015-2023

In “Fear of the Walking Dead,” Domingo stars as Victor Strand a once shady conman who eventually sees the errors in his ways (well, almost).

Honorable Mention: “King of the Bingo Game”

In “King of the Bingo Game,” Domingo stars as Sonny is a struggling Black man who frequents the bingo parlor in a desperate attempt to provide for his family in Depression era New York.

Honorable Mention: “The Madness”

In “The Madness,” Domingo stars as CNN reporter Muncie Daniels who must fight to prove his innocence after stumbling upon a murder of a white supremacist in the Poconos, all while trying to reconnect with his estranged family and his lost ideals.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black America Must Know The Terrifying Success of Project 2025

Black America Must Know The Terrifying Success of Project 2025

We’re taking a deep dive into Project 2025, and how President Trump is already reshaping Black America just over a year into his second term …
These Black Celebs Showed Up and Out at the 2026 Time Women of the Year Gala

These Black Celebs Showed Up and Out at the 2026 Time Women of the Year Gala

Teyana Taylor, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Queen Latifah were among the Black women who attended the 2026 Time Women of the Year gala …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …
Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland has entered the chat and is calling out Timothée Chalamet over his recent negative words about the art form …
Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris, Michael Montfort, TIMOTHY A. CLARY

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Winning an Oscar has the potential to make or break an actor’s career. Now, we’re looking deeper into their stories …
Professor On Jalen Rose Saying NBA Has a 'Residue or Slavery'

Professor On Jalen Rose Saying NBA Has a ‘Residue or Slavery’

The outrage over his slavery comment misses the deeper issue of who controls the wealth created by Black athletes …
Ex-NFL Star Asked ChatGPT for Advice After Allegedly Doing the Unthinkable to His Fiancée

Ex-NFL Star Asked ChatGPT for Advice After Allegedly Doing the Unthinkable to His Fiancée

Prosecutors say ex-NFL star Darron Lee used an unconventional method to try to cover up his fiancée’s “especially heinous” murder last month …
Why There's Drama Between Janet Jackson and the New Michael Jackson Movie

Why There’s Drama Between Janet Jackson and the New Michael Jackson Movie

As fans eagerly anticipate the new Michael Jackson biopic, there’s seemingly some trouble brewing between his family over the film. Here’s what we know …
The Target Boycott Is Over, but the Fight Isn't: Leaders Reveal Progress and Work Ahead

The Target Boycott Is Over, but the Fight Isn’t: Leaders Reveal Progress and Work Ahead

The Root spoke exclusively with Pastor Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory and Nina Turner about how the Black community held a major corporation accountable …
After 12-year-old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her family Is Searching for Answers

After 12-year-old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her family Is Searching for Answers

Jada West reportedly experienced bullying before a fight with another girl led to her untimely death …
Shonda Rhimes Just Revealed the Tragic Event That Inspired ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Shonda Rhimes Just Revealed the Tragic Event That Inspired ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ may be beloved and invoke positive feelings, but the show itself was inspired by an extremely tragic incident …
Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black folks woke up on the last day of Black History Month to military strikes in Iran. Now, they’re voicing frustrations as questions about ground troops arise …
Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Kerwin Pittman becomes the first formerly incarcerated Black man to buy a U.S. prison, transforming a site of confinement into a reentry campus …
Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani's Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Folks online who followed Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s marriage say its been rocky early on before Howard filed for divorce. Here’s the full rundown …
NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks’ ‘Magic City Monday’ Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ collab with the popular strip club after growing backlash …
Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

After gentrification pushed thousands of Black folks out of historic Atlanta neighborhoods, rapper Lil Baby returns to his stomping grounds with a new business plan …
Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Two Michigan Smoothie King workers were canned after refusing service to pro-Trump customers, meanwhile, Black folks are calling out a double standard …
Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Since 2020, athletes at Howard University have kneeled to protest the national anthem. Now, a new policy banning kneeling is causing trouble …