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
Will Ryan Gosling Play Black Panther? Answered

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

A List of Trump's Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

A List of Trump’s Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

Trump relied on far-right podcasters and close Republican politicians to win his second term, but now allies are forming against him …
13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

From the front lines of justice to the heart of the working class, these 13 Democratic leaders are offering a blueprint to take the country back …
Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

On the surface, redrawing the maps– although unprecedented– seems like a purely political scheme. In truth, however, redrawing urban district lines has already led to consequences for Black folks …
Floetry's Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Floetry’s Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Fans of Floetry got more than they paid for when the concert turned into an unexpected yet moving moment between the two lead singers! …
Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to transform the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh into the epicenter of the football world as the city hosts the event for the first time since 1948. Scheduled for April 23–25 at the iconic Acrisure Stadium and the scenic Point State Park, this year’s event …
Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue's 'Cloud Bob' Controversy

Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue’s ‘Cloud Bob’ Controversy

After a Vogue photo that described the Afro as a “cloud bob” sparked outrage online, the subject of the now-viral pic has entered the chat …
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for D4vd Following Discovery of Teen's Remains in Tesla

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for D4vd Following Discovery of Teen’s Remains in Tesla

Here’s more chilling details in the growing case against D4vd after being charged with the first degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas …
Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

This National Infertility Awareness Week, The Root spoke with an expert who broke down early red flags, barriers to treatment and affordable options that can make a difference …
The Today Show's Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

The Today Show’s Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

TODAY Show cohost Sheinelle Jones is keeping it transparent when it comes to how she’s dealing with her first birthday since the death of her husband in May 2025 …
"I'm Sorry": Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

“I’m Sorry”: Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

After years of supporting and campaigning for President Trump, it seems commentator Tucker Carlson has some serious regrets …
6 Things You Won't See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

6 Things You Won’t See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives on April 24—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut! …
It's Time To Get Excited About Michael.

It’s Time To Get Excited About Michael.

We don’t get many films like this. That alone is reason to pay attention. And an even bigger reason to show up …
KevOnStage Says He Won't Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

KevOnStage Says He Won’t Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

Comedian KevOnStage recently opened up about his faith and how it intersects with the LGBTQ+ community. But some Christians aren’t feeling his words! …
Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

From managing chronic pain to navigating menopause, women are turning to cannabis at record rates. But as acceptance grows, so does the need for caution …
In This 'Red Pill Era,' One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In This ‘Red Pill Era,’ One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In an era where many young men are influenced by the red pill content they see online, one Black man is stepping up for his community and teaching Black boys how to be men …
Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy's New Bodyguard

Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy’s New Bodyguard

A viral clip of Blue Ivy’s security detail has sparked comparisons to Beyoncé’s longtime bodyguard “Julius,” igniting a new wave of buzz across social media …
Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She's Really Alive

Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She’s Really Alive

A Rochester, New York, family is now suing after they say police told them their missing daughter died, when she was really alive in another state …
Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Federal authorities allege that Luther Davis and CJ Evins committed wire fraud that targeted several NFL players …
'The Blind Side' Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

Quinton Aaron’s road to recovery has been overshadowed by the drama surrounding his ‘wife.’ And now, he’s speaking up about it for the first time …
Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His 'First Look' Reaction

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

Olympian Junelle Lyles is standing up for her new husband after a viral video seemingly painted him in a negative light. But folks online aren’t open to hearing it! …