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
Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

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

13 Black Female Artists Who Taught Women To Own Their Sexual Desires

13 Black Female Artists Who Taught Women To Own Their Sexual Desires

From Adina Howard’s “Freak Like Me” to Toni Braxton’s “You’re Making Me High” these women used bold lyrics, pleasure-centered storytelling, to reshape the way women claimed their power …
Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell: The Ivy League Scholar Who Deserved Better than Motown’s Saddest Ending

Tammi Terrell deserved so much more than the tragic life she lived, marked by abuse from James Brown and a fatal illness that ultimately took her. This Women’s History Month, and on the 56th anniversary of her passing, we share her heartbreaking story …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …